Securities Act of 1933 - Overview
What is the 33 Act?
Written by Jason Gordon
Updated at November 30th, 2020
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What is the SECURITIES ACT OF 1933?
The 33 Act is a federal disclosure law covering the initial sale of securities to the public. Specifically, the 33 Act makes it illegal to use the mail or any other means of interstate communication or transportation to sell securities without disclosing certain financial information to potential investors. Most notably, the issuer must register the issuance of securities with the SEC, unless the issuer is able to conduct the issuance pursuant to a registration exemption. Regardless, the 33 Act covers all initial offers to sell securities and places detailed disclosure requirements on those issuing securities (issuees). These disclosures allow potential investors to make informed decisions about purchasing the issued securities.
Note: Failure to comply with the 33 Act may lead to civil and criminal penalties. Often, however, violations of the 33 Act may lead to court ordered relief such as injunctions against the violator or equitable remedies for those negatively affected by the issuance.
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