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Acts and the Financial Crisis

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Submitted By bjornjerome
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ROOTS OF A FINANCIAL CRISIS
Most companies are currently faced with specific challenges, questions and concerns that are caused by today's uncertain economic environment. In times of market instability, there is an increased potential for management fraud as unexpected losses and financing difficulties create pressure on those who are concerned about the financial performance and solvency of their business. Decisions made in the past due to financial crises are constantly being reconsidered and old certainties questioned.
Accounting has been evolving with the development of advancements and setbacks of society. The SEC has to constantly reevaluate their accounting policies due to past events and changes from various economic and financial crises. The complexities and debates that arise from the causes of a financial crisis result in revisions to accounting regulations and standards that seem to be quickly implemented in order to prevent future disasters.

THE SECURITIES ACTS OF 1933 AND 1934
The Securities Act was Congress' opening shot in the war on securities fraud with Congress primarily targeting the issuers of securities. Companies which issue securities (issuers) seek to raise money to fund new projects or investments or to expand; thus, companies have an incentive to present the company and its plans in the rosiest light possible. The Securities Act serves the dual purpose of ensuring that issuers selling securities to the public disclose material information to investors, and that any securities transactions are not based on fraudulent information or practices. In this context, "material" means information that would affect a reasonable investor's evaluation of the company's stock. The goal is to provide investors with accurate information so that they can make informed investment decisions.
The Securities Act effectuates disclosure through a mandatory

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