The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has compiled a quick infographic on the top ten searches on their site. Number 1 and 2 have to do with criminal actions: Fraud and Embezzlement. Not too surprising. In fact, many of the approximately 4000 SEC employees spend their time enforcing compliance of regulations as it is the largest division within the agency. The SEC spent $1.584 billion in its four strategic goals with 74% or $954.9 million going towards fostering and enforcing compliance with Federal securities laws. Each year the SEC brings hundreds, of actions against individuals and corporations that cross the line. In 2015 alone, the SEC recorded 807 cases and obtained orders for a whopping $4.2 billion in penalties and disgorgement. SEC Chair White called their enforcement program “impressive”.
