Capital market regulation is a collective term for several different strategies that are intended to maintain the integrity of a capital market, even when there are significant swings in the economy occurring. A number of methods are used as part of the regulatory process, with some related to the passing of governmental laws that are enforced by regulatory agencies. In addition, participants within a capital market may also utilize methods and strategies of their own to help keep the marketplace stable and protect their interests in that market, while still remaining in compliance with any regulations imposed by a government agency.
The process of capital market regulation is often focused on the setting of standards and procedures through the auspices of government related regulatory agencies. Essentially, these agencies enforce policies and procedures that are designed to protect participants within capital markets from exploitation. This includes full disclosure in some types of business dealings, providing specific types of information in others, and even placing limitations on certain types of transactions. The general idea is that by protecting participants within the marketplace, those markets are more likely to remain stable and be a support to the general economy, rather than exert an adverse effect on that economy.
Capital market regulation will often occur due to efforts by those who actively participate in those markets. Cooperatives and associations of businesses involved in specific industries will often engage in self-regulation. This will mean not only making sure all members of the organization are in compliance with the standards set by governmental regulatory agencies, but holding to industry standards that may even exceed those minimum standards. Participants in the marketplace that choose to not consider industry standards for quality, pricing, and general business practices may find it harder to compete and eventually retire from the market altogether.
With both governmental and industry-driven capital market regulation, the goal is to make sure that all transactions occurring in the market are not only legal but also ethical. This is true whether the capital market involved is domestic in nature, or involves imports and exports as part of some type of ongoing trade arrangement. Over time, regulations may be adapted or updated to address changes within the marketplace, and professional organizations will usually modify their standards to accommodate the new standards. While the process of capital market regulation may not always be easy, the efforts made at every level make participating in the market safer for everyone involved.
