Arthur Levitt

Arthur Levitt is a prominent American public servant, author, and former Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Born on February 3, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, Levitt had a diverse early career, including military service and leadership roles in finance and media. He became the longest-serving SEC Chairman from 1993 to 2001, appointed by President Bill Clinton. During his tenure, he championed greater transparency, stronger investor protections, and stricter accounting standards, leaving a lasting impact on the regulatory landscape of U.S. financial markets.

Throughout his life and career, Levitt was known as a passionate advocate for individual investors and corporate accountability. He was instrumental in promoting reforms that made financial disclosures clearer and more accessible, often pushing back against entrenched interests in Wall Street and the accounting industry. After his tenure at the SEC, Levitt continued to be a vocal thought leader, writing columns, advising firms, and authoring the best-selling book Take on the Street, which demystified Wall Street for everyday Americans.

Arthur Levitt’s quotes reflect his commitment to integrity and investor education. One of his most quoted lines is, “Our markets work best when they are fair, transparent, and open to all.” He also famously said, “If you don’t understand it, don’t invest in it,” highlighting the importance of financial literacy. Levitt's enduring influence comes from his ability to speak truth to power while consistently putting the interests of ordinary investors first.