Travis J. Iles

TRAVIS J. ILES

Travis J. Iles serves as a Senior Advisor at HillStaffer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in securities regulation, enforcement, and public policy. A former Commissioner of the Texas State Securities Board (TSSB) and member of the Board of Directors of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), Travis provides clients with strategic insight into regulatory frameworks, legislative dynamics, and enforcement trends across the financial services landscape. His ability to translate complex regulatory developments into actionable strategies helps clients navigate risk, engage effectively with policymakers, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

As Commissioner from 2017 to 2026, Travis led one of the nation’s most active state securities regulators, overseeing policy development, enforcement priorities, and the operations of an 85-person agency. He worked closely with elected officials, industry leaders, and fellow regulators to advance policies that balanced investor protection with market innovation. His leadership contributed to Texas’ emergence as a national leader in financial services, including the recognition of two national stock exchanges: TXSE and NYSE Texas – the first such approvals in the state in more than 50 years.

Travis is widely recognized for his pragmatic, results-oriented approach to regulation and advocacy. He played a central role in shaping legislative outcomes across multiple Texas legislative sessions, consistently securing strong agency support and influencing key policy initiatives. He also led the development of widely supported regulatory frameworks, including a major rulemaking initiative that drew extensive industry engagement and reinforced investor protections.

A national voice on digital assets and emerging financial technologies, Travis helped position Texas at the forefront of blockchain policy. He collaborated with legislators, academics, and industry stakeholders to develop balanced regulatory approaches and led the nation’s first enforcement action against a fraudulent digital asset promoter, followed by more than 50 related actions. His experience provides clients with a unique perspective on the intersection of innovation and enforcement.

Earlier in his career, Travis held senior roles within the TSSB’s enforcement division, where he litigated complex administrative cases and served as a special prosecutor in securities-related criminal matters. He played a key role in precedent-setting cases, including litigation that helped define the application of the “Howey Test” under Texas law, and contributed to national policy efforts through his work with NASAA.

Travis is known for his deep relationships across regulatory bodies, legislative offices, and industry associations, enabling him to build consensus and drive outcomes in complex policy environments. At HillStaffer, he leverages this experience to help clients anticipate regulatory shifts, engage decision-makers effectively, and achieve durable policy and business results.