What is one of the FCA's strategic objectives?

The selected answer highlights one of the core strategic objectives of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is to ensure that relevant markets operate effectively. This objective is fundamental to the FCA’s mission of protecting consumers, enhancing market integrity, and promoting competition within financial markets. By ensuring that markets function well, the FCA aims to foster an environment that allows for fair pricing, good customer outcomes, and overall confidence in the financial system.

Ensuring that markets work well is about maintaining order and transparency in the financial ecosystem. The FCA actively monitors market behavior and intervenes when necessary to prevent abuse and to promote healthy competition. This strategic objective not only supports investors and consumers but also contributes to the overall stability and resilience of the financial sector.

The other choices do not align with the strategic objectives set forth by the FCA. While transparent accounting practices and overseeing credit transactions are important aspects of financial regulation, they fall under more specific operational goals rather than overarching strategic objectives. Similarly, maximizing profitability for firms does not align with the FCA's role, which focuses more on consumer protection and systemic integrity rather than on ensuring profitability for financial institutions.