The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the primary financial regulator in the United Kingdom. Formed in 2013, it operates independently of the government but is accountable to the UK Treasury and Parliament. The FCA regulates over 50,000 financial firms, including banks, brokers, and investment companies, making it one of the most respected watchdogs in global finance.
Its main responsibilities include protecting consumers, ensuring market integrity, and promoting healthy competition in the financial industry. FCA-regulated brokers must follow strict rules on client fund segregation, capital adequacy, transparent pricing, and fair treatment of traders. The regulator also enforces policies against money laundering and financial misconduct, with the authority to issue fines, revoke licenses, or ban firms and individuals from operating.
