Federal and state laws govern how the financial markets protect investors and consumers, and promote financial stability. Read Investopedia's expert-written library to learn more. 

Explore Investing Laws

Securities Act of 1933: Significance and History
Midsection of Judge and Client Sitting at Table in Office
Blue Sky Laws: Definition, Purpose, How They're Regulated
Dodd-Frank Act: Legislation to make the U.S. financial system safer and prevent a repeat of the excessive risk-taking that led to the 2007-2008 financial crisis.
Dodd-Frank Act: What It Does, Major Components, Criticisms
A bound paper copy of the FLSA/Fair Labor Standards Act on paper
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Overview and History
Putting Numbers Into Perspective
Emergency Banking Act of 1933: Definition, Purpose, Importance
Copyright Protection
Copyright Explained: Definition, Types, and How It Works
Middle-aged African American couple discussing retirement plans with financial advisor.
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 Definition, Overview
Midsection of person holding a tablet with digital graphs coming out of the tablet
Investment Company Act of 1940 Definition
Model of several small buildings inside single larger building
Sherman Antitrust Act: Definition, History, and What It Does
Financial CHOICE Act
Financial CHOICE Act
Usury key -- computer keyboard
Usury Laws: Definition, Purpose, Regulation, and Enforcement
David Dubinsky gives a speech against the Hartley-Taft bill, with Luigi Antonini in the audience, May 4, 1947
What Is the Taft-Hartley Act?
Budget Control Act (BCA)
Budget Control Act (BCA)
Tort Law
Tort Law: What It Is and How It Works, With Examples
Exterior of the US Federal Reserve Building in Washington DC
Competition In Contracting Act (CICA)
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: What It Is, How It Works, Ramifications
Financial services, viewing financial markets for investing
National Securities Markets Improvement Act (NSMIA)
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Uniform Securities Act
Young man looking at a tablet in front of a computer screen and laptop showing financial information
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): Objectives and FAQ
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): What You Need to Know
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the 1964 Civil Rights Act as Martin Luther King, Jr., and others, look on.
What Is the Civil Rights Act of 1964? What's Included and History
Monthly mortgage insurance provided is required on all FHA loans.
National Housing Act: Overview, Impact, Criticisms
US Silver Dollars on Black Background
Crime of 1873
Telecommunications Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA)
January 29, 2009: President Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law 01/29/09.
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: Definition, History, Impact
Investor Protection Act
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Uniform Partnership Act (UPA): Key Concepts and FAQs
What Is the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA)? Definition
US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) of 2008
Historical photo of a bank run in New York
Diamond-Dybvig Model: Theory of Bank Runs
A man walks past five foreclosed homes in Chicago on July 21, 2010.
Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA): Overview, History, FAQ
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA)
Insider Trading Act of 1988
McFadden Act
McFadden Act
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Employment Act of 1946
Insider Trading Sanctions Act of 1984
Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996
Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996
Monetary Accord of 1951
Monetary Accord of 1951
Water Quality Improvement Act Of 1970
Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970
handicap
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA)
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Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
Urban Development Act Of 1970
Urban Development Act of 1970
Uniform Individual Accident and Sickness Policy Provisions Act
Financial Regulations: Glass-Steagall to Dodd-Frank