Securities Act of 1933

Securities Act of 1933

First law designed to regulate securities markets, requiring registration of securities and disclosure.

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Securities Act of 1933

Legislation in the United States that formed the first major federal regulation of the securities trade. Among other provisions, it requires companies traded under interstate commerce to register with the federal government and disclose their financial statements and other activities. Before 1934, registration and disclosure were made with the Federal Trade Commission but, following the creation of the Securities & Exchange Commission, this changed. See also: New Deal.

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Securities Act of 1933

A landmark securities law intended to improve the flow of information to potential investors in new security issues and to prohibit certain selling practices relating to those issues. Issuing firms are required to register their securities with the federal government, and investment bankers must provide investors with a prospectus. Secondary issues, private offerings, and certain small issues are usually exempted from requirements of the Act.