Who We Help
Retail investors – sometimes referred to as individual investors or Main Street investors – are persons who buy and sell securities for themselves, and not for an institution or organization. The Ombudsman helps retail investors who are unsure about how to handle their concerns, feel they have exhausted all other SEC resources, or want to discuss their matter confidentially. The Ombudsman also assists individuals with issues relating to the self-regulatory organizations (SROs) the SEC oversees and with questions about compliance with the securities laws.
Those we have helped include investors seeking information about Fair Fund distributions to investment fraud victims, individuals having difficulty accessing public company data, and investors with questions and concerns about the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration process.
How We Help
The Ombudsman will listen to your inquiries, complaints, and issues, review the information you provide, and help identify procedures, options, and resources. The Ombudsman is also available to clarify certain SEC decisions, policies, and practices, and serve as an alternate channel of communication between retail investors and the SEC.
Where an established SEC resolution channel or process exists to address your issue or concern, the Ombudsman will direct you to the appropriate SEC staff or resources and may monitor the outcome, if needed. The Ombudsman may also help you identify resources outside of the SEC to help resolve your matters and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ombudsman cannot:
- act as your advocate or recover money for you
- impose, interfere with, or modify statutes, regulations, or laws – including any related policies, practices, or procedures – followed or enforced by the SEC
- make decisions or legal determinations for the SEC
- serve as a formal office of legal notice for the SEC
- make binding decisions or mandate policies
- participate in formal investigations or play a role in a formal resolution process
- address matters already in litigation or under formal investigation
- overturn any decisions of existing dispute resolution or appellate bodies
- provide any financial, legal, or investment advice
- serve in any role that compromises the Ombudsman’s impartiality
Ombudsman Standards of Practice
The Ombudsman is guided by three core standards of practice:
Tracey L. McNeil, Ombudsman
U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission
100 F Street, NE
Washington, DC 20549
Email: Ombudsman@sec.gov
Phone: (202) 551-3330
Toll-free: (877) 732-2001
Fax: (301) 847-4722