SEC Chair Jay Clayton Discusses Agency Priorities

SEC Chair Jay Clayton detailed agency priorities, including capital formation, enforcement and international cooperation.

In remarks at the 29th International Institute for Securities Market Growth and Development, Mr. Clayton stated that facilitating capital formation is critical because capital markets are "engines for economic and societal growth and development." He said that in times of rapid technological change, it is important for the SEC to adapt its approach to allow capital markets to innovate.

In addition to capital formation, Mr. Clayton said, the agency is "laser-focused" on addressing fraud and abuse in markets. While the SEC lacks criminal authority, Mr. Clayton stated, the agency does have "robust civil investigative powers."

Enforcement, according to Mr. Clayton, is an area where the SEC relies on the help of international counterparts. On the topic of international cooperation, Mr. Clayton noted that in 2018, the SEC Enforcement Division sought international assistance over a thousand times.