The SEC rulemaking process under the federal securities laws is designed to solicit significant public input and undergo rigorous analysis before any regulatory change takes effect. A need for rulemaking can be identified internally by the Commission or its staff, or externally by Congress, regulatory organizations, or the public.
Twice a year under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the SEC is required to publish an agenda identifying rules that the agency estimates it may consider in upcoming months. View the latest SEC RegFlex agenda.
Besides the agency’s own rulemaking authority, the SEC also oversees the rulemaking functions of securities exchanges and other self-regulatory organizations (SROs) such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
View SEC Rulemaking Activity
See an index of various SEC proposed and final rules as well as other Commission releases and notices related to our regulatory obligations under the federal securities laws.
Share Your View to Inform SEC Rulemaking
The SEC engages in rulemaking through a transparent process guided by the Administrative Procedure Act and informed by public comment. Members of the public are invited to share comments on proposed rulemakings.
Comment on Rulemaking by SROs
See an index of filings submitted by securities exchanges and regulatory associations under the SEC's purview, including FINRA, PCAOB, and MSRB. Many of these filings are open to public comment for a select period of time.
Statutes & Regulations
There are several laws that govern the securities industry and the SEC’s rulemaking and enforcement authority.
Regulatory Orders & Notices
Compilation of notices and orders from the Commission pursuant to applications filed by exchanges and others under various federal securities laws.
Policy Statements
From time to time, the Commission issues a "policy statement" to clarify its position on a particular matter.
Staff Guidance
SEC staff's written interpretations on various topics, including accounting bulletins, legal bulletins, and disclosure guidance.
No-Action Letters
Correspondence from SEC staff in response to requests for no-action, interpretive, or exemptive letters.
Public Petitions for Rulemaking
Filed by members of the public for the Commission to issue, amend or repeal a rule of general application.
Last Reviewed or Updated: July 2, 2024