How can FCA’s powers be temporarily exercised in response to consumer protection concerns?

The correct answer is the ability of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to exercise its powers through temporary product intervention. This mechanism allows the FCA to swiftly implement measures aimed at addressing immediate consumer protection concerns related to financial products.

When the FCA identifies potential harm to consumers from specific products—such as high-risk investments or mis-sold insurance policies—it can temporarily intervene by modifying the terms of a product, restricting sales, or even banning certain products from being marketed altogether. These actions are designed to mitigate ongoing or imminent risks to consumers, ensuring that necessary protections are put in place quickly, rather than waiting for longer processes, which may not effectively address urgent issues.

This approach is particularly useful in fast-evolving markets where consumer protection concerns can emerge suddenly and require rapid intervention to safeguard consumer interests. It allows the FCA to act decisively in scenarios where consumers may be exposed to significant financial risk.

Other options, such as imposing fines, annual reassessment, and public consultation, do not provide the same immediate protective measures. While fines serve as a punitive measure against firms for regulatory breaches, they do not directly intervene in consumer protection. Similarly, annual reassessment might involve reviewing regulations or products over a longer period, which may not address immediate consumer harms.