Leaders across the SEC convened in Washington, D.C., earlier this month for SEC Speaks in 2026, an annual gathering of SEC Commissioners and senior staff who discuss agency updates and focus areas for policy, rulemaking and enforcement.
This year's event featured a keynote address from Chairman Paul Atkins, statements from Commissioners Mark Uyeda and Hester Peirce and, among commentary from other divisions and offices, up-to-date information about the Commission's current enforcement philosophy and priorities – all tidily summarized below.
But First, an Important Item
Before SEC Speaks kicked off on March 19, 2026, SEC Enforcement Division Director Judge Margaret Ryan abruptly resigned her post at the agency on March 16, 2026, less than seven months into the job. Her surprise resignation was effective immediately and occurred just weeks after her first and only public remarks as director, which she offered at the Los Angeles County Bar Association's (LACBA) 56th Annual Securities
