Time to strike fear in market offenders

The China Securities Regulatory Commission is enlisting the public in the fight against illegal securities and futures trading. According to recent regulations, those who report market manipulations or illegal information disclosures are now eligible for as much as 300,000 yuan ($48,236) in reward money.

Over the years, China's securities watchdog has come under criticism for what many see as its apparent reluctance to conduct aggressive investigations into the country's often unruly equity market. Hopefully this latest move will lead to more frequent and forceful action against wrongdoers.

More work still needs to be done though if regulators want to whip the market into shape. First of all, punishments need to be more severe, since earlier slap-on-the-wrist penalties have clearly not proved to be effective deterrents.

Second, investigations into malfeasance and illegal activities must be carried out fairly and transparently. This will bolster confidence that justice is being served and warn other potential violators about the price of breaking market rules.