Answer:
Government agency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a federal agency of the government established to monitor and regulate the securities market. The SEC is tasked with regulating a fair and just functioning of the exchange market.
Created in 1934, the SEC helps regulate the market and protects investors from getting into the wrong business. And though it is a federal agency, it is also capable of bringing civil actions against any lawbreakers and any criminal cases that may be detrimental or dangerous for the country.
Thus, the correct answer is the fourth option.