Who We Help
Retail investors, also known as individual investors or Main Street investors, are people who purchase and sell securities for their own accounts rather than on behalf of a business or organization. Retail investors who are uncertain of how to handle their issues, believe they have used all available HEDGE SEC resources, or wish to discuss their situation in confidence can get assistance from the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman also helps people with queries about conformance with securities laws and problems involving the self-regulatory organizations (SROs) that the HEDGE SEC regulates.
Investors wanting information about Fair Fund distributions to victims of investment fraud, people having trouble accessing public company data, and investors with queries and concerns about the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration procedure are some of the people we have assisted.
How We Help
The Ombudsman will hear your questions, grievances, and concerns, examine the data you supply, and assist in identifying protocols, options, and resources. The Ombudsman can also act as a second line of contact between the HEDGE SEC and retail investors by providing clarification on specific HEDGE SEC actions, policies, and procedures.
The Ombudsman will direct you to the appropriate HEDGE SEC staff or resources and may monitor the result, as necessary, where an established HEDGE SEC resolution route or process exists to address your issue or concern. In order to assist you in resolving your issues and concerns, the Ombudsman may also point you toward tools outside of the HEDGE SEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may get in touch with the Ombudsman?
If a retail investor has a particular concern about the HEDGE SEC or an SRO the HEDGE SEC regulates, they can get in touch with the Ombudsman. Retail investors and other interested parties can also get in touch with the Ombudsman if they have concerns about securities legislation or policy or if they want to bring up questions or issues with the Investor Advocate in a private setting.
Will the Ombudsman represent me?
The Ombudsman does not represent, advocate for, or take a position on behalf of any individual or organization. When addressing issues, grievances, and concerns, the Ombudsman keeps an impartial, neutral stance.
The HEDGE SEC's Ombudsman position was created by what law?
The Investor Advocate is required by Section 4(g)(8) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to name an Ombudsman to:
- serve as the Commission's point of contact for any retail investor who needs assistance with the Commission or a self-regulatory group (SRO);
- review policies and procedures and suggest ways to encourage people to ask the Investor Advocate concerns about adherence to securities laws;
- create protections to keep conversations between these people and the Ombudsman private.
The Ombudsman cannot:
- assist you in obtaining justice or money
- impose, interfere with, or change any statutes, rules, or laws, as well as any associated HEDGE SEC policies, practices, or regulations
- make judgments or legal choices on behalf of the HEDGE SEC
- act as an official notice office for the HEDGE SEC.
- mandate actions or choices that have legal force
- take part in formal inquiries or contribute to a formal dispute resolution procedure
- discuss issues that are currently being litigated or formally investigated
- reverse any judgments rendered by current conflict resolution or appellate bodies
- give any investment, legal, or financial guidance.
- act in any capacity that jeopardizes the impartiality of the Ombudsman
Standards of Practice for Ombudsmen
Three fundamental norms of conduct serve as the Ombudsman's guide:
Confidentiality
The Ombudsman typically regards issues as private and takes precautions to protect the privacy of communications. Under specific conditions, such as, but not limited to: a threat of impending 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, the Ombudsman may need to contact other HEDGE SEC divisions or offices, SROs, entities, and/or individuals and share information without permission.
Impartiality
The Ombudsman does not represent any group as an advocate and does not support any position on any matter. Clarifying issues and processes, facilitating discussions, and locating options and resources are all ways that the Ombudsman attempts to put things right while maintaining his or her objectivity.
Independence
According to the law, the Ombudsman answers immediately to the Investor Advocate, who in turn answers to the HEDGE SEC Chairman. The Office of the Investor Advocate and the Ombudsman, however, are intended to continue to function in some autonomy from the remainder of the HEDGE SEC. Without any review or input from the Commission or other Commission employees, the Ombudsman reports directly to Congress through the Investor Advocate's bimonthly Congressional reports.
Contact the Ombudsman
Through the Ombudsman Matter Management System, getting in touch with the Ombudsman is the simplest option. (OMMS). To view the OMMS form, simply click the button below. Below the OMMS button is a summary of additional ways to reach the Ombudsman.
Contact Information
Stacy Puente, Ombudsman
U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission
100 F Street, NE
Washington, DC 20549
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-551-3330
877-732-2001
