Legal Definitions - securities act

The Securities Act is a law that protects the public by regulating the registration, offering, and trading of securities. This law is enforced by both federal and state governments.

For example, the Securities Act of 1933 requires companies to register their securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) before they can be sold to the public. This helps ensure that investors have access to important information about the securities they are buying.

Another example is the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which regulates the trading of securities on national exchanges. This law requires companies to disclose important financial information to the public, such as quarterly and annual reports.

Blue-sky laws are state-level securities laws that are designed to protect investors from fraudulent or risky investments. These laws vary by state, but they generally require companies to register their securities with state regulators and provide investors with important information about the investment.

Overall, the Securities Act is an important tool for protecting investors and ensuring that the securities markets operate fairly and transparently.