SEC Chief Taps Armed Forces Judge to Lead Enforcement Unit

Margaret “Meg” Ryan will lead the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s enforcement division, putting a military judge who once clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in charge of the agency that polices Wall Street.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced the selection on Thursday, touting Ryan’s decades of experience as a judge in the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

“She is fulfilling a critical role,” Atkins said. “Judge Ryan will lead the division guided by Congress’ original intent: enforcing the securities laws, particularly as they relate to fraud and manipulation.”

Ryan was nominated to serve as ...