BDCB administers the Securities Markets Order, 2013 (SMO) and its supplementary legislation the Securities Markets Regulations, 2014 (SMR). The SMO and SMR provides a legal and regulatory framework for the licensing and supervision of market operators such as securities exchanges, clearing house, trading facilities, credit rating agencies; capital market intermediaries such as dealers, fund managers, and investment advisers; securities products; and collective investment schemes.

The types of licences available for the capital market intermediaries are Capital Market Services Licence (CMSL) and Capital Market Services Representative's Licence (CMSRL), which allow licensees to conduct the following regulated activities:

• Dealing and arranging deals in investments as principal or agent.
• Managing investments including collective investment scheme and establishing, operating or winding up a collective investment scheme.
• Giving or offering investment advice in his capacity as an investment adviser or a financial planner.
• Using computer-based systems for giving investment instructions.
• Safekeeping and administration of assets including custodial services.

Additionally, the SMO includes provisions to ensure investors protection and increase investors' confidence.

BDCB, as member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and a full signatory to the IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, is also responsible in ensuring continuous alignment to the best international standards and practices set by the IOSCO.