Lobbying Regulation: From Transparency to Trust

This article aims to place at the forefront a core component of lobbying which remains little addressed by its regulation, namely trust. We argue that while transparency has traditionally been the guiding principle for lobbying regulation, ensuring accountability and public oversight, trust functions as a micro-level building block in lobbying relationships, shaping interactions between policymakers, interest groups, and the public. As such, trust is better placed to theorise the motivation for interest groups to support it, provides a fresh angle into lobbying regulation, and more clearly outlines the wider benefits of lobbying regulation. Regulatory approaches should therefore balance transparency with mechanisms that foster trust. To that end, we propose a conceptual framework for regulating lobbying based on trust, focusing on three dimensions: (i) accountability models (concentrated vs. dispersed); (ii) inclusiveness (passive vs. active); and (iii) ethics (uniform vs. heterogeneous). By integrating trust into lobbying regulations, policymakers can enhance democratic legitimacy, encourage responsible lobbying behaviour, and prevent regulatory loopholes.