In what year was the SEC formed?

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was formed in 1934 as part of the United States’ response to the stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression. The SEC was established to regulate the securities markets and protect investors through enforcing laws against market manipulation and fraud. Its creation marked a significant shift toward increased oversight and regulation of the financial markets, with the aim of restoring public confidence and ensuring fair practices in securities transactions. The agency's establishment is a foundational moment in U.S. financial history, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical conduct within the markets.