What does Federal Reserve do?

The Federal Reserve Board, commonly known as the Fed, is the central authority of the Federal Reserve System, which serves as the central banking system of the United States. Established in 1913, the Fed aims to create a stable monetary system and address banking panics. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it oversees 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, balancing regional insights with national policy. The Fed has five main functions: conducting monetary policy to promote maximum employment and stable prices, ensuring financial system stability, supervising and regulating financial institutions, fostering efficient payment and settlement systems, and promoting consumer protection and community development. It also provides essential services such as payment processing and economic data publications, including the Beige Book and the FRED database. The Fed plays a crucial role in supporting the U.S. economy and serves various stakeholders, including depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions.