It’s official. Mary L. Schapiro was sworn in this morning as the 29th Chairman of the SEC. Of course, there is some speculation as to whether Schapiro will be the last chairman of the 75-year-old agency. We are hinting at the much-discussed possibility that someday soon the SEC will merge with Commodities Futures Trading Commission, where Schapiro once served as chairwoman. For the moment, we’ll stay focused on the day’s welcome announcement.

Today’s press announcement quotes the agency’s 29th Chairman: “I’m honored and grateful to be entrusted with leading this agency during such an important time – when the SEC must effusively be the investor’s advocate. Working with my fellow Commissioners and the agency’s talented staff, we will be committed to reinvigorating a financial regulatory system that must protect investors and vigorously enforce the rules. We will work to deepen the SEC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and disclosure while always keeping the needs and concerns of investors front and center.”