Who are the lobbying regulators? Analysing the institutional side of lobbying regulation

Over the past two decades, there has been a notable surge in the number of countries implementing lobbying regulations. Governments around the world have recognized the need to bring transparency and accountability to the realm of political influence. This shift is underscored by the increasing recognition of lobbying's impact on policy decisions and potential risks to the democratic process. Concomitant with the rise in lobbying regulations, scholarly interest in the subject has burgeoned. Researchers have directed their attention toward understanding the intricacies of these regulations. Studies have predominantly focused on two key dimensions: the different regulatory models and their robustness. Elements such as transparency registers, the institutions covered, and the types of lobbyists included have been scrutinized to assess the comprehensiveness of regulatory frameworks. A crucial aspect that contributes to a robust regulatory regime extends beyond normative frameworks—it involves monitoring and enforcement. Many lobbying regulations now incorporate institutional regulators tasked with overseeing and implementing these laws. This paper takes a deep dive into the institutional aspects of lobbying regulations and inquires who are the lobbying regulators? It compares the lobbying laws of OECD countries, by examining dimensions such as their institutional design, the powers are vested in them or their levels of autonomy. Understanding the dynamics of these institutional players is pivotal for comprehending the effectiveness and impact of lobbying regulations. By shedding light on the nuances of regulatory institutions, this paper seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of lobbying governance worldwide.