The SEC has announced that it collected a record-breaking $8.2 billion in penalties and investor relief for fiscal 2024. This amount is the highest ever collected by the agency, demonstrating its commitment to enforcing securities laws and protecting investors.
Despite this financial impact, there was a 26% decrease in the number of enforcement cases compared to the previous year. This suggests a change in the agency's approach, with a focus on larger, more impactful cases rather than a higher volume of smaller actions.
The annual report emphasizes the SEC's efforts to maintain market integrity and investor confidence in a changing financial landscape.