Ifea, the Italian Financial Economists Association, has been established to connect Italian financial economists worldwide. Although less than six months old, it already boasts over 200 members, including many university professors and researchers from prestigious institutions such as the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Italy. Membership is open to academics and students residing in Italy and abroad, including those pursuing doctoral studies. The association's goal is to "connect Italian financial economists from leading universities and institutions around the world, fostering the exchange of ideas and collaboration on academic research and research oriented towards the analysis and development of regulations and economic policies", as explained to Sole 24 Ore by the seven founders. All founders are based in the U.S.: Simona Abis and Andrea Buffa from the University of Colorado Boulder, Alessandro Melone from Ohio State University, Dino Palazzo from the Federal Reserve Board, Giorgia Piacentino from the University of Southern California, Alessandro Previtero from Indiana University, and Enrichetta Ravina from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.