Release Date: June 13, 2016

Contact: Katrina Cavalli, 212.313.1181, [email protected] 

SIFMA statement on ‎FINRA CEO Transition

Washington, D.C., June 13, 2016 – SIFMA today issued the following statement on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) announcement that its Board of Governors has appointed Robert W. Cook as president and CEO, effective the second half of 2016:

“We congratulate and look forward to working with Robert W. Cook in his new role as FINRA CEO,” said SIFMA president and CEO Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr. “We also commend Rick Ketchum’s leadership and his unparalleled dedication to investor education and protection throughout his long and distinguished career. On behalf of SIFMA’s broad membership, I would like to thank Rick for his years of service to the industry and wish him well in the future.”

“Robert is one of our nation’s leading securities lawyers and markets experts.  He is an excellent choice to lead FINRA‎ at this important time and has demonstrated a deep commitment to investor protection during his prior leadership role at the SEC,” added SIFMA executive vice president and general counsel Ira Hammerman.