What is the intent of the FCA's 'Principle 6' regarding customer treatment?

The intent of the FCA's 'Principle 6' is that firms should treat customers fairly and act in their best interests. This principle is foundational to ensuring that financial service providers maintain a high standard of consumer protection. It requires firms to conduct their operations in a manner that is transparent, fair, and promotes trust. By prioritizing the interests and fairness in dealings with customers, firms are encouraged to foster positive customer relationships and maintain integrity in the financial services market.

This principle aligns with the FCA's broader objectives of protecting consumers, enhancing the integrity of the UK financial system, and promoting competition. Treating customers fairly is essential not only for compliance with regulatory standards but also for building a sustainable business model that supports customer loyalty and trust in the financial sector.

The other options do not align with the customer-centric ethos that Principle 6 embodies; they promote practices that could undermine trust and fairness, which are core to the FCA's regulatory framework.