About Us
Supporting a vibrant economy that works for everyone
The Boston Fed is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that, together with the Board of Governors, make up the nation’s central bank. We help carry out the Federal Reserve’s mandate – stable prices and maximum employment – by contributing to monetary policy, supervising financial institutions, supporting the nation’s payments and financial systems, conducting economic research, and engaging with communities across New England.
As the Reserve Bank for the six New England states, we bring regional perspectives, expertise, and research to the work of the Federal Reserve. By listening and learning from people, businesses, financial institutions, and communities throughout the region, we help inform decisions that support a healthy economy and stable financial system.
The Federal Reserve System
The unique structure of the Federal Reserve System includes the Board of Governors in Washington, the Federal Open Market Committee (or FOMC), and the 12 regional Reserve Banks. These entities carry out the Federal Reserve’s responsibilities on behalf of the American people, with each Reserve Bank bringing regional expertise and perspectives to the System’s work.
- Conduct the nation’s monetary policy in pursuit of its dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices.
- Promote financial stability by preventing and mitigating systemic risks and serving as a lender of last resort.
- Ensure the safety and soundness of banks and financial institutions through supervision and regulation.
- Promote consumer protection and community development to help ensure a fair and transparent financial services marketplace that benefits all Americans.
- Foster payment system efficiency and effectiveness by maintaining the infrastructure that enables financial transactions and managing the issuance and distribution of cash.
Serving New England
Since 1914, the Boston Fed has served the First Federal Reserve District, which includes Connecticut (except Fairfield County), Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. New England is an economically and geographically diverse region. It hosts large cities and rural villages, technology centers and working waterfronts, leading universities and small-town colleges. Its industries range from healthcare and technology to manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.
The economy impacts people and communities here in different ways. Housing, workforce dynamics, and business conditions can vary from place to place. So, we prioritize speaking to and partnering with the people in these places who are shaping the economy and being impacted by it. We want to bring a broad mix of local perspectives into our work at the Federal Reserve.
Our Leadership Team and Governance Exemplifies Public Service