The SEC's seemingly "on again, off again" risk assessment efforts are back in the spotlight, as the SEC announced today that it is embarking on a new effort to attract industry professionals to the Office of Risk Assessment. The SEC announced a new "Industry and Markets Fellows Program" intended to help it "oversee complex industry practices and products in today's markets."

Chairman Mary Schapiro stated that the program will help bring in "highly-seasoned financial experts" to help the SEC keep pace with developing practices on Wall Street. Jonathan Sokobin, Director of the Office of Risk Assessment, added that his office will work closely with staff in other SEC divisions and offices in integrating the Fellows into the activities of the Commission and its staff.

Specifically, the SEC stated, it will immediately begin recruiting candidates with extensive experience in the financial markets, including:

trading in equity and fixed income securities

structured products

complex derivatives

financial analysis and valuation

fund management

investment banking

financial services operations.

A statement detailing the fellows' qualifications and duties is available on the SEC Web site. The SEC encourages qualified individuals to apply by June 1, 2009.