Navigating regulatory reforms: a comprehensive analysis of the securities exchange commission´s proposed rules and their implications for retail traders

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the efficacy of four proposed U.S. Securities Exchange Commission rules in addressing financial market challenges. It explores the current regulatory landscape, traces the proposal's background, and offers a holistic view of the proposed rules, analyzing their impact on retail traders, broker-dealers, and the National Market System stock trading market. It further assesses how numerous market participants perceive and respond to these rules, identifies areas for improvement, and presents actionable steps to ensure market integrity and investor protection. These findings provide a roadmap for the Securities Exchange Commission to address key criticisms from comment letters and shape the future of U.S. equity markets.