The Federal Reserve Board of Governors has appointed Michael E. Horowitz as the new Inspector General (IG), marking a significant leadership transition within the U.S. central bank’s oversight division. Horowitz is set to officially begin his duties by the end of June 2025.
This appointment follows the upcoming retirement of Mark Bialek, who has served as the Federal Reserve's Inspector General since April 2011. With his extensive experience in internal investigations, regulatory compliance, and financial accountability, Horowitz is widely recognized for his strong leadership and integrity within the government sector.
According to the official statement released on The Fed’s website, Horowitz will lead the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Federal Reserve System. His responsibilities will include supervising audits, conducting investigations, and ensuring transparency and accountability across the institution’s operations. The OIG plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the Federal Reserve System, especially in the areas of monetary policy implementation, regulatory supervision, and financial stability efforts.
A Dual Oversight Role
Horowitz's appointment also carries added responsibilities, as he will concurrently oversee the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) a role previously held by his predecessor. This dual oversight empowers the Inspector General to monitor financial consumer protections, ensuring that the CFPB operates within its legal boundaries and adheres to ethical standards in protecting U.S. consumers from financial abuses.
Horowitz brings with him a distinguished record as the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he led high-profile reviews into institutional conduct. His transition to The Fed signals a continued emphasis on operational transparency and regulatory independence, especially at a time when the central bank is facing heightened scrutiny over its policy decisions and emergency lending measures.
The Federal Reserve’s choice of Horowitz underlines a broader commitment to strengthening institutional governance. His experience and impartial approach are expected to provide robust oversight across multiple federal financial agencies.