There’s a new sheriff in town — and his name is Geoffrey Aronow.
Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Elisse Walter appointed Aronow as the agency’s top cop today and will begin serving later this month.
Aronow comes to the SEC from the law firm of Bingham McCutchen LLP, where he is a partner in its Washington D.C. office.
As the SEC’s chief legal officer, Aronow will lead the Office of the General Counsel in advising the Commission on issues ranging from enforcement actions, rulemakings, and legal proceedings in federal courts throughout the country. He replaces Mark Cahn, who left the agency last week.
“Geoff brings the ideal combination of practical knowledge, expertise, and common sense that is so critical to addressing the often nuanced and difficult issues that come before the Commission,” said Chairman Walter. “Geoff is a faithful steward of the securities laws with a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement who shares our commitment to excellence and passion for investor protection.”
Aronow is no stranger to government and regulatory service. He was the Director of the Division of Enforcement at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for nearly four years from September 1995 to June 1999.
He worked at Bingham McCutchen since August 2008 and has advised clients on matters before the SEC, CFTC, and other federal agencies as well as in litigation in federal courts and on legislative initiatives before Congress. His other legal experience includes two stints as a partner at Arnold & Porter LLP as well as working at Heller Ehrman LLP.
Aronow is a former member of the National Adjudicatory Council, NASD Regulation. He also served on the board of directors for the National Capital Area Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Since 2010, Mr. Aronow has served as an adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School, where he co-teaches a seminar on futures and derivatives law. He previously served as an adjunct professor for two years at Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.
