Robert Cummings, a seasoned litigator with deep securities experience, has been appointed Director of Utah’s Division of Securities, overseeing regulation and investor protection amid the state’s growing investment and fintech activity.
Salt Lake City, Utah - May 12, 2025
The Utah Department of Commerce has appointed Robert Cummings as the new Director of the Utah Division of Securities, placing a seasoned litigator at the helm of the agency responsible for regulating the state’s investment industry. Cummings’ leadership comes at a time when Utah’s tech and startup sectors continue to attract increasing investor attention, underscoring the importance of a strong regulatory framework.
Cummings brings more than 15 years of legal experience in both civil and criminal litigation, with a focus on securities fraud, healthcare fraud, corporate governance, and share valuation disputes. His background includes high-profile criminal and civil trials in the securities space, making him uniquely suited to lead the Division’s mission of investor protection and industry oversight.
“We are confident in Robert Cummings' ability to lead the Utah Division of Securities forward,” said Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “His extensive experience in litigation, particularly in securities fraud cases, makes him exceptionally qualified for this role.”
Cummings began his legal career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Los Angeles before returning to Utah to open his own firm. He later joined Snow Christensen & Martineau, which merged with the national law firm Spencer Fane in early 2024.
The Division of Securities plays a critical role in Utah’s innovation economy by enforcing securities laws, licensing industry professionals, and educating investors. Through public resources and regulatory guidance, the Division aims to ensure a fair investment environment and prevent fraud.
A recent example highlighting the Division’s vigilance came involves the case of Utah County resident Jeremiah “The Bull” Evans who was sentenced to 96 months in prison after defrauding over 500 investors out of nearly $21 million through his company, Alpha Influence LLC. Evans misled investors by promising predictable monthly returns, exaggerating his company’s success, and using investor money to fund personal luxuries—including a Lamborghini. The case was investigated by the Utah Division of Securities in collaboration with the FBI.
“Schemes like this not only affect individual lives but also erode the overall public trust in legitimate investment opportunities,” said Executive Director Busse. “We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and the tireless efforts of our own Utah Division of Securities.”
Said Cummings, “I’ve been eager to dedicate my skills and expertise to public service for quite some time, and I’m thrilled to join the Utah Division of Securities. I’m deeply impressed by the Division’s commitment to protecting Utahns and the incomparable expertise of the Division’s professionals. I look forward to contributing to their excellent work.”
A Utah native, Cummings graduated summa cum laude in Political Studies from Westminster University, earned a Master of Science with honors in Economics from the University of Utah, and received his JD magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center. At Georgetown, he was honored with the Order of the Coif and the St. Thomas More Award for his work on the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics. He also externed with the Honorable Johnnie B. Rawlinson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.