The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) has announced a series of leadership changes, coinciding with the transition to President Donald J. Trump’s administration. These include the departures of senior officials and the appointment of an Acting Chairman, ensuring the agency adapts to the administration’s goals.
On January 17, 2025, Amanda Fischer announced her departure as Chief of Staff, a role she had held since January 2023. Fischer initially joined the US SEC in June 2021 as Senior Counselor to former Chair Gary Gensler. Her tenure was marked by key contributions to equity and Treasury market reforms, as well as the agency’s collaboration with the Financial Stability Oversight Council. Fischer also emphasized transparency, integrity, and safeguarding working families’ savings.
Former Chair Gary Gensler praised Fischer for her strategic leadership and her role in guiding consequential reforms, stating: “Fischer’s career prior to the US SEC included roles as Policy Director at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and over a decade in financial policymaking on Capitol Hill, including as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Katie Porter.”
Uyeda’s extensive career includes roles as Senior Advisor to multiple commissioners and detail assignments at the U.S. Treasury Department, the Department of Labor, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Before joining the SEC, he served as Chief Advisor to California’s securities regulator under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University and a J.D. with honors from Duke University, where he contributed to the Duke Law Journal. Uyeda’s appointment reflects his deep regulatory expertise and his ability to navigate the complexities of federal financial oversight.
On 17 January 2025, Corey Klemmer announced her resignation as Policy Director, a position she had held since May 2024. Klemmer joined the US SEC in 2021 as Corporation Finance Counsel to Chair Gensler and later led the development of the most comprehensive equity market reform in nearly two decades. Her work also focused on insider trading rules, corporate governance reforms, and improving investor protection.
Klemmer’s qualifications include a cum laude B.A. from Amherst College in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought, and a J.D. from Tulane University Law School. She is a CFA charter holder and a member of the New York Bar. Before joining the US SEC, she served as Director of Engagement at Domini Impact Investments and as an analyst at the AFL-CIO Office of Investment.
Sanjay Wadhwa joined the US SEC in 2003 as a staff attorney and steadily rose through the ranks over the years. His most recent role as Acting Director of the Division of Enforcement, which he assumed in October 2024, followed his tenure as Deputy Director of Enforcement beginning in August 2021.
During his time as Acting Director and Deputy Director, Mr. Wadhwa oversaw the filing of more than 2,600 enforcement actions. These efforts led to orders for over $20 billion in disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and civil penalties, as well as the return of billions of dollars to harmed investors. His leadership also emphasised fostering a culture of compliance among market participants while vigorously enforcing securities laws.
Reflecting on his service, Mr. Wadhwa stated: “I am grateful to Chair Gensler for giving me the opportunity to help lead the talented staff of the Enforcement Division, and I am proud of the Division’s collaboration with colleagues throughout the agency to advance the Commission’s mission to protect investors and promote fairness and integrity in the marketplace. Throughout my long tenure at the Commission, I have been inspired by my colleagues and their unwavering dedication to public service, and, we have been effective. During my time as Deputy and Acting Director, I have been gratified to see market participants stepping up their compliance efforts to embrace our shared goal of protecting investors. While the capital markets will always benefit from robust enforcement, the agency’s effectiveness at combatting securities law violations is enhanced with buy-in from market participants.”
Appointment of Mark T. Uyeda as Acting Chairman of the US SEC
On 21 January 2025, President Donald J. Trump appointed Mark T. Uyeda as Acting Chairman of the US SEC. Mark T. Uyeda, who has served as a Commissioner since 2022, brings nearly two decades of experience with the agency, having held senior advisory roles and contributed to policy development across several administrations.
His prior experience includes serving on detail to the U.S. Treasury Department and the Department of Labor, as well as working as a corporate and securities attorney. Originally from California, Uyeda holds degrees in business administration from Georgetown University and law from Duke University. He has been recognized for his contributions to the legal and financial community, including receiving the 2023 Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award.
Uyeda holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University and a J.D. with honours from Duke University, where he contributed to the Duke Law Journal. Before joining the US SEC, Uyeda worked as a corporate and securities attorney and served as Chief Advisor to California’s securities regulator.
(Source: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-29, https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-23, https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-25, https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-24)
