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Securities Exchange Act

Definition

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is a foundational piece of U.S. legislation that governs the secondary trading of securities. It established the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and grants it broad authority to regulate exchanges, brokers, dealers, and other market participants. The Act mandates disclosure requirements, prohibits manipulative and deceptive practices, and aims to ensure fair and orderly markets. Its provisions are frequently applied or debated in relation to the trading of digital assets.