Appointments and Departures: Susan Schroeder to Leave FINRA, SEC to Hire Chief Data Officer and FCA Promotes Sheree Howard

17 October 2019:

FINRA: The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has announced that executive vice president and head of enforcement, Susan Schroeder is to step down. Schroeder was appointed as enforcement chief in July 2017 and has since overseen the merger of two FINRA enforcement operations. 

Commenting on her departure, Schroeder said:

“Enforcement removes bad actors from the market, returns money to wronged investors, and prevents future harm—critical functions so that investors can rely on a safe market to fund their educations, retirements, and lives. I am so grateful to have been a part of that important work. The opportunity to lead the department’s consolidation was an additional honor, and I am proud of the innovative solutions FINRA has implemented as part of its commitment to constantly enhancing regulation.”

Schroeder’s departure date has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected that she will leave by December 2019. Jessica Hopper, current deputy head of enforcement, has been appointed as acting head of enforcement in the interim. 

FCA: The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has appointed Sheree Howard as Executive Director of Risk and Compliance Oversight (R&CO). Howard, who joined the FCA in 2017, is currently serving as Interim Director of R&CO. Commenting on her appointment, she said: 

“Having spent just under two years at the FCA, I am excited to be able to take up this role on the Executive Committee. I am looking forward to working with everyone in Risk and Compliance Oversight as well as with the Executive, Board and the rest of the FCA in helping to deliver our strategic aims.”

SEC: The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking to hire a chief data officer, in a bid to keep-pace with tide of technological change that is sweeping financial services.