What does the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) act as?

The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) serves as the central bank of the United States, which plays a crucial role in the country’s monetary system. As the central bank, it is responsible for implementing monetary policy, regulating and supervising financial institutions, providing financial services to depository institutions and the federal government, and maintaining financial system stability.

The role of the FRB includes managing inflation, maximizing employment, and moderating long-term interest rates, all of which are key components of the U.S. economy. It also serves as a lender of last resort to banks during times of financial distress, thereby helping to ensure the stability of the financial system.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the primary function of the Federal Reserve. While regional offices and various agencies may collaborate on economic issues, the specific designation of central banking is unique to the Federal Reserve.