Why regulate the financial markets?

Properly functioning financial markets are important for the Dutch economy. As a consumer you are also directly dependent on the operation of the financial markets, e.g. for your insurance policies or your pension.

When most consumers buy a financial product, they have less understanding and information than the professional parties involved. If that gap is not bridged a lot of consumers will have no confidence in the financial markets and will not get involved in them, which will negative consequences not only for consumers but also for the economy.

The AFM therefore ensures that all parties behave according to the rules and that the knowledge gap is as far as possible eliminated. This task is increasingly important because more and more consumers are participating in the financial markets and the products are increasingly complex.