BUS101: Introduction to Business

The Federal Reserve is one of several governmental banking regulators that share responsibility for supervising and examining depository institutions. The objective of their activities is to ensure the financial strength and stability of the nation's banking system.

The New York Fed conducts on-site and off-site examinations of member depository institutions and branches and agencies of foreign banks in the Second District. The Fed's responsibilities extend to all state-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System, all U.S. bank holding companies, and many of the U.S. operations of foreign banking organizations. In addition, the Fed stands ready to provide temporary or long-term liquidity to any depository institution that meets its criteria for discount window borrowing.

The Fed is responsible for enforcing laws and establishing rules to protect customers of depository institutions. It also ensures that banks try to meet the credit needs of their communities by observing community reinvestment laws and laws assuring consumers fair and unbiased access to credit.