SEC
Updated:
Forex and CFD brokers whose operations or corporate group are connected to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversight.
Brokers regulated by SEC
TD AmeritradeRead review- No documented advantages.
Interactive BrokersRead review- US broker with over 40 years in the industry, founded in 1978
- Regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the CFTC, FCA, and ASIC
What Is the SEC?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a U.S. federal agency established in 1934, after the Great Depression, to protect investors, keep securities markets fair and efficient, and support capital formation.
What the SEC Regulates
- Securities markets: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
- Disclosure: public companies must report financial information so investors can make informed decisions.
- Enforcement: the SEC investigates and prosecutes violations of federal securities law.
SEC and Forex Trading
The SEC's authority covers securities such as stocks, bonds, and ETFs; it does not directly regulate the retail forex market. A broker's connection to the SEC usually comes through a securities-dealing affiliate or parent company rather than its forex operations specifically.
SEC Compared to Other Regulators
| Regulatory Body | Jurisdiction | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| SEC | United States | Investor protection and fair securities markets |
| FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) | United Kingdom | Market integrity and consumer protection |
| ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) | Australia | Market transparency and consumer protection |
| ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) | European Union | Harmonizing financial regulation |
Using This List
When comparing the brokers below, treat SEC affiliation as one data point among others, such as a broker's primary trading license, its financial disclosures, and independent reviews of its trading conditions and customer service.