Jonathan Sokobin, currently acting deputy director, research and analysis in the office of financial research at the Treasury Department, will join the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority as chief economist and senior vice president. 

In his new role, Sokobin will lead the company’s office of the chief economist, reporting directly to chairman and CEO Richard Ketchum. He will begin the new position on May 20. 

The office of the chief economist will work directly with the office of general counsel and other departments to develop new rules and analyze the costs and benefits of existing and potential rulemakings. 

“Jonathan brings stellar academic credentials as well as a distinguished history performing sophisticated economic analysis at the Treasury Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission,” said Richard Ketchum. 

He added, “His expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that FINRA’s regulations are intelligently fashioned to protect investors and maintain market integrity without imposing needless costs and burdens on investors and the industry.” 

Sokobin joined the U.S. Treasury Department in 2011 as chief of analytical strategy in the office of financial research. Before joining Treasury, Sokobin served as acting director of the SEC’s division of risk, strategy and financial innovation. 

Sokobin is not the first former Treasury member to take his knowledge elsewhere, as John Snow was named to the risk and compliance committee of Lender Processing Services’ board of directors in March. 

FINRA is a private corporation that acts as a self-regulatory organization for financial firms.