ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Securities Exchange Act

The securities exchange act is like a set of rules that grown-ups follow when they want to buy or sell company stocks, like a piece of ownership in a company. The rules help to make sure that everyone plays fair and nobody cheats.

For example, imagine a bunch of kids playing a game of trading cards. The securities exchange act would be the rules of the game to make sure everyone gets a fair chance to trade and nobody takes advantage by cheating, like making up fake cards or hiding cards from others.

The securities exchange act says companies have to give people who want to invest in their stocks all the important information about their company, so that people know what they are buying. It also says that companies cannot just lie about their company or manipulate their stock prices to trick people into investing.

The securities exchange act also created the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is like the grown-ups who supervise the card game to make sure everyone is playing by the rules. They also help people who need help understanding or solving problems related to buying or selling stocks.

Overall, the securities exchange act helps to make sure that people who want to invest in a company have all the information they need to make a good decision, and that everyone involved follows the rules of the game.