 This department offers a full range of banking expertise, and oversees the FBF's commissions and committees in areas including retail banking and direct banking, investment banking and capital markets, risk control and capital adequacy requirements, payment systems and instruments, and legal and tax issues.It also negotiates and works with various French and European government and regulatory authorities.The role of this department is to anticipate changes in the political, economic and social environment, promote the role of the banking sector in society and keep the general public informed.