Eric Bustillo, Former Longtime Director of the SEC’s Miami Regional Office, Joins Fridman Fels & Soto as Partner

Coral Gables, Fla. — July 20, 2026 — The following announcement was issued by Fridman Fels & Soto, PLLC.

Fridman Fels & Soto, PLLC, a white-collar criminal defense and litigation law firm, announced today that Eric I. Bustillo, former Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Miami Regional Office, has joined the firm as partner. Bustillo will represent companies and individuals in SEC enforcement actions and investigations, securities litigation, SEC whistleblower, and white-collar criminal defense matters.

I've respected Eric's judgment for years, and his arrival is a real moment for this firm. One of the most respected government enforcement leaders in the country chose our boutique, joining a team that already drew Michael Garcia from White & Case last year. The best white-collar lawyers increasingly see boutiques as the place to best serve their clients, and we're building the firm that proves it.

— Daniel Fridman, Managing Partner of Fridman Fels & Soto. 

From 2010 through 2025, Bustillo served as Director of the SEC’s Miami Regional Office, overseeing the agency’s Enforcement and Examination programs throughout Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He supervised investigations involving financial reporting and accounting fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, investment adviser and broker-dealer misconduct, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and matters associated with cybersecurity and digital assets, municipal securities, and other complex securities enforcement actions.

I’ve spent much of my career working on complex investigations and enforcement matters, and I understand how the SEC approaches these issues. I have known and worked with members of the Fridman Fels & Soto team throughout my career at both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the SEC, and I am excited to work alongside them again. The quality of the firm’s lawyers and their depth of experience in handling sophisticated matters made it a natural fit.

— Eric Bustillo, Partner.

Prior to leading the SEC’s Miami Regional office, Bustillo served for 15 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, including five years as Chief of the Economic and Environmental Crimes Section, where he supervised significant white-collar criminal prosecutions. He began his legal career at the SEC as a Staff Attorney before becoming a Branch Chief in the agency’s Enforcement Division.

Having known and worked with Eric for many years, I have always had the highest regard for his judgment, integrity, and dedication to public service. We served together at both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the SEC, and I know firsthand the depth of experience he brings to every matter. His experience, leadership, and perspective will further strengthen our team and enhance the counsel we provide to our clients.

— Alejandro Soto, Founding Partner of Fridman Fels & Soto.

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