James Rouse joins Arkansas Securities Department

The Arkansas Securities Department (ASD) said Monday (Feb. 28) that James Rouse has joined the department as Investor Education Director.

Rouse has more than 25 years of experience in the securities industry, serving as an investment banker and financial advisor with Stephens Inc., Merrill Lynch, USBank Corp Investments and Valic Financial Advisors.

He will manage the ASD Investor Education Program, which is a public education initiative to inform Arkansas citizens about investing and securities. This program is available to community, civic and senior groups.

There is also a multi-media presentation that is designed to teach middle and secondary students about the stock market, securities and investing through securities markets.

“We are so pleased that James has agreed to take this role in our investor education program as we build on our achievements in the critical work of protecting investors, enhancing market integrity and expanding our investor education efforts,” ASD Commissioner Eric Munson said.

Rouse is a former University of Arkansas football player and NFL running back. He also has volunteer experience in many local charitable organizations, including Arkansas Baptist College Foundation Board, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, and City of Little Rock Advisory Team.

“I am excited to be a member of a talented team of professionals, who are highly committed to protecting investors and supporting strong, safe markets,” Rouse said. “I look forward to this new role to ensure ASD is on the front lines, educating investors, fighting fraud, and identifying and removing bad actors from the industry.”