Which organization is known as the "Lender of Last Resort"?

The Bank of England is recognized as the "Lender of Last Resort" primarily due to its role in providing financial stability in times of crisis. This designation stems from its ability to offer emergency funds to financial institutions facing liquidity issues, thereby preventing systemic failures within the banking system. By doing so, the Bank of England aims to maintain public confidence in the financial system and ensure that a bank's temporary financial difficulties do not lead to broader economic instability.

In its function, the Bank is equipped to respond quickly to requests for funds, typically using provisions outlined in the Bank of England Act. This unique position distinguishes it from other entities; while the Treasury manages government finances and the Financial Conduct Authority supervises financial markets to ensure fairness and transparency, neither possesses the same emergency liquidity role. The International Monetary Fund, on the other hand, provides financial assistance to countries facing balance-of-payments problems but does not operate at the level necessary to act as a lender for individual banks in crisis. Hence, the Bank of England's designation as the "Lender of Last Resort" underscores its pivotal role in safeguarding the economy during financial distress.