Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as New US Spy Chief

Jay Clayton was confirmed on Thursday as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, filling a vacancy that had remained open after the president’s initial nominee was turned down by Congress. Lawmakers rejected the original candidate, citing a lack of relevant experience in securities regulation and financial markets, and the Senate subsequently moved to consider alternatives.

Clayton, a former partner at Sullivan & Cromwell and former chief counsel to the Senate Banking Committee, received bipartisan support in the confirmation vote, with the Senate voting 61‑36 in favor. His legal background and prior work on financial legislation were highlighted as qualifications that address the concerns raised about the first nominee. The confirmation clears the path for the SEC to resume its agenda on market oversight, rulemaking and enforcement under Clayton’s leadership.