WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that increasing the Fed’s openness and accountability has been a top priority of his during the eight years he has been leader of the central bank.

Bernanke said the central bank, which is marking its centennial this year, was reluctant during its early years to explain its actions or otherwise engage with the public. But he said that began to change in the 1990s and the process has accelerated during his time as chairman.