The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a government agency responsible for regulating the securities markets and protecting investors. The SEC was created by Congress in 1934 as part of the Securities Exchange Act, following the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression. The SEC’s main functions include overseeing securities exchanges, brokers, and dealers; enforcing federal securities laws; and regulating mutual funds and investment advisers. Its mission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.