What does the FCA’s Principle for Business 1 state?

The FCA's Principle for Business 1 emphasizes that a firm must conduct its business with integrity. This principle is foundational to the conduct of regulated firms in the UK, establishing a standard that ensures firms uphold the highest ethical standards in their business practices. By focusing on integrity, the FCA seeks to promote trust and confidence in the financial services sector. Firms are expected to act with honesty and adhere to the values that ensure fair treatment for consumers, which contributes significantly to the promotion of market integrity and consumer protection.

While the other options touch on important aspects of business conduct—like ethics, sustainability, and transparency—Principle 1 specifically highlights integrity as the primary expectation of firms under the FCA regulations. This focus helps reinforce the overarching goal of maintaining public confidence in the financial system.