unnecessarily costly, or abusive. financial education from the federal reserve the federal reserve has provided unbiased, credible, research - based financial information and educational materials, in print and on the internet, for many years. we offer publications – in both english and spanish – that provide consumers tips on a broad range of topics, from avoiding mortgage foreclosure scams to managing a checking account. more recently, the federal reserve board has developed interactive webpages with up - to - date information on regulatory changes that affect consumer financial products and services. these webpages offer information in plain language and in an easy - to - understand format ; they also provide links to calculators, additional resources, and other relevant material. the board ’ s “ what you bis central bankers ’ speeches need to know ” series provides user - friendly information and tools about new terms, disclosures, and protections for credit card accounts, overdraft protection programs, gift cards, credit decisions and credit scores, and notices of mortgage transfers. 1 since the series webpage was launched in february 2010, more than 366, 000 web views have been logged, with 60 percent of those visits for credit card information. the federal reserve banks, through their community affairs offices, have developed financial education materials and programs on topics that range from establishing banking accounts to building wealth. for example, the federal reserve bank of chicago, as part of financial literacy month, offers free classes and activities during its “ money smart week. ” in events developed in cooperation with local organizations and firms, young people and adults learn about financial matters ranging from opening a savings account to applying for a mortgage. several federal reserve banks are also actively involved in “ bank on ” programs that help cities and financial institutions bring unbanked and underbanked consumers into the financial mainstream by educating them about the benefits of having a bank account and using other banking services. exposing young people to financial concepts is particularly important. students can be particularly vulnerable to the temptations of taking on excessive debt, such as credit card debt. and the earlier that young people can develop basic financial skills, the more likely it is that they will make good financial decisions when they become adults. the federal reserve is committed to helping teachers and schools work more effectively with students as they develop their financial literacy. for example, the federal reserve provides a financial and economic education website with a variety of resources for teachers, and students of various ages and knowledge levels. 2 the site

central banks is essential to ensuring a country ’ s stability and prosperity. i am certain the bank of albania has accomplished its mission with professionalism providing a stable environment, especially with regard to banking system stability. this, however, is not accidental. not wanting to repeat myself, i have to restate that the bank of albania has been vigilant, monitoring scrupulously the financial soundness of the system, both before and after the onset of the crisis. with professionalism, dedication and farsightedness, we have succeeded in consolidating the independence of the institution, thanks to constant communication with all market actors, upholding the “ independence - accountability ” principle. transparency is the basis of decisionmaking in the field of monetary policy and financial stability. our effort to inject rational optimism with regard to the behaviour of economic agents has been in the synthesis of our stance throughout the difficult period that the global crisis has imposed on us. looking ahead, i believe it is indispensable for this spirit to be embraced and transmitted to the economy by all policymakers, economic agents, financial market, including the members of the public. the gist of this philosophy consists in comprehensive structural reforms that would accelerate our progress towards sustainable long - term development of the country. dear participants, the albanian central banking needs a date of birth. this date provides the opportunity to honour the efforts of the fathers of the nation to establish a central bank and consolidate the albanian state ; commemorate the efforts of all contributors to the development and promotion of this institution ; and look at future challenges and find ways to face them. the bank of albania will continue to be a responsible and reliable actor, to accomplish its legal mission and support the country's sustainable development. this first centennial of central banking in albania is a good omen for all of us. bis central bankers ’ speeches