The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced the appointment of Aitan Goelman as director of the enforcement division. Mr. Goelman is a former federal prosecutor with more than 20 years of experience in litigating criminal and civil cases.
Mr. Goelman had been a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder law firm for 11 years before joining the CFTC. During his tenure at the law firm, Goelman focused on white-collar crimes and complex commercial litigation.
He also previously served for the Department of Justice (DOJ) as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and as Special Attorney to the U.S. Attorney General. During his tenure at the DOJ, he supervised white-collar criminal cases involving bank, wire, mail and securities fraud, RICO and violent crimes. He was also one of the trial lawyers that convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.
Tough and aggressive leader
CFTC chairman Timothy G. Massad said he is very pleased that Mr. Goelman agreed to serve the agency as director of enforcement. According to Massad, Goelman brings valuable experience in government and private practice as well as a strong commitment to public service.
Mr. Goelman replaces David Meister, who supervised the Libor cases and the early periods of the currency case. Meister’s position was temporarily handled by his top deputy Gretchen Lowe while the agency was looking for his replacement.
Chairman Massad described Mr. Goelman as a “tough, aggressive and fair leader at a critical time” in the history of the CFTC.
In addition, Massad expressed his gratitude to Ms. Lowe for her skilled leadership and dedication. He said, “I look forward to continuing to work closely with her.”
‘Vigorous enforcement is more vital than ever’
In a statement, Mr. Goelman said he is pleased to return to public service and excited to join the CFTC when “vigorous enforcement is more vital than ever.” According to him, it is an honor to be able to perform a role to help the commission fulfill its crucial duty of maintaining the integrity of the futures and swaps markets.
“I am committed to continuing, and building on, the good work of Gretchen and David Meister and all the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Division of Enforcement,” Mr. Goelman explained.
