SEC Publishes Draft Strategic Plan Through 2026

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

The Securities and Exchange Commission submitted  a draft strategic plan for fiscal years 2022 to 2026 for public input. 

The draft strategic plan released on Wednesday highlighted three objectives for the next four years: protecting working families against fraud, manipulation or misconduct; developing and implementing a regulatory framework that matches evolving markets, business models, and technologies; and supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“We can’t take our leadership in capital markets for granted,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler in a statement. “Technology and business models are always changing, and it is important for our agency to evolve in kind. Through the goals we’ve laid out in this strategic plan, we will continue to bring a skilled and steady hand to the capital markets of a changing world. We look forward to reviewing public comments.”

The federal agency hopes to improve its interpretation of data and explore new technologies to survey the market, promote competition and enforce the law against improper misconduct. The SEC also seeks to provide greater transparency by updating its disclosure framework and reflect investor needs. 

To prompt the development of new financial instruments and technologies, the SEC wants to promote open communication in private markets and modernize its rules to ensure they apply in every situation. The SEC also aims to attract, acquire and retain  a diverse workforce with a broad variety of skills and  backgrounds, while developing initiatives that encourage equal opportunities. 

“Investor education and outreach must continue to focus on diverse and underserved communities as well as on emerging and popular investment topics,” the plan says. “These efforts should reflect input from stakeholders, including retail investors, via proactive outreach, roundtables and field hearings.”