What is the primary intention of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)?

The primary intention of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is to prevent illegal payments to foreign officials. This legislation was enacted to address concerns about corruption and bribery in international business transactions, particularly focusing on U.S. companies operating abroad. The FCPA prohibits individuals and businesses from making payments to foreign officials to influence their decisions and obtain or retain business.

By targeting corrupt practices, the FCPA aims to promote ethical business conduct and establish a level playing field for companies competing internationally. It underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in global commerce, thereby supporting both legal compliance and the protection of corporate reputation.

The other choices relate to different aspects of business regulation and governance but do not encapsulate the primary focus of the FCPA. For instance, regulating foreign trade tariffs and promoting domestic banking practices are separate functions, while enhancing corporate governance, while important, does not specifically address the aspect of bribery that the FCPA seeks to mitigate.