It is with great sadness that I mark the passing of David Becker, who died on May 29, 2026 at the age of 78. David was truly a titan of the securities bar, and someone that I have admired throughout my career. The Commission issued a statement yesterday that noted:

The Securities and Exchange Commission notes with sadness the death of our former colleague David Becker on Friday, May 29. David faithfully dedicated a significant portion of his career to public service. With a deep knowledge of our securities laws, the Commission and the American people benefited from David’s leadership and expertise during his years as General Counsel under Chairmen Schapiro, Pitt, and Levitt. Beyond his command of complex legal and policy issues, David’s kindness, humor, and collegiality earned him the respect of his colleagues across the SEC and in the private sector. He received the William O. Douglas Award from the Association of SEC Alumni in 2019. On behalf of the entire agency, we extend our condolences to his family during this difficult time.

David served as General Counsel of the SEC from 2000 to 2002 and from 2009 to 2011, having first served joined the SEC as Deputy General Counsel in 1998. I most recently spoke with David at the SEC Historical Society’s program focusing on the SEC’s Office of General Counsel last Fall, and it was always great to hear his perspective on our practice and the regulatory environment. It is difficult to imagine a world without his thoughtful insights and calming presence.

David was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. As his obituary notes, he is survived by his beloved wife, five children and ten grandchildren. I offer my deepest condolences to David’s family and all of his friends and former colleagues.

– Dave Lynn