Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
An independent federal agency of the United States government responsible for administering and enforcing federal securities laws.
SEC About PageThe U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates the U.S. securities markets, including securities exchanges, brokers, investment advisers, investment companies, and public company disclosures. Established by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 following the 1929 stock market crash, the agency aims to restore public confidence through disclosure, fair dealing, and investor protection.
The SEC's mission is threefold: to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. It possesses broad authority to bring civil enforcement actions against violations such as fraud, insider trading, and accounting manipulation, while referring criminal cases to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Led by five commissioners appointed by the President, the agency operates through various specialized divisions, including Enforcement and Corporation Finance. It provides critical public resources such as Investor.gov and EDGAR, the electronic database for corporate filings.