What does the FCA enforce?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) plays a crucial role in regulating financial markets in the UK to ensure that they function fairly and transparently. One of the primary functions of the FCA is to enforce regulations and ensure compliance among financial firms and their practices. This includes the imposition of sanctions and disciplinary actions against firms or individuals that fail to comply with the established rules and standards.

By enforcing compliance, the FCA aims to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the financial markets. The ability to impose disciplinary actions serves as a deterrent to potential misconduct and reinforces the importance of adherence to regulatory requirements. This function is fundamental to the FCA's mandate of ensuring that the financial services industry operates effectively and reputably.

In contrast, the other options provided do not accurately encompass the comprehensive role of the FCA. Enforcing consumer rights is indeed a part of its responsibilities, but it is not limited to that aspect alone. Moreover, while the FCA does consider international standards, its primary focus is on domestic market regulation rather than strict adherence to international norms. Finally, the FCA does not dictate specific investment strategies for firms; rather, it provides the regulatory framework within which these firms must operate in order to protect the interests of consumers and ensure market integrity.