Regulations are rules, this is a formalized incentive structure. They're a tad different. Regulation is good to a degree; there's a balance to strike between o

Regulations are rules, this is a formalized incentive structure. They're a tad different. Regulation is good to a degree; there's a balance to strike between overly burdensome regulation and regulation which basically may as well not exist. The lines between these are sometimes vague as the times evolve and are also subject to regulatory capture by interest groups (political groups and companies). The incentive structure generally makes spending money free or more free so long as an entity abides by the guidelines set out by the incentive. You need both and both need to reflect the correct goals for the times.