On 16 January 2025, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) announced the departure of YJ Fischer, Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA). YJ Fischer, who has led the OIA since August 2021, will leave her position on 20 January 2025.
YJ Fischer brought two decades of experience in complex international negotiations to the US SEC, including roles in both public and private sectors. During the Obama administration, she served at the US State Department, leading initiatives such as salvaging critical infrastructure in Iraq, participating in UN-led negotiations on the Syrian conflict, and contributing to the implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement. In the private sector, Fischer worked on global policy at YouTube, facilitated market entry for start-ups, and secured multimillion-dollar government R&D investments.
Before joining the US SEC, YJ Fischer practised law at Kirkland & Ellis, earning recognition for her pro bono work. Her academic credentials include both undergraduate and law degrees from Columbia University. YJ Fischer is also a recipient of the US State Department’s Meritorious Honor Award and the Kirkland & Ellis Pro Bono Service Award.
YJ Fischer assumed her role as OIA Director on 2 August 2021. Under her leadership, the OIA made strides in enhancing cooperation with foreign regulators, particularly in obtaining witness testimony and access to audit workpapers in key jurisdictions like China and Hong Kong. Fischer also played a critical role in implementing the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, ensuring robust oversight of public company auditors overseas. She systematised collaboration during market stress events and expanded the US SEC’s technical assistance program, introducing remote training and broadening its curriculum to emphasise capital formation as a driver of economic growth.
US SEC Chair Gary Gensler praised Fischer’s leadership and her role in strengthening the Commission’s global relationships while stating: “I want to thank YJ for her leadership of the Office of International Affairs, she has been a trusted advisor to and diplomat for this Commission in our relationships with regulators around the globe. I wish her very well in her next pursuits.”
(Source: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-14)
