The Securities and Exchange Commission has appointed David Woodcock, a partner at Gibson Dunn, to head its enforcement unit, according to a report by the FT. Woodcock previously led the SEC’s Fort Worth office, which faced criticism for its handling of the $7bn Allen Stanford Ponzi scheme.

The appointment comes as SEC Chair Paul Atkins pursues a more business-friendly regulatory approach, scaling back aggressive enforcement programs from the Biden era. Atkins highlighted the division’s renewed focus on misconduct that poses the greatest risk to investors, while offering businesses guidance before pursuing technical violations.

Woodcock said he is committed to upholding “the highest level of professionalism and rigour” in line with the chairman’s vision, aiming to strengthen market integrity while advancing investor protection.