SEC Appoints Keith E. Cassidy as Director of Division of Examinations

USA: SEC Appoints Keith E. Cassidy as Director of Division of Examinations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced Tuesday that Keith E. Cassidy has been named director of its Division of Examinations, effective immediately. The appointment follows his tenure as acting director since May 2024 and reflects the agency’s ongoing focus on technology‑driven oversight.

Professional Background

Cassidy’s background includes service as the division’s deputy director, acting co‑director, and national associate director of the Technology Controls Program. He initially joined the examinations division in 2017 to lead technology‑focused examinations and to manage the SEC’s CyberWatch Program and Cybersecurity Program Office.

Recent Initiatives

During his acting directorship, Cassidy introduced an examination projection model intended to improve risk‑based resource allocation and implemented a metric‑based operational effectiveness framework, initiatives that the commission says enhance its ability to prevent fraud and monitor market risk.

Earlier Government Service

Prior to his SEC career, Cassidy served as director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, held the position of chief of staff and counsel in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legislative Affairs, and worked as an attorney for the United States Senate.

SEC Leadership Commentary

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins praised Cassidy’s “steady leadership and commitment to risk‑based, technology‑informed oversight,” noting that his experience modernizing examination practices positions the division to better serve investors.

Director’s Vision

In his own remarks, Cassidy said his priorities include refining processes that strengthen intra‑commission coordination and ensuring alignment across the national examinations program, emphasizing the agency’s role in protecting investors and maintaining strong U.S. markets.

Interagency Roles

Cassidy also represents the commission on several interagency groups, including the Financial Banking Information Infrastructure Committee, the Cyber Incident Response Council, and the G7 Cyber Experts Group, and serves as the federal senior intelligence coordinator.

Personal Qualifications

Outside of his SEC duties, Cassidy is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, commanding the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, and holds a J.D. from George Washington University Law School, an LL.M. in securities and financial regulation from Georgetown Law, a B.A. in history from the University of Virginia, and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional credential.

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