The Securities and Exchange Commission today posted the 2004-2009 Strategic Plan on its Web site. The plan, approved by the Commission on July 9, 2004, identifies the vision, mission, values, and goals shaping the agency’s activities during the next five years and details the initiatives being undertaken to achieve the SEC’s goals.

“A strong SEC is essential to addressing problems facing the securities industry and setting a course toward restoring investor confidence,” said SEC chairman Bill Donaldson, in a news release. “This plan demonstrates the SEC’s commitment to fulfill its investor protection mission and to utilize taxpayer resources efficiently and effectively.”

The plan states that the SEC will expand its initiative to identify and manage emerging risks and market trends by creating a formalized risk assessment function. The SEC will fully implement a risk-based methodology for selecting and setting examination and inspection cycles for investment advisers and funds. The agency will assess strategies for establishing broader electronic access to registrant data to regularly assess their condition, compliance with the law, and risk to the markets. The SEC also plans better coordination with other regulators, because fraud often reaches beyond U.S. borders.

The regulator also pledges to focus on monitoring the results of rulemaking initiatives that will promote mutual fund investor rights. It will complete rulemaking activities that strengthen corporate and fund governance. The plan states that the agency supports ongoing convergence initiatives between the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board.

The SEC will propose rules and analyze public input on updating the national market structure. It will assess the need for a regulatory structure for credit rating agencies. It will propose rules to provide accelerated access to capital markets for the largest and most liquid issuers. The agency is also working with critical market participants to develop adequate plans and procedures so that back-up infrastructure and personnel are able to maintain continuity of operations through any future market disruptions.

The plan was developed by a team of representatives from 16 of the SEC’s divisions and offices. The team evaluated the condition of domestic and international securities markets, recent changes in the marketplace, legislative developments and issues affecting investors and the general public. The team also assessed organizational considerations such as human capital, work processes diversity, financial resources, and technology during the planning process.