The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was established in response to:

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) was enacted in 2002 as a direct response to a series of high-profile corporate scandals, including those involving Enron and WorldCom. These scandals revealed significant issues in corporate governance and accountability, leading to a widespread lack of confidence in financial reporting and the integrity of corporate financial statements.

The primary goal of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was to enhance corporate governance and improve the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures. It established stricter regulations for financial reporting and auditing practices, requiring companies to implement internal controls and ensure the accuracy of their financial statements. This legislation aimed to protect investors and restore trust in the financial markets by holding companies accountable for their financial practices.

While other options touch on important aspects of corporate regulation or financial matters, they do not capture the specific focus of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on improving corporate governance and enhancing financial reporting confidence in the aftermath of corporate scandals. Thus, the correct answer precisely encapsulates the intent and purpose of the Act.