David Saltiel, one of the SEC’s key experts in modernizing U.S. market oversight, will leave the agency this July. Saltiel has served as Acting Director of the Division of Trading and Markets since December 2024, and briefly in 2021.

His exit comes after nearly a decade of shaping how U.S. equity and fixed-income markets operate, especially under shifting technological and regulatory currents.

Experience in SEC Market Policy

According to the regulator, during his time at the SEC, Saltiel became known for guiding complex initiatives with a firm reliance on data and economic analysis. From equity market structure to the growing role of artificial intelligence in trading, his influence extended across regulatory priorities.

Chairman Paul S. Atkins described Saltiel as “a critical member of the Division’s leadership,” praising his “strategic mindset” and “dedication to rigorous data-driven policymaking.”

The outgoing official reportedly helped lead revisions to Rule 605, a transparency rule for order execution quality, and was active in preventing market manipulation and boosting competition among exchanges.

Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw said Saltiel “consistently provided well-researched, principled, and balanced insights,” reinforcing his reputation as both a technical expert and a steady hand in regulatory debates.

Saltiel also played a key role in expanding the Commission’s capacity to monitor markets in real time. He reportedly worked on improving the SEC’s internal data platforms and integrating empirical research into the rulemaking process.

His focus extended to fixed income and derivatives markets, areas where oversight has grown more complex in recent years.

From Economist to Market Supervision Expert

Saltiel’s journey through the regulatory ranks included service as Deputy Director and Associate Director within the Division of Trading and Markets and earlier work as Chief Economist at the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.

He entered the SEC in 2016 and quickly rose to senior roles, often bridging technical analysis and policy implementation. Reflecting on his tenure, Saltiel said, “The staff in the Division are smart and dedicated people of integrity. It’s been an honor to work with them and learn from them.”

He holds degrees from Williams College and the University of Oxford and has worked in finance and infrastructure in both the public and private sectors.

Source: Finance Magnates