Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) business definition

The U.S. government agency, established in 1934, charged with protecting investors and maintaining the integrity of the securities markets. The SEC requires public companies to disclose meaningful financial information to the public, and it oversees participants in the securities business, including stock exchanges, broker-dealers, investment advisers, mutual funds, and public utility holding companies. The commission is composed of five presidentially appointed commissioners, four divisions, and 18 offices.