The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission announced that Dr. Joshua T. White will return to the agency beginning the week of Jan. 5, 2026 to serve as Chief Economist and Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA), which provides economic analysis and data analytics to support the SEC’s work. Robert Fisher, Acting Chief Economist since January, will continue to support the agency’s mission in DERA. White previously served in DERA between 2012 and 2018, including conducting cost-benefit analyses for SEC rulemaking, and has most recently worked in the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Office of Economic and Risk Analysis as a senior adviser and acting chief economist from April. SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins linked the appointment to strengthening the role of rigorous economic analysis in SEC rulemaking, including reliably quantifying potential costs and benefits.
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission 2025-12-17
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission appoints Joshua T. White as Chief Economist and Division of Economic and Risk Analysis Director
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission announced Dr. Joshua T. White's return as Chief Economist and Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA) starting January 2026. White, who previously served in DERA, will focus on enhancing economic analysis in SEC rulemaking. Robert Fisher will continue supporting DERA as Acting Chief Economist.