The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the federal agency established in 1934 to restore investor confidence in U.S. financial markets during the Great Depression. Today, the SEC serves as the primary regulator and oversight authority for the American securities market.
Its statutory authority, granted by the U.S. Congress, empowers the SEC to take enforcement action against companies and individuals engaged in securities fraud or other violations of federal securities laws. Publicly traded companies must file regular reports with the SEC — quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K), and sometimes more frequently — disclosing all material transactions involving securities during the reporting period.
The agency maintains its own public electronic database — the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (EDGAR) — accessible to investors. In addition, the SEC publishes educational resources on securities and how financial markets operate.
FAQ
What is the SEC’s main purpose?
To protect investors, maintain fair and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation through regulation and enforcement of federal securities laws.
Which companies must register with the SEC?
Publicly traded U.S. companies, certain foreign issuers, broker-dealers, investment advisers, and mutual funds — if they meet specific asset or transaction thresholds.
Where can I access SEC filings like 10-K or 10-Q?
Through the free EDGAR database at sec.gov/edgar — all official filings are publicly available in real time.
