This article analyzes the emergence of the independent regulatory agencies (IRAs) in Brazil and their specificities as to their institutional design. It also discusses the recent developments in the Federal Court of Accounts' actions within the new public management context. IRAs were designed with emphasis on the features that give them political independence, considering the nature of their attributions and capabilities. On the other hand, the Federal Court of Accounts (FCA) has broadened its area of activities, assessing not only the formal aspects of the legality of procedures, but also the performance and the results of organisms and public institutions. The FCA is tracking and assessing the agencies' performance. The article analyzes the interface between independence and control, discussing possible institutional conflicts between regulatory agencies and the FCA.
regulation; independent regulatory agency; accountability; Federal Court of Accounts; institution; performance audit; results management