In a new development for the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), Sean Wilkoff, assistant professor of finance at the University of Nevada, Reno, has been appointed the next visiting scholar. The announcement, made earlier this month, underscores the MSRB's commitment to fostering research in municipal bond market structure, efficiency and transparency.  

Wilkoff said, "For the College of Business, my designation as a visiting scholar signifies enhanced visibility and reputation. It reflects positively on the University's steadfast commitment to scholarly excellence and its prowess in attracting and nurturing talent within finance."   

With an impressive background in both academia and practical experience, Wilkoff is set to embark on his role as the third academic to participate in the MSRB's Visiting Scholar Program. This program is designed to offer scholars an opportunity to delve into research supported by MSRB staff aimed at gaining insights into the intricacies of the municipal bond market.  

In his statement, Wilkoff highlighted the multifaceted impact of assuming the role of the next visiting scholar for the MSRB. He emphasized the significance of gaining access to the organization's extensive resources and expertise, which includes valuable datasets and interactions with knowledgeable staff. Wilkoff also underscored the acknowledgment of the value of his research endeavors and ideas through the prestigious position awarded by the MSRB. Additionally, he expressed enthusiasm for the unparalleled opportunities for collaboration with fellow scholars and practitioners associated with MSRB, emphasizing the potential for fostering new research ideas and expanding his academic network through engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing with experts in the field.  

Before joining the University on a tenure track, Wilkoff served as a visiting assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University. His earlier professional stints include being an economic litigation consultant at Cornerstone Research, specializing in municipal bond market litigations. Notably, he commenced his career as a financial economist at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, contributing to essential economic analyses for key municipal bond rulemaking.  

The MSRB, entrusted with the responsibility of collecting and disseminating municipal market trade data and disclosure documents, operates through its Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA®) website. As part of its commitment to supporting external research, the MSRB provides data sets to universities and other research institutions.   

The Visiting Scholar Program, initiated in 2018, aims to facilitate selected academics with the necessary access and support to conduct in-depth analyses of municipal market data. This strategic collaboration between the MSRB and academia underscores the board's dedication to advancing knowledge and understanding within the financial sector.