Securities and Exchange

Securities and Exchange Commission - The SEC regulates all aspects of

the securities markets. It verifies that information related to the

market is released to the general public. The SEC also regulates

exchanges, financial advisors, dealers and brokers. This is all being

done to protect people against fraud and to make sure securities

dealings are done fairly. The SEC also works with several areas of the

government and is a huge source of information for investors. The SEC

has the ability to enforce its authority and brings hundreds of actions

against companies and individuals for violation of the laws. Financial

Accounting Standards Board- The FASB is the designated organization for

setting standards in the area of financial accounting and reporting.

They were established to improve financial accounting and to set

standards that are used by all nongovernmental entities. This is

important so that individuals are able to understand financial reports

and are able to make important decisions about investing based on the

information provided in those reports. International Accounting

Standards Board- The IASB is a board developed under the IFRS

Foundation. The Foundation is a non profit, independent organization

working to develop a set of financial reporting standards that is

accepted globally. They are based more on the needs of the private

sector and public interest. They are concerned with the financial

reporting needs of developing economies and small and medium sized

entities. They are trying to set everyone to a higher standard of

quality. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants- The AICPA

is the national professional organization of Certified Public

Accountants. It is set up to provide standards for the profession. It

also sets up auditing standards for the audits of private companies,

non profit organizations and government agencies. This agency sets

standards and audit practices for all areas of accounting and personal...