The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an important regulatory body, but it does not insure bank deposits. The SEC’s primary role is to oversee the securities markets, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Its mission is to protect investors, enforce securities laws, and maintain fair and efficient markets. While the SEC plays a vital part in regulating Wall Street and publicly traded companies, it has no connection to the insurance of personal bank accounts. That responsibility belongs solely to the FDIC. Confusing the SEC with the FDIC can lead to misunderstandings about where financial protections come from. If you're investing in stocks or mutual funds, the SEC ensures transparency and prevents fraud. But when it comes to safeguarding your money in a bank account, it's the FDIC — not the SEC — that protects your funds in the event of a bank failure.