The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has named Paul Tzur and David Morrell as deputy directors of the division of enforcement.
They replace Nekia Hackworth Jones, who left her role in December.
Paul Atkins was sworn in as chairman in April, and named Judge Margaret Ryan as director of the division of enforcement in August.
In June 2025, Kevin Muhlendorf was appointed inspector general.
READ MORE: Muhlendorf returns to SEC
According to legal firm Paul, Weiss, enforcement action at the SEC slowed in 2025.
“Amid workforce reductions at the SEC and a targeted reorganisation of the enforcement division, new enforcement actions fell to 313 – the lowest in a decade and down 27% from FY 2024 – and the new SEC administration initiated only four actions against public companies and/or subsidiaries during FY 2025,” the firm’s 2025 review of the regulator stated.
A number of cases were also closed, it added, particularly those related to cryptocurrency as the political tides turn towards decentralised finance.
Ryan commented, “I am extremely pleased that Paul and David agreed to return to public service. They assume leadership over enforcement investigations and litigations in several offices that play a key role in achieving our investor protection mission.”
Tzur will lead the division’s operations from the Chicago, Atlanta and Miami regional offices, while Morrell will cover the New York, Boston and Philadelphia regional offices.
Tzur has 20 years of legal experience, and has been a partner at Blank Rome since 2020. Prior to this, he worked at the US Attorney’s Offices as deputy chief of narcotics and money laundering.
Morrell has 15 years of legal experience and has been a partner at Jones Day since 2021. Prior to this, he was at the US Department of Justice and worked as special assistant and associate counsel to the US President from 2017 and 2018.
