OVERVIEW
An important element of market-based regulation is strong supervision of market intermediaries and effective enforcement. Effective enforcement of securities laws ensures that investor rights are protected, and that confidence in the integrity of the market is maintained at all times. This serves to raise the quality of financial services in the country and promotes further confidence in the capital market.
Under the securities laws, the Commission is equipped with a host of enforcement powers which include, among others, the power to initiate investigations, commence criminal prosecutions with the consent of the Public Prosecutor, institute civil proceedings to recover monetary damages from offenders, impose compounds for certain offences, apply to the court for restraining orders in relation to activities of a licensed person, impose and compound penalties, suspend or revoke licenses of licensed persons or even apply for a court order to remove directors who breach securities laws.
The Commission, in carrying out its role as enforcer of the securities laws, strives to take action that is timely, impartial and carries sufficient deterrent penalties.
