Everything You Need to Know About the SEC

About the SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent federal agency responsible for regulating the securities industry, enforcing federal securities laws, and protecting investors.

The SEC was created in the wake of the Great Depression by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to help restore investor confidence in the financial markets and prevent future market crashes.

Responsibilities of the SEC

• Protecting investors
• Maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets
• Enforcing federal securities laws
• Regulating the securities industry
• Ensuring the accuracy and adequacy of financial disclosures
• Monitoring the activities of public companies
• Investigating and prosecuting securities fraud

Structure of the SEC

The SEC is governed by a five-member commission, which is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.

The commission is responsible for setting the SEC's policies and priorities.

The SEC has a staff of over 4,000 employees, who are responsible for carrying out the commission's policies and priorities.

Jurisdiction of the SEC

The SEC has jurisdiction over all public companies, as well as over brokers, dealers, investment advisers, and other participants in the securities industry.

Enforcement Actions

The SEC has a variety of enforcement tools at its disposal, including:

• Civil lawsuits
• Criminal prosecutions
• Administrative proceedings

How to Contact the SEC

The SEC can be contacted by phone at 1-800-SEC-0330, by email at info@sec.gov, or by mail at:

Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549