What role does the Fed play in consumer protection​?

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve plays a crucial role in consumer protection through rulemaking, regulation, supervision, and community initiatives, in addition to its monetary policy functions [2][11]. Group 1: Rulemaking and Regulation - The Fed sets rules impacting financial systems and consumers, including regulations under the Truth in Lending Act and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which mandate clear disclosure of terms, fees, and interest rates by banks [3][4]. - Regulation B, developed by the Fed, provides a framework for the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination in credit applications and requiring lenders to explain credit denials [4]. Group 2: Supervision and Evaluation of Banks - The Fed supervises financial institutions, including bank holding companies and nonbank financial companies, ensuring compliance with laws through regular examinations and inspections [5]. - Findings from these evaluations are reported, and necessary changes are mandated to adhere to Fed guidelines [5]. Group 3: Consumer Complaint System - The Fed operates a consumer complaint system for concerns about supervised banks, reviewing complaints to ensure legal compliance and referring issues outside its jurisdiction to appropriate agencies [6][8]. - Complaint data is used to investigate misconduct patterns and is included in the Fed's annual report to Congress [8]. Group 4: Research and Analysis of Consumer Issues - The Fed conducts research and analysis on consumer issues, focusing on financially vulnerable populations through initiatives like the Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking [9]. Group 5: Community Economic Development Initiatives - The Fed's Community Advisory Council (CAC) addresses financial service needs in low- and moderate-income communities, sharing insights on affordable housing, small businesses, and employment [10]. - Data and findings related to community development are published online at Fedcommunities.org [10].