Open Your Free Demat Account
Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the primary regulatory body in the United States, overseeing and regulating the securities market. Much like India’s SEBI, the SEC operates independently as a central regulatory agency dedicated to safeguarding investor interests and ensuring the orderly operation of the securities market in accordance with established laws and regulations.
Established in 1934 by the U.S. Congress, the SEC was the first comprehensive federal securities regulator; however, limited forms of federal oversight existed prior to its creation, such as certain securities-related functions performed by the Federal Trade Commission. The SEC’s primary objective is to prevent fraudulent activities in the securities market by promoting accurate, adequate, and timely disclosures.
Beyond its role in addressing fraudulent practices, the SEC oversees disclosure and compliance requirements related to corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, without regulating or approving the commercial merits of such transactions. Additionally, the SEC plays a role in reviewing registration statements to assess compliance with applicable securities laws, rather than evaluating investment quality or commercial suitability. Following reforms introduced in the early 2000s, the SEC avoids using language that could be interpreted as endorsement or approval of securities or market participants.
The SEC operates by upholding securities laws and regulations. Its primary objective is to ensure that companies provide accurate and timely information to the public. This is achieved through a system of checks and balances, under which the SEC scrutinises financial statements, investigates potential misconduct, and initiates legal action where required. In this capacity, the SEC functions as a regulatory oversight body, identifying practices that may harm investors or compromise market integrity.
Investor Protection: The SEC safeguards investor interests by ensuring that companies disclose relevant information, thereby reducing the risk of fraud.
Market Integrity: By enforcing fair practices and disclosure standards, the SEC supports market integrity, benefiting both investors and issuers.
Capital Formation: The SEC plays a role in facilitating the flow of capital from investors to businesses by maintaining a transparent and well-regulated securities market.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a multifaceted mission: safeguarding investors, ensuring fair and orderly markets, and facilitating capital formation. It operates as a regulatory authority, ensuring a level and secure framework for market participants.
To achieve these objectives, the SEC performs several key functions:
Enforcement: The SEC exercises authority to investigate and take legal action against entities and individuals involved in fraudulent or deceptive activities within the securities market. These actions are intended to deter misconduct and uphold market integrity.
Regulation: Crafting and enforcing rules governing the securities industry is a core function of the SEC. These rules cover activities ranging from the issuance and trading of securities to the regulation of stock exchanges. By establishing clear guidelines, the SEC seeks to promote a fair and orderly marketplace.
Disclosure: Transparency is a fundamental principle in financial markets. The SEC requires companies to provide accurate and timely information through mandatory disclosures. Such disclosures, including financial statements and periodic reports, enable investors to make informed decisions.
The Securities and Exchange Commission can be understood by examining the three components of its name: securities, exchange, and commission.
Securities: In finance, securities are tradable financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, which represent ownership interests or creditor relationships. The SEC regulates their issuance and trading to promote fair practices and market transparency.
Exchange: An exchange is a platform where securities are bought and sold. In this context, the SEC oversees securities exchanges to ensure their operations remain fair, efficient, and transparent.
Commission: The term refers to an authoritative body empowered to regulate, supervise, and enforce compliance within a specific domain. In the case of the SEC, it denotes the authority to establish rules, monitor compliance, and initiate enforcement actions to uphold the integrity of financial markets.
Legal Framework: The SEC operates under U.S. federal securities laws, while SEBI functions under Indian securities laws, reflecting differences in legal and regulatory structures.
Scope of Authority: The SEC’s mandate covers multiple aspects of the U.S. securities market, whereas SEBI’s authority is defined within the Indian regulatory framework.
Enforcement Powers: Both regulators possess enforcement powers; however, the nature and extent of enforcement actions vary based on jurisdiction-specific laws and requirements.
The Securities and Exchange Commission plays a central role in maintaining fair, transparent, and orderly securities markets in the United States. Understanding the SEC’s functions helps market participants appreciate how regulatory oversight supports market integrity. In India, SEBI performs a comparable regulatory function, underscoring the global importance of regulatory bodies in maintaining confidence in financial systems.
Share this article:
Disclaimer :
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.
Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.
BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.
Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing.
For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer
Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading