“exchange commission”

independent government agency charged with regulating securities markets. The SEC's principal functions are to register securities and issuers in order to ensure full and fair disclosure of pertinent financial information; to register and oversee the activities of securities brokers and dealers; to issue rules and regulations regarding securities transactions; to register and regulate the activities of mutual funds and other investment companies; to oversee the operation of public utility holding companies in order to ensure compliance with the laws governing them; to register investment advisers; to participate in corporate reorganization proceedings administered in federal courts in order to protect the interests of public investors; and to safeguard the interests of purchasers of publicly offered debt securities. The SEC may conduct investigations into complaints or other indications of securities violations; obtain court orders enjoining certain acts; revoke registrations; and prosecute violators in federal courts.