SEC names new top lawyer

The Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday that Geoffrey Aronow would take over as its general counsel.

Aronow, a lawyer in the Washington office of Bingham McCutcheon, has previous government experience, having served as head of the enforcement division at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. 

The SEC's new top lawyer also has counseled clients about issues before the commission and the CFTC, and becomes one of the first top appointments from the SEC's new chairwoman, Elisse Walter. 

Aronow, for instance, represented the chief financial officer for MF Global, the brokerage firm led by former Sen. Jon Corzine (D-N.J.) that collapsed in 2011. 

In a statement, Walter said that Aronow would bring the "ideal combination of practical knowledge, expertise, and common sense" to the job.

"Geoff is a faithful steward of the securities laws with a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement who shares our commitment to excellence and passion for investor protection," Walter added.

Walter replaced Mary Schapiro, who stepped down as head of the SEC late last year. Aronow takes over for Mark Cahn, who departed last week. 

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