Sääntelyhiekkalaatikot

Sääntelyhiekkalaatikot, also known as regulatory sandboxes, are controlled environments established by regulatory bodies to allow financial services firms, and increasingly companies in other regulated sectors, to test innovative products, services, or business models with real customers under regulatory supervision. The primary goal is to foster innovation while mitigating potential risks to consumers and the financial system.

These sandboxes provide a temporary exemption from certain regulatory requirements or offer tailored regulatory guidance for the duration of the test. This allows businesses to gather data and evidence on the viability and safety of their innovations before a full market launch. Regulators, in turn, gain insights into emerging technologies and business models, enabling them to update or adapt existing regulations more effectively.

The concept originated in the financial services sector, particularly in the UK, but has since been adopted and adapted by regulators in many other countries and across various industries, including energy, healthcare, and telecommunications. The specific design and operation of regulatory sandboxes can vary significantly, with some being more open-ended and others more narrowly focused.

Key characteristics often include a defined testing period, limited scope of operations, clear objectives, and close collaboration between the testing firm and the regulator. Successful testing within a sandbox can lead to a smoother path to market, potentially with adapted regulatory frameworks or new regulatory guidance. Conversely, it can also highlight risks that necessitate further restrictions or prevent certain innovations from proceeding.