The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched last week a new strategic plan that focuses on investors, innovation, and performance.
The four-year strategic plan reflects the agency’s commitment to its mission of serving investors while addressing the challenges from fast-evolving markets. It was published last week in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010, which requires federal agencies to outline their missions and strategic goals for a four-year period.
The plan has three primary goals, with the first being a focus on the long-term interests of investors. Specifically, the SEC will strive to understand better how a wider range of investors participate in the capital markets and how to tailor policy initiatives with retail investors in mind. Among the initiatives under this goal is to modernize disclosure and expand investor choice.
The second goal is to recognize developments and trends in capital markets and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that resources are effectively allocated. Here, the SEC will analyze market developments, evaluate existing rules and procedures, and better understand the changing cyber-landscape to ensure the right resources are dedicated appropriately.
Third, the plan seeks to elevate the SEC’s performance through enhancement of its analytical capabilities and human capital development. Thus, the SEC will invest in data and technology to leverage “the experience, knowledge, creativity, leadership, and teamwork of the SEC’s staff and its leaders.” The SEC is also committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce with a range of skills and expertise.