SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a government agency responsible for regulating the securities industry, which includes the stock market. Its main goal is to protect investors, maintain fair markets, and facilitate capital formation. The SEC oversees the disclosure of important financial information by public companies, ensuring investors have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. It also enforces securities laws to prevent fraud and insider trading, helping to promote trust and transparency in the financial system.