The Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday that Judge Margaret Ryan has resigned from her role as director of the Division of Enforcement.
Principal Deputy Director Sam Waldon has been named acting director, effective Monday.
Ryan became the SEC's enforcement chief on Sept. 2, 2025. The commission is expected to announce a permanent successor for Ryan in the coming weeks.
"Our goal has been to the lead the Division of Enforcement back to Congress' original intent: enforcing the federal securities laws, particularly as they relate to fraud and manipulation," said SEC Chairman Paul Atkins in a statement. "I am pleased to report significant progress toward this objective."
Atkins continued, "Judge Ryan has served with honor and distinction since joining the Commission last year, hallmarks that have served her incredibly well throughout her distinguished career and will continue to do so. Under her leadership, the division reprioritized enforcing the nation's securities laws, with a focus on pursuing fraud. I thank Meg for her many contributions and wish her very well."
Ryan added in the statement: "I extend my thanks to Chairman Atkins, the Commission, and the staff of the Enforcement Division for the opportunity to continue my public service in a different role. As I recently said, I did not seek the role of Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement. Rather, this role found me. And for that, I am grateful. I am confident that the foundation I helped to shape — working together with Chairman Atkins — will continue to serve investors and the markets well."
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