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Regulating Exchanges and Alternative Trading Systems: A Law and Economics Perspective
Macey, Jonathan O'Hara, Maureen
Macey, Jonathan
O'Hara, Maureen
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Abstract
New trading technologies are transforming securities markets, and with their rise have come important questions regarding the regulation of new and traditional trading mechanisms. This article provides a law and economics perspective on the regulation of alternative trading systems. We argue that alternative trading systems play a distinct role in the market and in particular solve the conflict-of-interest problem that exists between brokers and dealers. We propose a general strategy for their regulation that incorporates this economic role. We suggest a regulatory framework that permits providers of services to opt into particular regulatory frameworks as a way of fostering innovation and competition. The functional approach we outline is consistent with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s regulatory objectives of fairness, efficiency, and transparency of market transactions.