The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a government agency responsible for regulating the securities industry, which includes the stock market and other financial markets. The SEC was created in 1934 as part of the New Deal legislation in response to the stock market crash of 1929. The agency's mission is to protect investors, maintain fair and orderly markets, and facilitate capital formation. The SEC is headquartered in Washington, DC and has regional offices throughout the United States.