FSA

The Financial Services Authority is the regulator of all financial services in the UK.

Firms providing certain financial services are required to register with the FSA. The FSA can refuse to register firms, and can ban firms from providing certain services. It frequently investigates allegations of violations of its rules by registered firms.

The FSA also sets requirements for individuals to do certain jobs. Among other things, it requires those in certain roles (such as giving financial advice to retail investors) to pass exams it sets.

This means that investors can usually rely on those selling them services or advice having a certain minimum level of competence and conduct. However this is a minimal acceptable level, not a high one.

The FSA web site provides a lot of information on the regulation of investments and investment business, as well as a list of regulated firms.