Cahn will take over as SEC's general counsel

Mark Cahn was promoted Friday to general counsel of the Securities and Exchange Commission as the agency continues working through its mandate under the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory overhaul. 

Cahn, 49, who will take over for David Becker at the end of the month, has served as deputy general counsel since 2009, the SEC announced in a statement. 

Becker, 63, whose departure was announced Feb. 1 is leaving for the private sector. 

“He is well-positioned to help the agency evolve and keep pace with the ever-changing markets,” SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro said of Cahn in a statement.

Cahn has counseled the agency on a wide variety of litigation, appellate and enforcement matters and played a key role in regulatory initiatives, the statement said.

Before joining the SEC, Cahn was a partner in the securities litigation and enforcement practice at WilmerHale beginning in 1988. Cahn previously clerked for Judge John J. Gibbons at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

“I look forward to continuing to serve a chairman and a commission so committed to protecting investors,” Cahn said in a statement.