markttoezicht

Markttoezicht, or market supervision, refers to the set of activities by public authorities aimed at ensuring that markets function fairly, transparently and efficiently. It encompasses monitoring, regulation and enforcement to prevent market failures, protect consumers and investors, and maintain trust in market processes.

In the Netherlands, markttoezicht is primarily carried out by regulatory agencies such as the Autoriteit Consument en Markt (ACM) and, for financial markets, the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM). The ACM focuses on competition, consumer protection and market integrity across sectors like energy, telecommunications, retail and transport. The AFM supervises the conduct of financial firms, the disclosure of information, the trading of financial instruments and the functioning of markets, often working in coordination with other institutions such as De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).

The tools of markttoezicht include licensing and registration requirements, ongoing supervision and risk-based monitoring, investigations into potential violations, and enforcement actions such as penalties, sanctions or corrective measures. Authorities may require timely and accurate disclosures, monitor price developments, study market access and transparency, and intervene against anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominant position, misleading advertising or unfair trading practices.

Market supervision operates within a broader regulatory framework that includes competition law, consumer protection and sector-specific regulations. It often involves cooperation at the European level, data exchange, and procedures for complaints and remedies. The aim is to foster competitive and fair markets that deliver efficient prices, reliable information and access to essential goods and services while safeguarding public interests and market integrity.