Regulators are tightening the rules around market stability, transparency, and investor protection, and financial services stocks that power trading, data, and compliance are squarely in focus. These changes, combined with shifting macroeconomic signals and ongoing debate around inflation and central bank policy, could reshape how money flows through global markets. This article looks at how that backdrop affects a group of exchanges and fintech operators, and highlights 3 stocks from our Financial Services and Exchanges screener that are closely linked to the recent news and the regulatory themes behind it.

MarketWise (MKTW)

Overview: MarketWise is a Baltimore based platform that sells subscription based research, education, and tools to self directed investors, offering ideas and analysis across areas like value investing, income strategies, growth, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and options under brands such as Stansberry Research, Chaikin Analytics, and InvestorPlace.

Operations: MarketWise generates about US$321.6 million in revenue from its Internet Information Providers segment, which covers its investment research and tools platform.

Market Cap: US$275.2 million

MarketWise sits at the crossroads of tougher market regulation and rising demand for clear, independent research. This puts its multi brand platform in a useful position as investors look for tools that support transparency and better decision making. Analysts expect earnings to grow at about 43% a year, while the stock trades on an 11.3x P/E and below some estimated fair value measures, which some investors may view as a value opportunity if those forecasts occur. At the same time, negative shareholders’ equity, a higher risk funding structure, and a recent move from profit to a small loss indicate that this is not a low risk story and that the balance sheet may warrant close attention.

MarketWise’s earnings forecasts and low P/E raise the question of whether the current price really reflects the full story, or if the analyst forecasts for MarketWise is hinting at something investors have not fully priced in yet.

NZX (NZSE:NZX)

Overview: NZX runs New Zealand’s main stock exchange from Wellington, operating trading, clearing, data, and fund management platforms that connect companies, investors, and advisers across the country and offshore. Alongside the core equities and derivatives market, it also offers KiwiSaver and fund products, market data, and wealth technology services to institutions and advisers.

Operations: NZX generates most of its NZ$129.9 million revenue from Funds Services (NZ$51.8 million), Secondary Markets (NZ$23.9 million), Information Services (NZ$20.2 million), Capital Markets Origination (NZ$16.7 million), and Wealth Technologies (NZ$12.5 million), with New Zealand the dominant geography at NZ$106.1 million.

Market Cap: NZ$464.2 million

NZX provides direct exposure to the core infrastructure of New Zealand’s capital markets at a time when regulators are focusing on transparency, cyber security, and market quality. The company is investing in upgraded infrastructure and specialist leadership in these areas. Growth in Smartshares and Wealth Technologies, together with fee income from trading, clearing, and data, sits alongside a sizeable dividend. However, investors also need to weigh a stock that appears fully priced on conventional metrics, a dividend that is not well covered by earnings, and funding that relies on external borrowings rather than customer deposits. For anyone tracking how regulatory reform and market structure can influence returns, NZX is a stock where the headline story only scratches the surface.

Growth in Smartshares and Wealth Technologies is only half of the NZX story, especially if the stock already looks fully priced. Get the fuller picture in the 1 key reward and 1 important warning sign

Moelis (MC)

Overview: Moelis & Company is a global investment bank that advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, capital markets deals, and other corporate finance decisions for corporations, sponsors, governments, and sovereign wealth funds across major regions including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

Operations: Moelis generates about US$1.53b in revenue primarily from its Investment Banking Advisory Firm segment, with most fees coming from clients in the United States, followed by Europe and the rest of the world.

Market Cap: US$5.1b

Moelis is positioned to benefit from the current wave of tighter regulation and transparency, as many corporates and sponsors are looking for independent advice on restructurings, capital structure, and private capital that is not tied to a lending balance sheet. The company is focusing on that demand through expansion in private capital advisory, technology and energy coverage, and senior banker hires in areas such as energy and chemicals. Buybacks and a generous dividend policy may appeal to investors who prioritize capital returns. However, high compensation costs, earnings that can fluctuate with deal flow, reliance on external borrowing, and an unstable dividend record indicate that this is not a low-risk profile, and the premium earnings multiple reflects expectations that Moelis can translate regulatory change into sustained, high-quality fee generation.

Moelis looks like an advisory engine geared to tighter regulation, with capital returns adding extra appeal. The real twist sits inside the analysis report for Moelis, including one risk that could reshape the story.

The three stocks highlighted here are just a starting set, and the full Financial Services and Exchanges screener surfaced 41 more Financial Services and Exchanges companies with equally compelling stories around market infrastructure, trading, and fintech. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, regulatory angles, and business narratives that matter most to you so you can focus on the highest conviction opportunities in this space.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.