Which regulatory body is primarily involved in private equity in the U.S.?

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the primary regulatory body overseeing private equity in the U.S. This agency's primary mission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. Private equity firms typically engage in fundraising from accredited investors, and these fundraising activities often fall under the SEC's jurisdiction. The SEC requires firms to adhere to various regulations, including registration requirements for certain investment advisors, disclosures related to the performance of funds, and compliance with securities laws.

The SEC’s role is crucial because it ensures transparency and ethics in the investment practices of private equity, helping to mitigate risks associated with potential fraud and misrepresentation. The other options listed are involved in financial regulation but serve different functions and are not specifically focused on the private equity sector. For instance, the Financial Conduct Authority oversees markets primarily in the UK, while the Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulates futures and options markets. The Office of Financial Regulation, typically associated with state-level oversight, does not have the same broad authority over private equity as the SEC.