Source: Finra finds a new head of enforcement

Bradley Bennett, currently a partner at Baker Botts LLP, will take over as head of enforcement at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Bennett would take over the role from acting enforcement director James Shorris, according to the person, who declined to be identified because the decision isn't public. Calls to Finra spokeswoman Nancy Condon weren't immediately returned. Bennett, who has been co-chair of the white collar and corporate investigations group at Baker Botts in Washington, has represented corporate officers and investment advisers in Finra and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations into accounting fraud, insider trading and financial disclosure, according to the firm's website. Prior to joining Baker Botts, Bennett worked at Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin LLP, and he spent four years in the SEC's enforcement division. Bennett holds degrees in government and law from St. Lawrence University and Georgetown University. Shorris became acting enforcement director after Susan Merrill stepped down from the post in March. --Bloomberg