What are the key components of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act?

The correct response highlights the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was enacted in response to a series of financial scandals in the early 2000s, such as those involving Enron and WorldCom. This legislation introduced stringent regulations aimed at enhancing the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures, thereby restoring public confidence in the financial markets.

Key aspects of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act include stronger requirements for financial reporting, such as the need for greater transparency, internal controls for financial reporting, and the responsibility of top executives for the accuracy of financial statements. The Act also established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to oversee the audits of public companies, ensuring that they are conducted in a manner that protects investors.

While other options like mergers and acquisitions, tax incentives for small businesses, and environmental regulations may relate to corporate governance and business operations, they do not pertain specifically to the primary goals and provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Therefore, B stands out as the most accurate representation of the Act's critical focus on financial integrity and corporate accountability.