Markets are usually subject to a certain degree of government regulation. How much regulation and in what areas are potential thesis ideas. The New York Times, for instance, outlined in June 2010 a financial regulation proposal including limits on derivatives, more oversight of risky financial instruments like credit default swaps, and the creation of a consumer protection agency to safeguard people against predatory lending. In your thesis, argue if these measures are necessary or if the government is overstepping its bounds.
Or, go back in history and discuss the effects of well-known financial legislation like the overturning of the Glass-Steagall Act or the ramifications of enacting the Sherman Antitrust Act. Analyze how specific businesses like Microsoft are affected by this legislation.
A 2006 paper from the University of Chicago cites a six-fold increase in CEO compensation from 1980 to 2003. In your thesis, explain the reason for this rapid rise and provide attributes for this phenomenon. Also include incentive pay issued to CEOs and explain if these incentives increase the inherent book value of the company or merely provide short-term gain. Study the salaries of well-known CEOs like Steve Jobs, whose annual salary is $1 a year, and explain how salary should be determined. Also analyze the effects of "golden parachutes" on CEO performance.
Currently, the Federal Reserve is given little oversight to conduct its monetary policies. Thomas M. Havrilesky explains in his book, "The Pressures on American Monetary Policy," that the Fed cites such autonomy as necessary to remain outside the influence of the politics of congress. Additionally, the author cites studies which indicate that the more autonomy the central bank of a country is given, the lower the levels of inflation the country experiences.
However, others believe a full audit of the Federal Reserve should be conducted in the name of transparency and full financial disclosure. In your thesis, explain if the Fed should be audited with regularity, or if the policies of the Fed should remain independent of congressional review.