The Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday announced the appointment of Kristina Littman as chief of the Division of Enforcement’s Cyber Unit.

Littman succeeds Robert Cohen, who left the Commission in August and has since joined Davis Polk as a partner in the law firm’s Litigation Department.

Littman joined the SEC’s Division of Enforcement in 2010 as a staff attorney in the Philadelphia office. Since then, she has held senior attorney positions in the Market Abuse Unit and the Trial Unit. Since August 2017, Littman has served as senior advisor to SEC Chairman Jay Clayton.

“Kristy’s innovative thinking and extensive experience within the Commission have made her an invaluable advisor and, most importantly, a tireless defender of America’s investors,” said Clayton in a news release. “She will be an excellent leader for the Cyber Unit as it continues its work in this critical and continually evolving area.”

The SEC’s Cyber Unit was founded in 2017 to focus on targeting cyber-related misconduct, such as market manipulation schemes, hacking, dark Web misconduct, and violations involving initial coin offerings. Littman will become the second head of the Cyber Unit, as Cohen had held the position from its inception.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Cyber Unit,” Littman said in a release. “I am thrilled to work with the talented women and men who have led the SEC’s efforts to pursue cyber-related misconduct.”

Kyle Brasseur is the digital editor for Compliance Week, contributing to the editorial team while also handling social media and web-related content. His background includes expertise in user personalization in addition to senior editing experience.

Topics