The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

A Guide to the SEC

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates the securities industry, the stock market, and other related financial activities.

The SEC's mission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.

What Does the SEC Do?

• Registers and regulates securities offerings
• Enforces federal securities laws
• Investigates and prosecutes securities fraud
• Conducts examinations of broker-dealers and investment advisers
• Issues rules and regulations to govern the securities industry
• Provides investor education and outreach
• Works with other domestic and international regulatory authorities

History of the SEC

The SEC was created in 1934 in response to the stock market crash of 1929.

The crash led to a loss of public confidence in the securities industry, and the SEC was established to restore that confidence.

Since its creation, the SEC has played a major role in regulating the securities industry and protecting investors.

The SEC's work has helped to ensure that the securities markets are fair, orderly, and efficient, and that investors are protected from fraud and abuse.

The SEC Today

The SEC is a vital part of the U.S. financial system.

The SEC's work helps to protect investors, maintain fair markets, and facilitate capital formation.

The SEC is committed to continuing its mission to protect investors and ensure the integrity of the securities markets.

FAQs about the SEC

What is the SEC?

The SEC is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates the securities industry, the stock market, and other related financial activities.

What is the SEC's mission?

The SEC's mission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.

What are the SEC's main responsibilities?

The SEC's main responsibilities include registering and regulating securities offerings, enforcing federal securities laws, investigating and prosecuting securities fraud, conducting examinations of broker-dealers and investment advisers, issuing rules and regulations to govern the securities industry, providing investor education and outreach, and working with other domestic and international regulatory authorities.