The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced the departure of Keith Higgins, the Director of SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance. Higgins, having joined the SEC in June of 2013, will depart in early January.
Higgins has been deeply engaged with Dodd-Frank rulemaking, the FAST Act and the JOBS Act – some of the most significant changes in securities regulations in decades.
Higgins also oversaw the Division’s program to review the securities filings of thousands of issuers each year to facilitate capital formation and ensure that investors receive full disclosure about the companies in which they invest. He also guided the Division’s efforts to provide interpretive advice to market participants about their obligations under the federal securities laws.
SEC Chair Mary Jo White complimented Higgins on his tenure at CorpFin stating he brought tremendous energy and expertise to the Division.
“He led our extensive rulemaking efforts and has charted a course to make our disclosure system more effective for investors and companies.”
Higgins said it had been an honor to serve under Chair White along with CorpFin’s dedicated and talented staff.
“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish to enhance the agency’s disclosure program, protect investors, and promote capital formation. I will always be grateful for this experience.”
Prior to joining the SEC, Mr. Higgins practiced law for more than 30 years at Ropes & Gray LLP in Boston, where he advised public companies and other market participants on securities offerings, M&A, compliance and corporate governance.
The SEC stated that Shelley Parratt, the Deputy Director for the Division of Corporation Finance, will become the acting Director.
Ms. Parratt has served as Deputy Director of the Division since 2003, and has been responsible for assisting in strategic planning and developing Division policies and procedures and overseeing the disclosure review program.
Ms. Parratt came to the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance in 1986. She received her M.B.A. from Syracuse University and her B.A. from St. Lawrence University.
