Issuances in the regional bond market are subject to the governing laws and provisions of the markets and the rules and regulations of the exchanges where the issues are being offered, listed, and traded. For USD-denominated issues, these securities are structured relative to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations when any part of the offering or sale of the securities relates to the US or US interests.

In general, the central banking authority in each market oversees all aspects of banking and finance, while securities commissions regulate the conduct of capital markets. An outline of each market's regulatory structure is available under each market home page.

Several Asian securities commissions are signatories to the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

There is consensus among regional supervisors that Basel Accord core principles would be an effective basis for further regulatory reform.

Shari'a principles govern all bond issuances catering to Islamic markets. There is currently no unified shari'a advisory council or committee overseeing compliance to shari'a principles in Asian markets. Each market has its own shari'a advisory council that oversees compliance of debt securities issuance with shari'a rules and principles.

Several regulatory and supervisory authorities in countries with Islamic markets—including Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Finance of Brunei, and Bank Indonesia—are members of the International Islamic Financial Market (see link below).

Central banks and other regulatory agencies that are dominant influences on both regional and local currency bond markets cooperate to formulate best practice capital market standards across the region. They also work together to enhance market liquidity, with the Asian Bond Fund Initiative serving as a prime example.

The major participants in the regional bond market are government and quasi-government agencies, global and regional organizations, banks, investment agencies, fund managers, and hedge funds. Asia’s country specific regulatory frameworks and distinct local market attributes have also brought in niche players and boutique firms, specializing in single markets or segments.