The Securities and Exchange Commission has joined the growing list of companies and agencies mobilizing to provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The SEC will organize its resources for emergency relief for investors, companies and securities firms affected by the disaster.
The SEC divisions and offices that oversee publicly traded companies, accountants, mutual funds, brokerage firms and transfer agents, among others, are preparing relief measures including extensions of filing deadlines and suspension of requirements to deliver documents to hurricane-affected areas.
The relief effort would also enable broker dealers to provide access to accounts held at offices that are no longer operable. The commission is also working with banking agencies and self-regulatory organizations.
The regulator said that its Division of Enforcement is monitoring for any Katrina-related securities scams that attempt to take advantage of the tragedy by defrauding desperate victims.
The SEC has established both telephone and e-mail hotlines to provide immediate responses to questions. Calls should be directed to (202) 551-3300, or sent via e-mail to cfhotline@sec.gov.
