As per section 302 of the act, the senior management is responsible to develop and implement a system of internal controls, and compliance systems. The financial report should consist of reviewers' comments that they have evaluated the internal controls systems at the company which was found to be satisfactory, and no material risks are left unnoticed. .
4. Enhanced Financial Disclosure.
In order to prevent against the risks arising out of non-disclosure and/ or limited disclosure of information by companies like Tyco and Enron, SOX requires the companies to rigorously follow Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and adequately disclose off balance sheet and hidden information of material value that can affect shareholders' money and investment decisions.
5. Analyst Conflicts of Interest.
This section deals with investment companies and brokers. It requires that the security analysts should not have personal interests in the securities for which he or she is responsible. That is required to prevent security analyst in misleading the investor to make investments in securities that add to analysts' personal gains.
6. Commission Resources and Authority.
This section has amended section 35 of Securities Exchange Act of 1934. It details the requirements, responsibilities, and authority of the commission, court, and the brokers. It identifies the bars and penalties that can be imposed by respective authorities. .
7. Studies and Reports.
Section 7 requires development of various studies and reports for disclosure purposes. This includes reports regarding credit rating agencies, reports on violations and violators, study on enforcement actions, and others. The purpose is to spread information so that general public is kept aware about the affairs of the company.
8. Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability.
This shows that severe penalties have been enforced on the person or entity that knowingly carries out activities that adversely impact the interests of public in companies.