Fed Chairman Bernanke discusses economy, student loans during RI student discussion

Fed’s Bernanke speaks to college students in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says oversight of the nation’s financial system has been strengthened following the economic meltdown of 2008.

Bernanke spoke Monday at a town-hall style meeting with Rhode Island college students.

He said the Federal Reserve will have a greater role in bank supervision in the future to prevent another financial crisis.

Bernanke also fielded questions about student loans, investment strategy and partisan bickering.

College students were selected by their schools to participate. The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island says most of the students are in business-oriented areas of study.

Bernanke is also scheduled to deliver remarks Monday evening to the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, a taxpayer watchdog group.