Financial Services Regulatory Agencies Industry Competitors

The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street holds some pretty powerful purse strings. Known more universally as the Bank of England, this central bank for the UK (founded in 1694) is responsible for setting monetary policy and keeping the nation's economy stable. It sets interest rates, manages the government's stock register, and strives to educate the public about monetary policy -- but it no longer prints banknotes....

In short, the FDIC promises that Joe Average's money is safe in the event of bank failure. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), created in 1933 in response to the bank runs during the Great Depression, insures deposits in member banks and thrifts for at least $100,000, and provides coverage for retirement accounts up to $250,000....

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In Peru, as in most places, taxes are one of life's certainties -- and SUNAT makes sure it stays that way. SUNAT (the acronym for Superintendencia Nacional de Administracion Tributaria) is the central tax authority of the Peruvian government. The organization handles internal taxes throughout Peru and customs tax procedures for all importer and exporter firms....

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is one part law enforcer, protecting investors from securities fraud and enforcing securities laws; one part doctor, promoting healthy capital markets and contributing to America's economic well being; and one part rule maker, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets....

Trying to bring order to a disorganized world, the World Trade Organization (WTO) works to facilitate international trade. Its member countries negotiate and sign agreements hammered out in the WTO forum. The WTO administers the agreements, handles trade disputes, monitors national trade policies, provides technical assistance and training for developing countries, and cooperates with other international organizations....