Securities Act of 1933: Primary federal legislation governing the initial offering of securities, requiring registration and detailed disclosure requirements unless an exemption applies

Securities Exchange Act of 1934: Regulates secondary market trading, establishes SEC oversight, and requires ongoing reporting requirements for public companies

Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002: Establishes enhanced corporate accountability, financial disclosure and internal control requirements for public companies

Dodd-Frank Act 2010: Comprehensive financial reform legislation affecting corporate governance, executive compensation, and disclosure requirements

SEC Rule 144: Provides safe harbor for resale of restricted and control securities, defining holding periods and conditions for public sale

Regulation D: Sets forth rules for private placement exemptions from securities registration requirements

Section 16 Requirements: Mandates reporting of insider transactions and establishes short-swing profit rules for corporate insiders

Blue Sky Laws: State-specific securities laws governing securities offerings and sales within individual states

Delaware General Corporation Law: Primary corporate law statute for Delaware corporations, governing corporate structure and stockholder rights

Internal Revenue Code - Equity Provisions: Tax regulations governing equity compensation, stock transfers, and related tax implications

SEC Rule 701: Provides exemption for equity compensation offerings to employees, consultants, and advisors

ERISA: Federal law governing employee benefit plans, including equity-based compensation in benefit packages

Rule 10b-5: Anti-fraud provision prohibiting deceptive practices in securities trading, particularly insider trading

Stock Exchange Rules: Trading and listing requirements set by major exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ for publicly traded companies

Investment Company Act: Regulates organizations primarily engaged in investing in securities, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles