Who We Are
The SEC Ombuds is an independent, neutral office created to assist retail investors and other members of the public in resolving concerns, questions, and complaints about the SEC, self-regulatory organizations (SROs) such as FINRA, and the exchanges such as the NYSE that are subject to SEC oversight.
With cumulative decades of experience spanning across the federal securities laws, the Ombuds team of attorneys is uniquely poised and dedicated to helping investors find solutions to their questions and problems with the SEC and SROs.
What We Do
Although we cannot advocate on behalf of any individual, our team will listen to your concerns, review the information you provide, and conduct tailored research to identify appropriate procedures, options, and resources available to you. We may study issues impacting retail investor interests, escalate those issues to the Investor Advocate and others within the Commission, and monitor those issues as necessary.
The Ombuds takes reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality of those who seek our assistance. In certain circumstances, however, the Ombuds team might need to share information with other divisions and offices – such as where the threat of imminent risk or harm exists; allegations relating to violations of the securities laws; allegations of government fraud, waste, or abuse; or as otherwise required by law, such as the Freedom of Information Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may contact the Ombuds?
Retail investors may contact the Ombuds if they have a specific concern about the SEC or a self-regulatory organization (SRO) the SEC oversees. Retail investors and other interested persons may also contact the Ombuds to present questions or issues to the Investor Advocate relating to securities law and policy, or if they wish to present their concerns, questions, or issues in a confidential forum.
What if I am not a retail investor or my concerns are not about the SEC or an SRO?
There is a lot of helpful information available on www.sec.gov and through the Additional Resources page. If you are not able to find what you need there, just let us know.
Will the Ombuds act as my advocate?
No. The Ombuds does not represent or act as an advocate for any person or entity, and does not take sides on any issues. The Ombuds maintains an impartial, neutral position when resolving problems, complaints, and concerns.
What law established the Ombuds role at the SEC?
Section 4(g)(8) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Investor Advocate to appoint an Ombuds to:
- act as a liaison between the Commission and any retail investor in resolving problems that retail investors may have with the Commission or with a self-regulatory organization (SRO);
- review policies and procedures and make recommendations to encourage people to present questions to the Investor Advocate regarding compliance with the securities laws; and
- establish safeguards to maintain the confidentiality of communications between these persons and the Ombuds.
The Ombuds cannot:
- act as your advocate or recover money for you
- impose, interfere with, or modify statutes, regulations, or laws – including any related policies, practices, or procedures – followed or enforced by the SEC
- make decisions or legal determinations for the SEC
- serve as a formal office of legal notice for the SEC
- make binding decisions or mandate policies
- participate in formal investigations or play a role in a formal resolution process
- address matters already in litigation or under formal investigation
- overturn any decisions of existing dispute resolution or appellate bodies
- provide any financial, legal, or investment advice
- serve in any role that compromises the Ombuds’s impartiality
Ombuds Standards of Practice
The Ombuds is guided by three core standards of practice:
Confidentiality
The Ombuds generally treats matters as confidential, and takes reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of communications. However, the Ombuds may need to contact other SEC divisions or offices, SROs, entities, and/or individuals and share information without permission under certain circumstances including, but not limited to: a threat of imminent risk or serious harm; assertions, complaints, or information relating to violations of the securities laws; allegations of government fraud, waste, or abuse; or if otherwise required by law.
Impartiality
The Ombuds does not act as an advocate for any party and does not take sides on any issues. The Ombuds maintains a neutral position and works to resolve matters by clarifying issues and procedures, facilitating discussions, and identifying options and resources.
Independence
By statute, the Ombuds reports directly to the Investor Advocate, who reports directly to the Chairman of the SEC. However, the Office of the
Investor Advocate and the Ombuds are designed to remain somewhat independent from the rest of the SEC. Through the Congressional reports filed every six months by the Investor Advocate, the Ombuds reports directly to Congress without any prior review or comment by the Commission or other Commission staff.
Stacy A. Puente
Ombuds
Contact the Office
202-551-3330
877-732-2001
Contact the Ombuds
The easiest way to contact the Ombuds is through the Ombuds Matter Management System (OMMS).
For information on the OIAD, Ombuds study of mandatory arbitration among SEC-registered advisers, click here
Modified: Feb. 16, 2021