SEC gears up to investigate securities-related crimes

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to pursue investigations of securities-related crimes after the regulator was empowered to independently conduct investigations, a function previously reserved for the police.

- NUNTAWUN POLKUAMDEE

Anek Yooyuen, deputy secretary-general and spokesperson for the SEC, said this development aligns with the cabinet's resolution to lift investor confidence by enhancing the SEC’s operations through six key legal reforms. These reforms are being reviewed by the Council of State.

A critical reform is the SEC’s newly proposed authority to investigate and compile legal case files independently, particularly for high-impact cases with wide-reaching market consequences.

For existing cases under review by other agencies, the regulator may reopen investigations under this new mandate.

Another proposed measure is requiring corporate executives and major shareholders to disclose individual share pledges to mitigate market disruption. This authority is subject to a public hearing before it can be enacted.