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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a federal agency in the U.S. responsible for overseeing and enforcing federal securities and exchange laws. The SEC was created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in the wake of the Great Depression. The main goals of the SEC are to: 1. Protect investors 2. Maintain fair, efficient, and competitive markets 3. Facilitate capital formation The agency has five commissioners, each appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. One commissioner serves as the Chair of the SEC, who also services as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the agency. The SEC operates several key divisions, including Enforcement, Investment Management, Corporation Finance, Trading and Markets, Economic and Risk Analysis, and Examination. These divisions aim to regulate and oversee different aspects of the financial industry, including securities fraud investigations, asset management and broker-dealers, public company disclosure, and the regulation of trading markets. As an independent regulatory force, the SEC contributes to the stability and regulation of the financial system in the United States. Through its various departments, the SEC works to minimize financial risks, protect investors, and promote transparent and healthy financial markets.