Financial whiz Dr. Joshua T. White is stepping up as the SEC’s Chief Economist, bringing a wealth of experience and a reputation for rigorous economic analysis to the table.
Key Points
•📅 Mark Your Calendar: White starts the week of Jan. 5, 2026
•👔 Big Shoes to Fill: Succeeds Robert Fisher, the Acting Chief Economist
•📊 Deep Experience: White has over a decade of experience in finance and regulation
•🏛 Academic Prowess: Former professor at Vanderbilt and University of Georgia
•🔍 Expertise in Focus: Known for his work in corporate finance and cryptocurrency
🚀 A New Era Begins
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is gearing up for a fresh start as Dr. Joshua T. White steps in as the new Chief Economist and Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA). White is set to begin his new role the week of January 5, 2026, marking a significant return to the SEC. He previously contributed to the agency from 2012 to 2018, offering his expertise in various roles including financial economist, visiting academic scholar, and expert consultant.
🧠 The Brain Behind the Numbers
Dr. White is no stranger to the intricacies of financial regulation. Over the past 18 months, he has been on leave from his position as an assistant professor of finance at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management to serve as a senior advisor at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). In April, he stepped up as the acting chief economist there. His extensive background in corporate finance and cryptocurrency makes him an ideal fit for the SEC's mission.
📚 Academic Excellence
Before his tenure at Vanderbilt, Dr. White was an assistant professor of finance at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. His research has been featured in top-tier academic journals such as the Review of Financial Studies and the Journal of Financial Economics. White holds a BS, MBA, and Ph.D. in finance from the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business, where he was honored with the Outstanding Ph.D. Alumnus Award.
💬 What They’re Saying
SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins praised White, stating, > "Josh is a well-respected researcher and a true champion of rigorous economic analysis in regulatory policy." Dr. White himself expressed excitement about his new role, saying, > "I want to thank Chairman Atkins for this opportunity to come back to the SEC and serve alongside the talented economists in DERA."
