Final answer:
The Securities and Exchange Commission regulates financial information for publicly-traded companies to ensure transparency and protect consumers and taxpayers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. agency that regulates financial information released about publicly-traded companies is known as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Established as a result of the Federal Securities Act, the SEC's role is to promote the financial stability of the United States by improving accountability and transparency in the financial system. To achieve this, it oversees and supervises the sale of securities, including the activities of brokers, dealers, and bankers involved in these transactions. The goal of these regulations is also to protect the American taxpayer by ending bailouts and ensuring consumers are shielded from abusive financial services practices.
In response to financial crises or systemic risks, the SEC can adjust its regulatory framework. For example, after the 2008-2009 recession, there were significant questions raised about the adequacy of financial oversight, leading to the introduction of new rules and increased scrutiny on financial market regulators to act promptly and transparently.