SEC Announces Departure of Deputy Director of Enforcement Antonia M. Apps

USA: SEC Deputy Director of Enforcement Antonia M. Apps to Depart

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said that Antonia M. Apps will leave her position as Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement (Northeast) effective Dec. 1, 2025. The announcement was released on the agency’s newsroom portal and outlines her service timeline and future plans.

Leadership Transition and Acknowledgments

SEC Division of Enforcement Director Margaret A. Ryan praised Apps for her “steadfast leadership” and “strategic counsel and analysis,” noting her willingness to address complex issues and her dedication to staff. Ryan expressed confidence that the division will continue to meet market challenges and wished Apps success in her next endeavor.

Apps’ Tenure Highlights in the New York Office

During her two‑year stint as Regional Director of the New York Regional Office, Apps oversaw a team of more than 600 attorneys, accountants, investigators, and securities compliance examiners. Under her guidance, the office filed the highest number of stand‑alone enforcement actions and completed more examinations than any other regional office, while also expanding staff and investor‑education outreach.

National Role and Recent Appointment

In January 2025, Apps was elevated to Acting Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement and subsequently confirmed as Deputy Director for the Northeast region, helping steer national enforcement strategy. She highlighted collaboration across the agency and with external government partners as central to advancing the SEC’s mission.

Professional Background Prior to SEC

Before joining the Commission, Apps practiced as a litigation partner at Milbank LLP, handling high‑stakes criminal, regulatory, and civil matters. Earlier, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, prosecuting securities fraud and other white‑collar crimes, and taught white‑collar criminal law at Harvard Law School. Her career also includes partnership at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick PLLC and clerkship for Judge Fred I. Parker.

Future Outlook for the Enforcement Division

The SEC indicated that a successor will be appointed to maintain continuity in enforcement activities. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting investors, promoting market fairness, and adapting to evolving market challenges.

This report is based on information from SEC, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.