About the Office

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) promotes investor protection, cross-border securities transactions and fair, efficient and transparent markets by advancing international regulatory and enforcement cooperation, promoting the adoption of high regulatory standards worldwide, and formulating technical assistance programs to strengthen the regulatory infrastructure in global financial markets.

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International Regulatory Policy

OIA advances the SEC's interests in a number of international organizations and bilateral dialogues. SEC staff participation in international workstreams has increased dramatically following the financial crisis because of the resulting change in the international financial architecture. SEC staff actively promotes and protects, daily, the SEC's mission and interests in these international workstreams.

Cooperative Arrangements with Foreign Regulators

 

Enforcement Cooperation

Enforcement cooperation is among the top priorities of the SEC's international program.

Supervisory Cooperation

The SEC has entered into a number of information sharing arrangements to facillitate supervisory cooperation with foreign regulators.

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International Technical Assistance

The SEC’s Technical Assistance program advances the agency’s mission by building the capacity of, and establishing strong working relationships with, the SEC’s international regulatory and law enforcement counterparts. SEC staff experts share their perspectives on best practices in securities regulation and enforcement, and share lessons learned from practical experience in overseeing securities markets. Our Technical Assistance programs cover a range of topics, including creating robust examination and enforcement programs and establishing effective disclosure regimes for public companies and market participants, which we view as foundational elements of effective capital markets oversight, as well as key to market development.

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YJ Fischer bio headshot
YJ Fischer, Director, Office of International Affairs

Contact the Office
202-551-6690

International Enforcement Assistance

OIA provides advice on and assists with cross-border securities investigations and prosecutions and negotiates international information-sharing arrangements with foreign regulators and law enforcement agencies. Foreign authorities may obtain information about seeking the SEC's enforcement counsel and assistance here.