Which act governs misleading statements and impressions in financial markets?

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000) is the legislation that primarily governs financial markets in the UK, including addressing issues related to misleading statements and impressions. This act establishes the framework for financial services regulation, providing the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) with the powers to create rules ensuring transparency and fairness in the market, and to protect consumers from misleading information.

The Companies Act 2006 is primarily focused on corporate governance and the duties of company directors, rather than directly addressing misleading statements in financial markets. The FSA 2012 does not exist as an independent act; however, there is a Financial Services Authority that was replaced by the FCA and PRA due to the reforms from FSMA 2000. The Investor Protection Act does not specifically relate to misleading statements in financial markets.

Therefore, the FSMA 2000 is the correct answer as it directly encompasses the obligations and regulations surrounding fair communication and the prohibition of misleading statements in the realm of financial markets.