The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing financial markets and firms in the UK. Its mission is to ensure that markets operate with integrity, transparency, and fairness while protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability. The FCA regulates a wide range of financial services, including banks, investment firms, insurers, and payment providers. 

In terms of financial crime compliance, the FCA plays a critical role in enforcing anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and combatting other financial crimes such as fraud and terrorism financing. The authority sets standards that financial institutions must follow to prevent their services from being misused for illegal activities. It requires firms to implement robust compliance measures, conduct thorough customer due diligence, monitor transactions for suspicious activity, and report any potential risks. Through its regulatory oversight, the FCA helps safeguard the UK financial system from being exploited for financial crime.