David Newman

David Newman is a Bates Independent Industry Professional who before joining Bates served as a Senior Counsel for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) Department of Enforcement for 23 years. David settled more than 200 enforcement actions involving suitability, fraud, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and other complex violations. David was a lead attorney on Enforcement sweep cases involving different areas including mutual funds and unit investment trusts that resulted in enforcement actions imposing millions in fines and restitution and leading to FINRA press releases. David also successfully tried as first chair more than 20 FINRA disciplinary proceedings.

Before FINRA, David served 9 years as a Special Counsel and Trial Counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Enforcement Division. David headed SEC investigations of complex securities law violations by registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, and issuers among others. David also served as lead counsel for the SEC in federal district court civil cases and administrative proceedings.  

David began his career as an active-duty judge advocate for the U.S. Air Force where he tried courts-martials, federal magistrate court cases, and administrative proceedings. He spent 28 years on active and reserve duty in the Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.