There are plenty of stocks you can by over-the-counter "freely".
Stock exchanges are regulated marketplaces. Regulated marketplaces have existed since the dawn of the civilization because they are valuable for buyers and sellers. City marketplace in a had different rules than trading outside it.
Companies go there and voluntarily submit to strict rules and regulations to get access to more investors. Investors wan to invest in regulated markets because regulators work for them.
Stock exchanges are regulated marketplaces. Regulated marketplaces have existed since the dawn of the civilization because they are valuable for buyers and sellers. City marketplace in a had different rules than trading outside it.
Companies go there and voluntarily submit to strict rules and regulations to get access to more investors. Investors wan to invest in regulated markets because regulators work for them.