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SEC Chair Atkins Outlines Reforms to Make Wells Process Fairer and More Transparent

He set administrative expectations that extend response windows to improve accuracy through broader evidence sharing.

Overview

  • Staff will provide at least four weeks for written responses to Wells notices going forward.
  • Enforcement teams are directed to share key investigative materials, including testimony transcripts and core documents, while protecting whistleblower identities.
  • Early, pre-Wells engagement is encouraged, with optional white papers to surface legal and factual issues before a formal notice.
  • Senior enforcement leadership is expected to meet with defense counsel before recommendations, and Commissioners will receive Wells submissions even if proposed charges change.
  • Atkins urged a return to simultaneous Commission consideration of settlement offers and related waiver requests to preserve fairness and context.