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Daily Archives: December 6, 2013

Federal Reserve launches History Web Gateway

“The Federal Reserve on Friday launched the History Web Gateway, a new online resource with biographies, images, and essays on key events in the Fed’s 100-year history. The gateway is part of the Fed’s effort during its centennial year to encourage a deeper reflection on its role in the nation’s economy.

“Looking back at our historical experience provides important insights to economists, historians, and policymakers about how the Fed can best meet its objectives, today and in the future, to promote a healthy economy and stable financial system,” said Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke.

The History Web Gateway offers students, educators, researchers, and others information about the founding of the Fed and its purpose, more than 230 biographies of key individuals, essays on major events in the Fed’s history, and access to various Fed archives. Additional content and features will be added over time.

“By sharing information about our history and the lessons learned, we can make it easier for the public to learn more about who we are and what we do at the Fed,” said Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Jeffrey M. Lacker, who serves as chairman of the Federal Reserve System Centennial Sponsoring Committee.

The Fed’s centennial year begins on December 23, 2013, the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Federal Reserve Act by President Woodrow Wilson. The Federal Reserve Board opened for business on August 10, 1914, and the Reserve Banks opened on November 16, 1914.

The History Web Gateway can be found at www.FederalReserveHistory.org

Global Corruption: The 2013 Index by Transparency International

“Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 offers a warning that the abuse of power, secret dealings and bribery continue to ravage societies around the world. More than two thirds of the 177 countries in the 2013 index score below 50, on a scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 100 (perceived to be… Continue Reading

United States Releases its Second Open Government National Action Plan

Among the highlights of the Second National Action Plan for United States Open Government  “We the People”: The White House will introduce new improvements to the We the People online petitions platform aimed at making it easier to collect and submit signatures and increase public participation in using this platform. Improvements will enable the public to perform data… Continue Reading

The FDIC’s Progress in Implementing Systemic Resolution Authorities under Dodd-Frank Act

FDIC Office of Audits and Evaluations Report No. AUD-14-001 – The FDIC’s Progress in Implementing Systemic Resolution Authorities under the Dodd-Frank Act, November 2013. “The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act) created a comprehensive new regulatory and resolution framework designed to avoid the severe consequences of financial instability. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act gave the FDIC broad… Continue Reading

CFPB to Oversee Nonbank Student Loan Servicers

News release: “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a rule today that allows the Bureau to supervise certain nonbank student loan servicers for the first time. The rule brings new oversight to the nation’s second largest consumer debt market – student loans – which have seen a rise in borrower delinquency in recent years. “Student… Continue Reading

International Review of OCC’s Supervision of Large and Midsize Banks

An International Review of OCC’s Supervision of Large and Midsize Banks, Recommendations to Improve Supervisor Effectiveness. December 4, 2013. “The U.S. financial supervisory system in which the OCC operates is complicated. Commercial banks in the United States, particularly the large complex institutions, may be subject to multiple supervisory agencies including the Federal Reserve Board and district Federal Reserve… Continue Reading

CRS – Keystone XL Pipeline Project: Key Issues

Keystone XL Pipeline Project: Key Issues – Paul W. Parfomak, Specialist in Energy and Infrastructure Policy; Robert Pirog, Specialist in Energy Economics; Linda Luther, Analyst in Environmental Policy; Adam Vann, Legislative Attorney. December 2, 2013  “TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL Pipeline would transport oil sands crude from Canada and shale oil produced in North Dakota and Montana to a market hub in Nebraska… Continue Reading