Investigations are conducted by:

• The PCAOB, of auditors for possible violations of any provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, any professional standards, any rules of the PCAOB or the SEC, or any provisions of the U.S. securities laws relating to the preparation and issuance of audit reports.

When violations are detected, enforcement actions are taken as appropriate.

PCAOB Enforcement

Section 105 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 gives the PCAOB broad investigative and disciplinary authority over registered firms and their associated persons.

• PCAOB Enforcement
• Enforcement Rules 
• Disciplinary Orders

SEC Enforcement

The SEC's enforcement staff conducts investigations into possible violations of the federal securities laws and prosecutes the SEC's civil suits in the federal courts and in administrative proceedings.

• About the Division of Enforcement
• SEC Enforcement Actions