A regulator is a stakeholder who may be responsible to dictate that a specific process or technique be followed during the requirements elicitation activities. A regulator is an external stakeholder who has the authority to enforce laws, rules, standards, or policies that affect the project or the solution. A regulator may impose certain requirements or constraints on the project or the solution, such as compliance, security, privacy, or quality. A regulator may also require the use of specific methods, tools, or documentation for eliciting, analyzing, or validating the requirements. The other options are not necessarily responsible for dictating the process or technique for requirements elicitation, although they may have some influence or preference. A project manager is a stakeholder who is responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling the project activities and resources. A project manager may collaborate with the business analyst to select the appropriate process or technique for requirements elicitation, but does not have the authority to dictate it. A functional management is a stakeholder who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a specific function or department within the organization, such as finance, marketing, or human resources. A functional management may provide input or feedback on the requirements elicitation process or technique, but does not have the authority to dictate it. A project sponsor is a stakeholder who is responsible for initiating, funding, and supporting the project or the solution. A project sponsor may approve or endorse the requirements elicitation process or technique, but does not have the authority to dictate it. References:

CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration, page 175-176.

Engaging Stakeholders in Elicitation and Collaboration, paragraph 4

Top 10 Most Common Requirements Elicitation Techniques, paragraph 2

A Review of Fundamental Tasks in Requirements Elicitation, paragraph 1