Independent regulator A regulator whose role and powers have been established in legislation and who makes regulatory decisions at arm’s length from executive government. An independent regulator is not subject to the direction on individual regulatory decisions by executive government, but could be supported by officials who are located within a ministry. 1 Internal governance Governance from the perspective of looking into a regulator — the regulator’s organisational structures, standards of behaviour and roles and responsibilities, compliance and accountability measures, oversight of business processes, financial reporting and performance management.