Global Regulatory Systems

How International Securities Enforcement Works

While the US utilizes a dual SEC civil / DOJ criminal enforcement model, international financial markets operate under distinct statutory regimes, ranging from statutory tribunal structures to specialized financial intelligence authorities.

GUIDE SUMMARY
  • Topic: How International Securities Enforcement Works
  • Category: Global Regulatory Systems
  • Summary: While the US utilizes a dual SEC civil / DOJ criminal enforcement model, international financial markets operate under distinct statutory regimes, ranging from statutory tribunal structures to specialized financial intelligence authorities.

The United Kingdom: FRC, FCA, and SFO

In the UK, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) regulates audit firms and enforces disciplinary proceedings against chartered accountants. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees market disclosure and issuer conduct, while the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) prosecutes complex corporate economic crime.

Germany: BaFin and APAS

Germany divides oversight between the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), which oversees securities market integrity and balance sheet examinations, and APAS, an independent body within the Federal Office of Economics that oversees and sanctions audit firms.

Asia-Pacific Frameworks

In Japan, the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC) conducts investigations and recommends administrative monetary penalties to the Financial Services Agency (FSA). In China, the CSRC possesses sweeping administrative powers to levy corporate fines and impose lifelong market bans on corporate chairmen.