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Regulators are individuals or entities that oversee and control the activities of other entities, typically within a specific industry or sector. Their primary role is to ensure that these entities comply with laws, regulations, and standards, thereby protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and maintaining public trust. Regulators can be government agencies, independent bodies, or self-regulatory organizations.

Government regulators are typically established by legislation and have the power to enforce compliance through fines, penalties, and other legal actions. Examples include the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States, which regulates the securities industry, and the Federal Reserve, which oversees banks and financial institutions.

Independent regulators are appointed by the government but operate autonomously, often with a focus on specific industries or sectors. They are designed to provide a level of impartiality and expertise that government agencies may lack. Examples include the Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the United Kingdom, which regulates telecommunications and broadcasting, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which oversees financial markets and consumer credit.

Self-regulatory organizations (SROs) are industry-led bodies that regulate their own members. They are often established in response to a lack of government regulation or to provide a more flexible and responsive approach to regulation. Examples include the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in the United States, which regulates broker-dealers and their associated persons, and the London Stock Exchange's (LSE) regulatory arm, which oversees listed companies and trading on the LSE.

Regulators play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and stability of markets and industries. They ensure that entities operate ethically and transparently, protect consumers from harm, and promote fair competition. However, their effectiveness can be influenced by various factors, including political pressure, industry lobbying, and the availability of resources. As such, the role and influence of regulators are subjects of ongoing debate and scrutiny.