David Woodcock Named SEC Enforcement Chief as Agency Shifts Away From Gensler-Era Crypto Crackdown

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appointed David Woodcock as Director of the Division of Enforcement on Wednesday, with the role taking effect May 4.

Key Takeaways:

Woodcock joins from Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher LLP, where he serves as a partner in the Dallas and Washington, D.C. offices and chairs the firm’s Securities Enforcement Practice Group. He returns to the Commission after previously serving as Director of the SEC’s Fort Worth Regional Office from 2011 to 2015.

Sam Waldon, who has been serving as acting director, will remain in the role until Woodcock assumes the position next month.

“I am incredibly pleased to have David rejoin the SEC at this critical time, as we continue to focus on the types of misconduct that inflict the greatest harm to investors,” Atkins stated.

Woodcock holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Louisiana State University and a JD from the University of Texas School of Law.

His appointment follows the brief tenure of former Acting Director Margaret A. Ryan, who reportedly departed in March 2026 after roughly six to seven months in the role amid disagreements over enforcement priorities.

“My commitment is to lead the division with the highest level of professionalism and rigor as we execute the Chairman’s vision and ensure the integrity of our financial markets,” Woodcock said.

Woodcock takes command of a team of more than 1,000 enforcement investigators, trial attorneys, accountants, and other professionals. The Division’s near-term direction will become clearer as the Atkins-led Commission continues outlining its approach to fraud, disclosure, and digital asset regulation.