Lexicon

The SEC, or the US Securities and Exchange Commission, is an autonomous federal agency tasked with investor protection, ensuring the orderly operation of the securities markets, and facilitating the process of capital formation. Created in 1934 following the catastrophic stock market crash of 1929, which precipitated the Great Depression, the SEC enforces federal securities laws, promotes efficient markets, guards against investor mistreatment, and aids in sustaining a robust economy. The SEC originated from the enactment of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. It provides extensive educational resources to the public, including access to the EDGAR database, which contains filings that public companies must submit. While serving as the primary regulator of the U.S. securities markets, the SEC collaborates with various entities, such as Congress, federal agencies, stock exchanges, state securities regulators, and private sector organizations. The agency is represented in the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) by its Chairman.