(a) The department may make such public or private investigations or examinations within or outside of this Commonwealth as the commissioner deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this act or any rule or order hereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of this act or in the prescribing of rules and forms hereunder and may publish information concerning any violation of this act or any rule or order hereunder.

(b) For the purpose of any investigation, examination or proceeding under this act, the commissioner or any officer designated by the commissioner may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements or other documents or records which the commissioner deems relevant or material to the inquiry, all of which may be enforced in any court of this Commonwealth which has appropriate jurisdiction.