Sipc Snapshot
Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) is an industry-financed insurance plan that protects clients of most broker-dealers registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). SIPC insures customers' securities (up to $500,000 per account) against losses due to the financial failure of brokerage firms. Losses caused by fluctuations in market value are not protected. The not-for-profit membership corporation was mandated by the Securities Investor Protection Act and has more than 6,000 members. Its board is appointed by the US president, the treasury secretary, and the Federal Reserve Board. Assessments from members and investments in government securities provide money for the SIPC Fund.