A Public company needs to evaluate and disclose the effectiveness of their internal controls as they relate to financial reporting. Independent auditors need to attest by agreeing or qualifying such disclosure. Additionally the financial reports need to be certified by CEO and CFO.

A Public company to create a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Companies listed on stock exchanges should have fully independent audit committees that oversee the relationship between the company and its auditor. The Act provides for Auditor independence, including outright bans on certain types of work for audit clients and pre-certification by the company's Audit Committee of all other non-audit work

The Act bans most personal loans to any executive officer or director, prohibits insider trades during pension fund blackout periods and requires accelerated reporting of trades by insiders

Enhanced criminal and civil penalties for violations of securities law. Protection for whistleblowers is provided under the Act.