What is the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)?

The FCA, or Financial Conduct Authority, is a regulatory body in the UK which regulates the financial services sector and the UK’s financial markets. It achieves its aims by ensuring participants in the financial industry treat customers fairly, operate safely, compete fairly and do not take unacceptable risks.

The FCA has the power to enforce its standards, meaning it investigates and acts when a business or individual is suspected of violating the rules. In addition, the FCA has the power to prosecute firms, order them to stop trading, obtain compensation for customers and force firms to withdraw or change products if it is found that its standards are not being met.

The FCA operates independently of the government and is funded by the entities that are regulated by the FCA.