SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that is responsible for regulating the securities markets and protecting investors. The SEC was established by the Securities Act of 1933 in response to the stock market crash of 1929.

The SEC has a broad range of responsibilities, including:

• Registering securities offered for sale to the public
• Regulating stock exchanges and other securities markets
• Overseeing brokers, dealers, and investment advisers
• Enforcing the federal securities laws
• Educating investors about their rights and responsibilities