The US Securities and Exchange Commission has made a senior appointment as it ramps up its focus on cyber threats.

Former EY wealth program head Christopher Hetner has been appointed as senior advisor to the chair for SEC's cybersecurity policy, Mary Jo White.

In this role, Hetner will coordinate efforts across the agency as they relate to cybersecurity policy, as well as engage with external stakeholders. He currently leads cybersecurity for the technology control program within the SEC’s office of compliance inspections and examinations.  

“Cyber attacks are a constant threat to our markets,” said SEC chair Mary Jo White. “With the cyber field steadily evolving and expanding, it is imperative we continue to enhance our coordinated approach to cybersecurity policy across the SEC and engage at the highest levels with market participants and governmental bodies concerning the latest developments in this area.”
 
Hetner joined the SEC in 2015 from EY where, from November 2012 to January 2015, he led the firm's wealth and asset management sector cybersecurity practice. Before that, he was chief information security officer at GE Capital, responsible for the global cybersecurity program. He worked at GE from July 2008 to October 2012 and, before that, implemented information security and regulatory compliance programs for Citigroup’s institutional client group global business and technology units.