Understanding the agencies and protections that keep your money safe. Because trusting strangers with your money should come with reassurance.
When you open a bank account, invest in stocks, or use a finance app, you're trusting that institution with your hard-earned money. The good news? The U.S. has one of the most robust financial regulatory systems in the world. Multiple agencies work together to protect consumers, insure deposits, and prevent fraud.
The FDIC insures your bank deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. If your bank fails, the FDIC ensures you get your money back—usually within days.
The SEC regulates the securities industry, including stock exchanges, brokers, and investment advisors. They enforce laws against market manipulation and fraud.
The CFPB protects consumers in the financial marketplace. They write rules, supervise companies, and enforce federal consumer financial laws. Great for filing complaints!
FINRA oversees broker-dealers and their registered representatives. They test, license, and monitor brokers, and provide BrokerCheck to verify credentials.
The FTC protects consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices across all industries, including financial services. They handle identity theft reports.
The NCUA does for credit unions what the FDIC does for banks—insures deposits up to $250,000 and regulates federal credit unions to ensure they operate safely.
Even with protections, scams happen. Watch out for: