The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent agency of the [[United States of America (USA)]] federal government that was created in 1934 in response to the stock market crash of 1929. Its primary mission is to protect investors, maintain fair and orderly markets, and facilitate capital formation. The SEC enforces federal securities laws, proposes securities rules, and regulates the securities industry, including stock exchanges, brokers, dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds. It aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the markets, prevent fraud, and hold individuals and companies accountable for complying with securities laws.