Knight moves to the SEC following a 12-year tenure at JPMorgan Chase. Credit: Jack_the_sparow/Shutterstock.com.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has named Paul Knight as its new chief operating officer (COO).

As COO, Knight will be responsible for overseeing the regulator’s day-to-day operational and administrative framework.

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He succeeds Charlene Arietti Gold, who held the position on an interim basis for the past seven months.

In his new role, Knight will take responsibility for multiple internal functions including the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Acquisitions and the Office of Financial Management.

He will also manage the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval Business Office, the Office of the Chief Data Officer and the Office of the Chief Risk Officer.

Knight’s remit further extends to the Office of Support Operations, which manages the SEC’s Freedom of Information Act activities, records management and facilities services.

Commenting on Knight’s appointment, SEC chairman Paul S. Atkins said: “His experience – both inside and outside of the commission – makes him well-equipped to lead a dedicated group of public servants who play a critical role in protecting investors and strengthening our capital markets.

“I want to thank Charlene Arietti Gold for her wonderful service as acting COO over the last seven months. Charlene has and will continue to be a tremendous colleague and dedicated public servant.”

Knight joins the US SEC from JPMorgan Chase, where he spent nearly 12 years.

Before that, he worked at the US Department of the Treasury from 2012 to 2014 as a senior advisor and business manager.

His latest appointment marks a return to the SEC.

Between 2008 and 2012, he held several positions at the commission, including interim managing executive at the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis.

Knight said: “It is an honour to come back and join the professional staff at the SEC as we support the work of the commission.

“I am grateful to chairman Atkins for this opportunity and honoured to support the SEC’s important mission.”

Last month, the US SEC picked four new members for its Investor Advisory Committee.