The Securities and Exchange Commission today named Sharon B. Binger as director of the Philadelphia Regional Office, where she will oversee enforcement and examinations in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Ms. Binger joined the SEC’s Enforcement Division in 2008 has been an assistant regional director in the New York office since 2011.

Ms. Binger has handled enforcement cases ranging from offering frauds and insider trading to trading suspensions in microcap stocks.  She led the SEC’s investigation into Total S.A. for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, which resulted in one of the largest-ever FCPA settlements.  Ms. Binger also has collaborated closely with the SEC’s National Exam Program, pursuing multiple referrals from examiners that led to enforcement actions.

“Sharon combines careful lawyering with infectious enthusiasm,” said Andrew J. Ceresney, director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.  “She has distinguished herself with her excellent judgment, and I am pleased that she has agreed to lead the Philadelphia office.”

Andrew J. Bowden, director of the SEC’s National Exam Program, added, “Sharon has a strong track record of protecting investors.  She also has built effective working relationships with her colleagues in the exam program and across the Commission, and she will be a superb leader of our experienced exam team in Philadelphia.”

Ms. Binger said, “I am honored and thrilled to have been selected to serve as the head of the Philadelphia office, which has an outstanding record of accomplishments in the exam and enforcement arenas.  I look forward to leading the office’s dedicated and talented professionals.”

Ms. Binger earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in 1998 and her law degree with honors from Duke University School of Law in 2001.  She was an associate in the litigation department of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in New York from 2001 to 2008. 

Ms. Binger succeeds Daniel M. Hawke, who announced last fall that he was stepping down as regional director to concentrate his efforts on leading the Enforcement Division’s nationwide Market Abuse Unit.