Understanding many of today’s investment products and dynamic capital markets can be a challenging task, even to seasoned investors. That’s why the Securities and Exchange Commission’s entire five-member Commission went to Atlanta to host Investing in America: The SEC Comes to You, a first-of-its-kind town hall event outside the confines of our nation’s capital.
“It was a privilege to participate in the first town hall event attended by all five commissioners outside the Beltway in the SEC’s history." “The more we hear directly from the retail investors we serve about the issues they face across the country in managing their personal finances and how the SEC’s actions may affect them, the more effective we will be in carrying out our mission in a way that meets their long term needs.”
–Chairman Jay Clayton
Speaking to over 300 people at Georgia State University College of Law, and many more via the live webcast, the Commissioners invited Main Street investors to share feedback on topics that directly affect their personal finances and the regional and national economies. Commissioners kicked off the event with an interactive discussion aimed to help investors reach their financial goals. Topics included choosing a financial professional, investing in mutual funds and ETFs, finding information about companies, how FinTech is changing investment options, and how to protect personal information in the digital age.
Attendees were then invited to attend one of the five breakout sessions to take a deeper dive into topics that the Commission is frequently asked about. Each Commissioner hosted a different breakout session including tips for savers, stopping fraud, investing in, and raising money by, small companies, digital currencies, and assessing the value of information investors receive about their mutual funds and ETFs.
But the opportunity to share their thoughts with the SEC doesn’t end in the Peach State. Those that could not attend the Atlanta town hall in-person can go to SEC.gov/Tell-Us to share their Investor Experience. The SEC understands that investors have questions, and the agency wants to hear them.
And for investors seeking information about smart investing, Investor.gov is always available with tips, including how to find a financial professional, the red flags of financial fraud, and what to look for in different investment products. The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy is also available to answer any questions about investing at 1-800-732-0330.
Watch the Investing in America Webcast.