Global trends in market abuse and trade surveillance
Published March 2026
It is difficult to overstate just how challenging it is for firms to navigate the current regulatory landscape. The rapidly growing influence of AI, significant economic volatility, and one of the most unstable geopolitical climates in decades means that there are numerous market forces impacting regulation in capital markets.
Global trends in market abuse and trade surveillance combines both quantitative and qualitative research to generate a truly holistic perspective of how firms are adapting to the challenge of preventing market abuse. Drawing on enforcement data and the insights of over 300 regulatory professionals, this report offers the most comprehensive view of the market abuse and trade surveillance landscape available.
What’s included?
Quantitative analysis on market abuse enforcement from 2019-2025 across eight jurisdictions
A detailed exploration of the key challenges facing compliance teams based on the opinions of 300 global regulatory professionals
A comprehensive analysis of the key regulatory trends of 2025 and how they differ by jurisdiction and typology
Detailed analysis of modern surveillance technology including the use of AI as a tool for both compliance and market abuse
In-depth interviews with industry practitioners and experts to offer real life examples of regulatory strategies
eflow’s predictions of how both regulators and firms will adapt during a period of unprecedented regulatory, political and technological evolution
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Key findings:
69% of regulatory professionals view AI as the dominant compliance risk in 2026
53% of regulatory professionals say keeping up with regulatory change keeps them up at night
50% of all fines issued were related to trade surveillance system and controls failures
29% of firms lack a formal AI strategy for trade surveillance, or do not plan to use AI at all
100+ firms subject to regulatory enforcement activity for the second successive year
