Section 1B: The FCA's general duties, Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

In discharging its general functions the FCA must, so far as is reasonably possible, act in a way which—

is compatible with its strategic objective, and

advances one or more of its operational objectives.

The FCA's strategic objective is: ensuring that the relevant markets (see section 1F) function well.

The FCA's operational objectives are—

the consumer protection objective (see section 1C);

the integrity objective (see section 1D);

the competition objective (see section 1E).

The FCA must, so far as is compatible with acting in a way which advances the consumer protection objective or the integrity objective, discharge its general functions in a way which promotes effective competition in the interests of consumers.

When discharging its general functions in the way mentioned in subsection (1) the FCA must, so far as reasonably possible, act in a way which, as a secondary objective, advances the competitiveness and growth objective (see section 1EB).

In discharging its general functions the FCA must have regard to—

the regulatory principles in section 3B, and

the importance of taking action intended to minimise the extent to which it is possible for a business carried on—

by an authorised person or a recognised investment exchange, or

in contravention of the general prohibition,

to be used for a purpose connected with financial crime.

For the purposes of this Chapter, the FCA's general functions are—

its function of making rules under this Act (considered as a whole),

its function of making technical standards in accordance with Chapter 2A of Part 9A;

its function of preparing and issuing codes under this Act (considered as a whole),

its functions in relation to the giving of general guidance under this Act (considered as a whole), and

its function of determining the general policy and principles by reference to which it performs particular functions under this Act.

Except to the extent that an order under section 50 of the Financial Services Act 2012 (orders relating to mutual societies functions) so provides, the FCA's general functions do not include functions that are transferred functions within the meaning of section 52 of that Act.

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"General guidance" has the meaning given in section 139B(5).

Section 1B: The FCA's general duties

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