SEC Deputy Director Jason Burt to Depart After More Than 22 Years of Service
Jason Burt leaves the Division of Enforcement on 1 May 2026, following a career that spanned regional leadership and specialised unit oversight under various SEC administrations.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has confirmed that Jason Burt will depart the agency on 1 May 2026, bringing an end to more than 22 years of public service. Burt, who currently serves as Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement (Specialized Units), has been recognised for his exceptional leadership and judgment throughout his distinguished career at the Commission.
In his final role, appointed in April 2025, Burt supervised a wide array of critical enforcement functions. His portfolio included the Asset Management, Complex Financial Instruments, Cyber and Emerging Technologies, Market Abuse, and Public Finance Abuse units. He also retained oversight of the Office of the Whistleblower and the Commission's recently established Cross-Border Task Force.
Prior to his promotion to the Specialized Units, Burt led the Denver Regional Office from October 2022 through April 2025. During this period, he managed a team of more than 125 staff members across eight states, including Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. His responsibilities covered both examination and enforcement programs for the region.
Burt began his career at the SEC in Washington, D.C., initially as an attorney advisor in the Division of Examinations before transitioning to investigative work. His early investigations focused on market structure, complex trading strategies, investment adviser fraud, and accounting disclosure and audit failures. He previously held senior positions as an Associate Director and Assistant Director within the Division of Enforcement.
The Acting Director of the Division of Enforcement, Sam Waldon, praised Burt's ability to lead the Division's most complex investigations and litigations. Waldon noted that Burt's commitment to the agency's mission has been invaluable and expressed gratitude for his contributions before wishing him the best in his future endeavors.
Burt acknowledged the leadership of Chairman Paul Atkins, former Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda, Commissioner Peirce, and various former and current directors of the Divisions of Enforcement and Examinations for the opportunities provided to advance the SEC's mission. He highlighted his indebtedness to the exceptionally talented and highly-motivated staff who shaped his career over two decades.
Throughout his tenure, Burt has received multiple accolades, including the Chairman's Award for Excellence in 2010, the Analytical Methods award in 2015, and the Chairman's Award for Serving the Interests of Main Street Investors in 2019. Most recently, he was awarded the Scott W. Friestad award in 2024. He holds a bachelor's degree magna cum laude in business administration from James Madison University and a juris doctorate with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
