What are 'Principles for Businesses' according to the FCA Handbook?

The 'Principles for Businesses' in the FCA Handbook represent the core ethical and operational standards that regulated firms must uphold to ensure they act in a fair, transparent, and responsible manner. This set of principles includes obligations such as conducting business with integrity, treating customers fairly, and maintaining high standards of conduct.

By establishing these fundamental obligations, the FCA seeks to promote confidence in the financial markets and protect consumers, ensuring that firms prioritize the interests of their clients and operate in a way that upholds the integrity of the financial system. This approach is crucial for maintaining trust between businesses, their clients, and the wider financial landscape.

The other options do not accurately reflect the objectives of the 'Principles for Businesses'. They focus either on enhancing shareholder value, attracting new customers, or corporate social responsibility, which, while important aspects of business practices, do not directly encompass the regulatory requirements intended to ensure ethical and fair operation as dictated by the FCA.