Cyrus Amir-Mokri, a senior counsel to Commodities Futures Trading Commission Chairman Gary Gensler, has been nominated by President Obama to become the assistant treasury secretary for financial institutions.

Amir-Mokri, whose nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, was one of the architects of last year's financial overhaul bill.

He was the CFTC's deputy representative to the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a body created by the bill to review regulations and deal with other issues aimed at protecting the safety and soundness of the nation's financial system.

Before joining the CFTC he was a partner at the New York City-based law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and represented several large banking companies, including J.P. Morgan Chase and Citibank.

Amir-Mokri, a native of Iran who moved to the United States in 1981, earned a law degree and doctorate in history from the University of Chicago. He earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Harvard University.

If confirmed, he would succeed Michael Barr, who left the position earlier this year to return to his professorship at the University of Michigan Law School. Barr also became a Filene Research Fellow earlier this year.

Instant Insights /

Commodities Regulator Named to Top Treasury Spot Overseeing Financial Institutions

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