SEC Commissioner Kara Stein discussed market integrity, the protection of investors, and responsiveness to technological advancements. At the SEC and North American Securities Administrators Association ("NASAA") Section 19(d) Conference, Ms. Stein underscored the necessity of adapting to technological advancements using high-quality data and data analytics. She emphasized that the SEC is committed to collecting high-quality data (citing initiatives to examine Regulations A and CF), and suggested that all regulators remain focused on the importance of data analytics.

Ms. Stein urged regulators to continue exploring the uses of blockchain technology while remaining vigilant in advancing cybersecurity measures. She expressed a particular concern with the ever-expanding role of cybersecurity in the financial markets:

"The growing number, frequency, and impact of cyber threats have propelled cybersecurity into one of the most important issues facing our markets. These are risks we need to understand in order to better protect investors and the integrity of our markets. We will need to adapt and make technology a bigger part of our mission."

Ms. Stein called for increased cooperation between the SEC and NASAA, and explained that strong information-sharing practices can contribute to better investor protection.

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