FINRA - FINRA is the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. They oversee nearly 4,560 brokerage firms, 163,335 branch offices and 631,305 registered securities representatives. Their chief role is to protect investors by maintaining the fairness of the U.S. capital markets.

SEC - The mission of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.

The world of investing is fascinating and complex and it can be very fruitful. But unlike the banking world, where deposits are guaranteed by the federal government; stocks, bonds and other securities can lose value. There are no guarantees.

That's why investing is not a spectator sport. By far the best way for investors to protect the money they put into the securities markets is to do research and ask questions.