Which responsibility involves conducting investigations and imposing sanctions?

The option that mentions conducting investigations and imposing sanctions aligns closely with the role of a regulatory authority. Regulatory authorities are organizations or governmental bodies entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing laws and regulations within various sectors, including finance and healthcare. They not only monitor compliance with regulations but also have the power to investigate violations and impose sanctions on entities that do not adhere to the established rules. This includes the ability to take disciplinary action, which is a significant aspect of maintaining order and accountability in their respective domains.

In contrast, compliance management focuses primarily on ensuring that an organization adheres to laws and regulations but does not typically conduct investigations or impose sanctions itself. Auditing involves the examination of financial records and reports to ensure accuracy and adherence to accounting standards, which does not inherently include imposing sanctions. An oversight body may monitor processes and provide guidance, but it usually does not have the enforcement power that a regulatory authority possesses, particularly when it comes to conducting investigations and imposing penalties for non-compliance.