The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has chosen a new head of enforcement, who sources say has considerable experience with municipal cases.
Jessica Hopper, acting head of enforcement, was promoted to executive vice president and head of enforcement FINRA announced Friday morning. Hopper has been acting head of enforcement since Susan Schroeder announced her departure in September.
“Her considerable industry and private practice experience should give the industry great comfort that she will give a fair, even-handed and efficient approach in her position as head of enforcement,” said Brad Bennett, former head of FINRA enforcement.
Hopper joined FINRA as an enforcement attorney and was a director in its Washington D.C. office from 2005 to 2011. She was then promoted to vice president of FINRA’s regional enforcement program. In 2016, Hopper was senior vice president and deputy head of enforcement.
Hopper reviewed many muni cases since they primarily came from its regional program and is, therefore, one of FINRA’s most experienced enforcement executives on municipal securities issues, Bennett said.
“I would say in the last 10 years, she had her fingers on almost every municipal securities case,” Bennett said.
Before FINRA, Hopper worked at brokerage firm Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc. on legal and compliance matters.
Hopper is tough, but listens and because of her compliance practice experience brings different perspectives to the table, said Emily Gordy, a partner at McGuire Woods who worked at FINRA’s enforcement division with Hopper.
Hopper will report directly to FINRA CEO Robert Cook.
Hopper is a collaborative leader and has demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting investors and the integrity of the markets, Cook said in a press release.
Hopper is eager to get to work in her new position.
“I am excited to lead such a talented team of professionals who are deeply committed to fulfilling FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity,” Hopper said in a press release. “I look forward to continuing to work with Robert and the rest of the senior management team in helping to make FINRA the most effective self-regulatory organization it can be.”
Hopper holds a juris doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law and earned a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College.
