The Securities and Exchange Commission said today it has launched a new program that aims to assess risks in the financial markets by attracting seasoned industry professionals to the agency's office of risk assessment.

Through the Industry and Markets Fellows Program, the SEC said it will immediately begin recruiting candidates with extensive experience in the financial markets, including but not limited to any of the following: trading in equity and fixed income securities, structured products, complex derivatives, financial analysis and valuation, fund management, investment banking and financial services operations

"It's a great way to bring in highly-seasoned financial experts who can help us keep pace with the practices of Wall Street and protect investors," said Chairman Mary Schapiro. "Modeled on other successful fellows programs at the SEC, this program will help us strengthen oversight of the securities markets as they evolve, and provide industry veterans the unique opportunity to help us restore confidence in the markets."

Program application information can be found at http://www.sec.gov/jobs/jobs_industryprofessionals.shtml. The SEC is encouraging qualified individuals to apply by June 1.