The sign marking the MF Global Holdings Ltd. offices at 52nd Street in midtown Manhattan is seen in New York
The sign marking the MF Global Holdings Ltd. offices at 52nd Street in midtown Manhattan is seen in New York November 2, 2011. REUTERS

MF Global Holdings Ltd Chief Executive Jon Corzine resigned, four days after the futures brokerage filed for bankruptcy protection.

In a statement issued by a Corzine spokesman, Corzine said he voluntarily offered to step down, saying his decision was best for the company and its stakeholders.

I feel great sadness for what has transpired at MF Global and the impact it has had on the firm's clients, employees and many others, Corzine said. I intend to continue to assist the company and its board in their efforts to respond to regulatory inquiries and issues related to the disposition of the firm's assets.

Prior to taking over MF Global, Corzine ran Goldman Sachs & Co, and was a senator and governor of New Jersey.

(Reporting by Jed Horowitz and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Derek Caney)

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