The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) named Richard Best permanent director of the agency’s Division of Examinations, removing “acting” from the job title he has held since March.

“I’ve valued Rich’s judgment and counsel since I joined the SEC, and I’m thrilled he’s agreed to lead the Division of Examinations,” SEC Chair Gary Gensler said Tuesday in a press release. “Our examinations program—acting as eyes and ears on the ground for the Commission—is critical for our capital markets to function well and keep the public’s trust.”

Best was appointed acting director of the division in March, following the departure of then-acting director Daniel Kahl. Kahl has since joined law firm Kirkland & Ellis as a regulatory partner, according to his LinkedIn profile.

In addition to most recently serving as director of the SEC’s New York office, Best has spent stints leading the agency’s Atlanta and Salt Lake City offices since 2015. Best worked at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and as a prosecutor in the Office of the Bronx County District Attorney.

Aaron Nicodemus covers regulatory policy and compliance trends for Compliance Week. He previously worked as a reporter for Bloomberg Law and as business editor at the Telegram & Gazette in Worcester, Mass.View full Profile

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