Capital Formation
The ability of companies to raise capital efficiently is the foundation of U.S. economic growth. Capital formation enables businesses to expand, innovate, hire, and compete, while providing investors with opportunities to build wealth and support the broader economy.
U.S. capital markets are the deepest, most liquid, and most diverse in the world, financing over 70% of all nonfinancial corporate debt and equity. Maintaining this strength requires a regulatory environment that encourages investment, supports innovation, and protects investors without impeding access to capital.
By the Numbers
Key Focus Areas
Promoting Efficient Access to Capital
SIFMA advocates for public policy and regulatory frameworks that promote efficient, well-functioning markets. Whether through public offerings or private placements, businesses must have access to diverse funding channels that reflect their size, growth stage, and strategic needs.
A strong and balanced regulatory regime fosters both investor confidence and the ability of companies, from start-ups to established corporations, to raise funds to drive economic expansion.
Strengthening Public Markets
Public markets remain a cornerstone of the American economy, providing transparency, liquidity, and accountability. However, the number of U.S.-listed public companies has declined substantially over the past two decades.
SIFMA supports modernizing disclosure, listing, and reporting requirements to make public markets more attractive and accessible for growing companies, while maintaining strong investor protections. Lowering barriers to entry can help reverse this decline and expand investment opportunities for retail and institutional investors alike.
Supporting Robust Private Markets
Private markets serve as a critical complement to public markets, providing flexible funding options for small and mid-sized businesses. SIFMA advocates for regulatory clarity and proportional oversight that allows private markets to thrive while ensuring transparency where appropriate.
Together, vibrant public and private markets form a powerful ecosystem for capital formation and economic growth.
Encouraging Investment and Savings
Capital formation depends on broad investor participation. SIFMA supports policies that encourage individuals to save and invest for the long term — including through retirement accounts, college savings plans, and other investment vehicles.
Policies that enhance investor education, financial literacy, and access to professional advice help ensure that households can participate meaningfully in wealth creation through the capital markets.
Coordinating Regulatory Approaches
Fragmented or overly prescriptive regulation can hinder the flow of capital. SIFMA encourages coordination among U.S. regulators — including the SEC, CFTC, and prudential agencies — and with international counterparts to create a coherent, consistent framework that promotes innovation, reduces duplicative requirements, and maintains global competitiveness.
The Bottom Line
Efficient capital formation powers innovation, job creation, and economic resilience. SIFMA supports policies that ensure companies of all sizes can raise funds efficiently, investors can participate confidently, and U.S. markets remain the world’s most dynamic engine for growth.
