FINRA Names New Enforcement Chief

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority said Monday that it has named Bill St. Louis as head of Enforcement, effective immediately.

St. Louis was most recently head of FINRA’s National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Program, the self-regulator’s Financial Intelligence Unit and specialized investigative units covering anti-money laundering and fraud, cybersecurity, high-risk representatives and vulnerable adults and seniors.

He succeeds Jessica Hopper, who stepped down on Feb. 3 after 18 years with the regulator. Christopher Kelly, senior vice president and deputy head of enforcement, was named acting head of enforcement at that time.

St. Louis will be responsible for the management of approximately 350 enforcement staff in 11 offices across the United States and will report directly to FINRA CEO Robert Cook.

“Bill’s broad and deep experience at FINRA, including his previous senior roles in Enforcement and Member Supervision, and his most recent position as head of the NCFC, will serve him well as Head of Enforcement,” Cook said Monday in a statement. “I am confident he will bring exemplary leadership, expertise and vision to bear in his new role supporting the Enforcement department’s contributions to FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.”