SEC Commissioners Debate Enforcement

Two Securities and Exchange Commissioners – the agency's two newest members – offered contrasting views of the commission's use of its enforcement powers.  http://www.sec.gov/News/Speech/Detail/Speech/13705404038989#.Uo_nqCda-JQ(Stein) ;  http://www.sec.gov/News/Speech/Detail/Speech/1370540400457#.Uo_nvidA-JQ(Piwowar) .

Among other issues, one said the agency has delegated too much authority to its enforcement staff, while the other hailed the "incredible work" done by the SEC staff on a daily basis.  The anti-Enforcement Commissioner sharply questioned the commission's delegation of authority in 2009 to the Enforcement Director to issue formal orders of investigation, and noted that, historically, formal orders were approved by the Commission.  The other Commissioner stated the Enforcement Division "was passionately working to protect investors," and using "all of the tools in its toolbox."