Authority type
The role an authority plays over a regulated organisation: governance, regulation, supervision, enforcement, licensing, accreditation or standards setting.
Overview
Classifying authorities by type makes it possible to see how binding each obligation is and what consequences follow from a breach. One body may hold several types at once: the US Securities and Exchange Commission writes rules, supervises, licenses and enforces.
The research behind this glossary groups authorities into legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, supervisory authorities, enforcement authorities, self-regulatory organisations, standards bodies, professional licensing bodies and accreditation bodies.
It connects most directly to Legislative authority, Regulatory agency, Supervisory authority, Enforcement authority and Self-regulatory organisation.
Check the official sources below for legal scope, applicable dates and exceptions. This entry is an explanatory reference, not legal advice.
Why it matters
Authority type predicts consequence. A missed standard and a missed rule are not the same risk.
Who it affects
Compliance teams prioritising effort, and boards assessing regulatory risk.
Where it sits
Ten linked steps connect where you operate to the proof that you complied.
- 01Jurisdiction
- 02Industry
- 03Activity
- 04Authority
- 05Regulation
- 06Requirement
- 07Guidance
- 08Control
- 09Evidence
- 10Enforcement
Connections
The terms most closely tied to Authority type. Select one to open it.
What to do about it
- 1List every body of this type with a say over you.
- 2Record the powers each one holds.
- 3Prioritise obligations by the consequences behind them.
From requirement to evidence.
Every authority in Regulation Layer carries one or more types, and the dial can be cut by them.
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