Using SEC/Gov Databases for Corporate Research

Using SEC and Government Databases for Corporate Research

Extracting transparency data from public filings, ownership records, and financial disclosures.

Overview

Publicly available databases maintained by government agencies (like the U.S. SEC, state registries, or international corporate registries) offer a wealth of data on company operations, finances, lobbying, and ownership. Activists, journalists, and researchers can use this information to:

• Expose financial ties to harmful industries
• Uncover shell companies and beneficial ownership
• Track lobbying and political donations
• Monitor corporate environmental or human rights violations

This form of research strengthens campaigns, supports public education, and creates a paper trail for accountability.

Key Databases and Sources

• SEC EDGAR (U.S.):
  • https://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml
  • Public company filings, including 10-K (annual), 10-Q (quarterly), 8-K (incidents), and insider trades

• OpenCorporates:
  • https://opencorporates.com
  • Global database of companies and directors

• USAspending.gov:
  • Tracks federal contracts, grants, and sub-awards

• FEC (Federal Election Commission):
  • https://www.fec.gov/data/
  • Track political donations by corporations, executives, and PACs

• Lobbying Disclosure Act Database:
  • https://lda.senate.gov/
  • U.S. lobbying activity by industry and issue

• State Business Registries:
  • Vary by jurisdiction, often contain incorporation documents and officers

• Environmental and Labor Reports:
  • EPA ECHO (Environmental violations)
  • OSHA enforcement database

Techniques

• Use company names and EINs to cross-search across platforms
• Track executives or board members across multiple companies
• Map subsidiaries and shell entities through corporate family structures
• Combine filing dates with news events to uncover motivations or trends

Use Cases in Activism

• Reveal connections between corporate funders and surveillance tech or policing
• Track oil/gas company lobbying before environmental rollbacks
• Investigate public funds spent on private contractors
• Support divestment or boycott campaigns with solid data

Best Practices

• Archive reports and filings — they can disappear
• Translate financial jargon using glossaries or guides
• Collaborate with experts (e.g., investigative reporters or forensic accountants) when possible
• Always cite filing numbers or links for verification

Ethical and Legal Considerations

• All sources listed are public, but respect terms of use
• Don’t falsely attribute intent or outcomes without supporting evidence
• Avoid personal attacks on individuals unless clearly connected to public roles or decisions

Limitations

• Many databases are U.S.-centric; international equivalents vary
• Not all companies are publicly listed — private firms may have limited transparency
• Financial complexity can obscure real impacts without deep analysis

Related Topics

• Web Scraping and Public Record Mining
• Open Source Intelligence and Public Data Extraction
• AI Based Summarizers and Text Analysis

Resources and Further Reading

• LittleSis.org – Investigative database of powerful people and institutions
• https://www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-bulletins – Understanding filings
• OpenSecrets.org – Money in U.S. politics
• Global Witness, ICIJ – Corporate transparency watchdogs

Legal Disclaimer

This content is for educational use only. Always verify information and adhere to data protection laws when publishing findings. Use responsibly to challenge corporate power and inform public debate.