The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, also known as FDIC, preserves and promotes public confidence in the United State s financial system. The company, operational since 1933, insures more than $4 trillion of deposits in banks and thrift institutions. It examines and supervises over 5,100 financial institutions. The company operates legal, finance, administration, information technology, and insurance and research divisions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is a federal regulator of banks that are chartered by the U.S. states. The company has regional and field offices throughout the U.S. It employs a staff of nearly 5,000 people and conducts industry research and analysis. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is an independent agency of the U.S. government.