Investments are assets or items acquired for the purpose of generating interest payments, income, or appreciation in value. Real estate, stocks, bonds, options, annuities, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, artwork, and collectibles are common examples of investments.
In Kansas, as in other states, investments are regulated to protect investors and ensure fair practices in the market. The Kansas Securities Act governs the offering and sale of securities, which includes stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, and certain types of annuities. The Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner is responsible for enforcing the Act, which requires registration of securities, licensing of brokers and investment advisors, and disclosure of important investment information to the public. Cryptocurrencies, while a newer form of investment, are subject to federal regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), as well as state laws that may apply to their sale and exchange. Real estate investments are subject to state property laws and regulations by the Kansas Real Estate Commission, which oversees licensing and practices of real estate brokers and salespersons. Artwork and collectibles, while not as heavily regulated, may be subject to sales and use tax, and transactions can be governed by general contract and consumer protection laws.