Introduction
Financial regulation is a process of setting and enforcing rules and regulations intended to protect markets and their participants. The need for regulation is based on the fact that markets are not always as efficient and effective as they are often assumed to be. Financial regulation is a cornerstone of any well-functioning economy, and the structure and approach of financial regulation have evolved significantly over the years. In this paper, we will discuss the horizontal financial regulatory structure mode.
Horizontal Structure
The horizontal structure of financial regulation is a systematic approach to managing risk. It is a process by which the risks present in all aspects of a firms operations, from capital and liquidity to operational risk and customer service, are identified and managed. The horizontal structure is designed to:
• Reduce risk in the entire system
• Enhance the ability of firms to manage risks in all areas of their operations
• Protect market integrity
• Facilitate closer oversight of firms
• Foster competition and market efficiency
• Improve customer protection
The basic principles of the horizontal structure are:
• Establishing multiple layers of regulation.
• Promoting supervision at the functional level by different regulatory bodies with specialized knowledge.
• Requiring active involvement from both external and internal regulators.
• Encouraging cross-border cooperation among regulators.
• Establishing appropriate and effective coordination among the various regulators.
• Enhancing transparency.
Benefits of the Horizontal Structure
The horizontal structure of financial regulation provides a number of benefits for financial institutions and markets. It allows for more efficient and effective regulation of firms, promoting market confidence by creating and enforcing appropriate rules, and protecting consumers by ensuring firms’ compliance. This structure also strengthens the communication between regulators and market participants by promoting dialogue and transparency.
Furthermore, the horizontal structure provides regulators with greater oversight of firms, reduces costs and time associated with compliance, smoothens cross-border cooperation, and fosters healthy competition in financial services. The structure also allows regulators to investigate and intervene in firms where problems may arise, and to assess the systemic consequences of risks.
Conclusion
The horizontal approach to financial regulation is a systematic and well-established structure that provides a number of benefits to firms, governments, and markets. It reduces the risk within the system, enhances the ability of firms to manage risks, and promotes competition and market efficiency. The horizontal structure also facilitates communication between regulators and market participants as well as cross-border cooperation among regulators. Finally, the structure strengthens the oversight of firms, and enhances customer protection.