Regulators and Financial Support Organizations
Federal and state governments have agencies that regulate and oversee financial markets and companies. These agencies each have a specific range of duties and responsibilities that enable them to act independently of each other while they work to accomplish similar objectives. Regulatory bodies are established by governments or other organizations to oversee the functioning and fairness of financial markets and the firms that engage in financial activity. The goal of regulation is to prevent and investigate fraud, keep markets efficient and transparent, and make sure customers and clients are treated fairly and honestly.
The FDIC regulates a number of community banks and other financial institutions. To determine who regulates your bank, go to FDIC Bank Find.
Other Regulators
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (consumerfinance.gov)
Provides information on consumer financial issues and instructions for submitting complaints about certain financial institutions.
Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) (helpwithmybank.gov)
The OCC’s consumer protection website HelpWithMyBank.gov provides answers and solutions for customers of National Banks and Federal Savings Associations.
Federal Reserve Board (FRB) (federalreserve.gov)
Provides information on how to contact the Federal Reserve to file complaints about financial institutions that the Federal Reserve regulates and get answers to frequently answered questions.
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) (mycreditunion.gov)
The NCUA’s consumer protection website MyCreditUnion.gov, and its financial literacy microsite, Pocket Cents, offer a variety of educational information, resources, and articles designed to help individuals make smarter financial decisions.
Conference of State Bank Supervisors (csbs.org)
CSBS supports state regulators in advancing the system of state financial supervision by ensuring safety, soundness and consumer protection; promoting economic growth; and fostering innovative, responsive supervision.
Additional Organizations That Support Consumer Financial Needs
America Saves (americasaves.org)
America Saves, a campaign managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (consumerfed.org), motivates, encourages, and supports low- to moderate-income households to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth.
Credit Report Companies – Equifax, Experian, TransUnion (annualcreditreport.com)
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only source to get free credit reports authorized by federal law. This law requires each of the three largest consumer credit reporting agencies to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.
Department of Treasury (mymoney.gov)
Publications, information, and tools from more than 20 federal agencies that make up the Financial Literacy Education Commission.
Federal Housing Administration (hud.gov)
The Federal Housing Administration, generally known as "FHA", provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States and its territories. FHA insures mortgages on single family homes, multifamily properties, residential care facilities, and hospitals.
Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov)
It's never too early—or too late—to explore your options for college or career school. This site discusses key steps in preparing for college and provides resources that can help you along the way.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (consumer.gov)
Includes easy-to-read and understand resources for basic money management, credit, scams, and ID theft.
Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (justice.gov)
Established in November 2009, the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force wages aggressive and coordinated investigations and prosecutions of financial frauds and maximizes the ability both to recover the proceeds of these frauds and obtains just and effective punishment of those who commit them.
Freddie Mac (freddiemac.com)
Freddie Mac is committed to helping America’s homeowners, renters, and customers while serving as a stabilizing force in the U.S. housing finance system.
Homeownership Preservation Foundation (995hope.org)
Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) provides financial education and confidential foreclosure prevention counseling for FREE.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org)
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling provides financial advice to millions by providing assistance with a nonprofit credit counselor.
NeighborWorks America (neighborworks.org)
NeighborWorks America is a member-based organization with 237 members working in more than 2,700 urban, suburban, and rural communities. Members consist of nonprofit community-based organizations that focus on community revitalization and production of affordable housing for lower-income people.
Making Home Affordable (makinghomeaffordable.gov)
Making Home Affordable (MHA) is a program that was launched in 2009 as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the federal government's response to the subprime mortgage crisis. The aim of MHA was to aid eligible homeowners by lowering their monthly mortgage payments to a more manageable level.
State Consumer Protection Offices (usa.gov)
Find your state’s consumer protection office.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (apps.hud.gov): HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. This page allows you to select a list of agencies for each state.
United States Postal Inspection Office (uspis.gov)
Are you a victim or have you witnessed a mail-related crime? Alert Postal Inspectors to the problem and prevent others from being victimized.