The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s primary financial services regulator, responsible for overseeing financial markets, firms, and consumer protection. Established in 2013, the FCA regulates conduct in retail and wholesale financial markets, ensuring market integrity, competition, and consumer protection. The FCA’s regulatory framework significantly impacts UK financial markets and international firms operating in Britain.

FCA regulations cover forex brokers, investment firms, banks, and insurance companies operating in the UK market. The authority sets capital requirements, conduct standards, and consumer protection measures that directly affect trading platforms and financial service providers. FCA licensing and compliance requirements influence market structure and trading conditions for both institutional and retail participants.

Real-world example: A forex broker must obtain FCA authorisation and maintain segregated client funds according to FCA rules, providing consumer protection and operational standards that affect trading costs and platform features.