U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Created by Congress in 1934, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's primary mission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. The SEC enforces federal securities laws, proposes securities rules, and regulates the nation's stock and options exchanges, as well as other participants in the securities markets, including broker-dealers, investment advisers, and mutual funds. It aims to promote a market environment that is worthy of the public's trust through transparent disclosure and rigorous enforcement.