Arthur Levitt

Arthur Levitt is recognized for his leadership in financial regulation, serving as the 25th and longest-serving Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, advocating for investor protection and market transparency. After serving as Chairman of the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) from 1978 to 1989, Arthur Levitt transitioned to leading the New York City Economic Development Corporation as Chairman from 1989 to 1993. During this period, he also owned and operated the Roll Call newspaper until 1993.

Levitt championed the use of plain English in investment literature and implemented Regulation Fair Disclosure to ensure the simultaneous release of vital information to all investors, while also rigorously fighting Internet fraud and bolstering broker sales practices. Following his impactful service at the SEC, he continued to contribute his extensive expertise to the financial sector and public advisory roles. In May 2001, he was appointed Senior Advisor at the Carlyle Group, providing strategic guidance to one of the world’s largest and most successful private equity firms. His commitment to industry oversight and governance extended to serving as a special advisor to American International Group’s (AIG) board of directors in 2005.

Throughout his post-SEC career, Levitt consistently served on various advisory and pro-bono boards, leveraging his deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and market dynamics to advocate for best practices and investor protection. His exceptional contributions to finance and public service were formally recognized with the ‘Award for Distinguished Leadership in Global Capital Markets’ from the Yale School of Management in January 2001, highlighting his profound and lasting impact on the global financial landscape.