The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has appointed an ex-Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) lawyers as its new director.
Lisa Osofsky joins the SFO from Exiger where she was Europe, Middle East and Africa regional leader and head of investigations.
An American citizen, she was previously the deputy general counsel for the FBI and was also the money laundering reporting officer at Goldman Sachs.
Read more: Former Serious Fraud Office boss in talks with elite firm Slaughter and May
She will join the SFO on 3 September for a five-year term, replacing interim director Mark Thompson who will return to his role as chief operating officer.
Osofsky said: “I am honoured to be the next director of the Serious Fraud Office. I look forward to building on the SFOs successful record in the fight against economic crime and leading an emboldened SFO to even greater heights.”
Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC MP, whose office oversaw Osofsky's appointment, said: "The SFO will continue to undertake crucial work to investigate and prosecute serious and complex economic crime, as an independent body that works closely and collaboratively with other UK and international authorities to best protect the public.
"I have no doubt Lisa is the exceptional candidate we were looking for to lead the SFO at such a critical time. It is clear that economic crime is committed across national boundaries and Lisas experience of working at an international level will enhance the SFOs capabilities in this area.”
Read more: Departing SFO director David Green says final farewell
Osofskys appointment has been widely expected but it is not without controversy.
In the past she has publicly supported Prime Minister Theresa Mays long-held desire to merger the SFO with the National Crime Agency, in the face of widespread opposition in the legal sector.
The plan was in the last Conservative manifesto but was quietly shelved after the partys disastrous performance in the polls.
Former chief David Green QC stepped down in April to be replace by Thompson on an interim basis. Green is now reportedly in talks to join magic circle law firm Slaughter and May.
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