Wisconsin. Office of the Commissioner of Securities

The office of the Commissioner of Securities was established by Chapter 75, Laws of 1967. It succeeded the Dept. of Securities (WIHV87-A1273). Under 1995 Wisconsin Act 27, the Office and its divisions were transferred to the newly created Division of Securities (WIHV97-A358) within the Dept. of Financial Institutions (WIHV96-A846), effective July 1, 1996. The above form of the name is used in Wisconsin State Archives' database entries for all appropriate records, dating 1967-1996.

The commissioner regulated the sale of securities for the protection of the investing public. He was responsible for registration of securities prior to public sale; licensing and examination of broker-dealers, agents, and investment advisers; investigation of complaints involving the illegal sale of securities; and enforcement of the securities law.

The commissioner fulfills a role similar to that of the federal Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, under Chapters 241 and 300, Laws of 1971, the commissioner regulates the offer and sale of franchise investments in the state and corporate take-over offers involving target companies located in the state. The commissioner also renders opinions and answers inquiries of investors concerning registrations and licenses and the interpretation of the securities law.

From the description of Agency history record. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145776992