Who does the Sarbanes-Oxley Act primarily protect?

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act primarily protects shareholders and investors by enhancing the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures. This legislation was enacted in response to a series of accounting scandals, notably the Enron scandal, aiming to prevent fraudulent financial reporting and restore public confidence in the financial markets.

One of the key features of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is the requirement for companies to maintain rigorous internal controls over financial reporting, ensuring that investors receive accurate and complete information about a company's financial performance. The act also imposes strict penalties on executives who knowingly misrepresent financial information, providing a safeguard for investors against corporate malfeasance.

Additionally, the act established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to oversee the audits of public companies, further protecting investors by ensuring that audits are conducted according to established standards. By focusing on transparency and accountability, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act aims to protect shareholders and investors, thereby enhancing the integrity of the financial markets.