The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is a regulatory body in the United Kingdom responsible for overseeing financial markets and firms. Its main goal is to protect consumers, ensure market integrity, and promote competition within the financial services sector. The FCA has the authority to create rules and regulations that financial institutions must follow. Established in 2013, the FCA replaced the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and operates independently from the government. It supervises a wide range of financial entities, including banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, to ensure they operate fairly and transparently for the benefit of consumers and the economy.