U.S. banks, including bank accounts and banking transactions, are extensively regulated by both federal and state governments. Banking regulations are promulgated by a number of federal and state agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. It was founded by Congress in 1913 to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. For information about the Federal Reserve System, see FRB: The Federal Reserve System Purposes & Functions.