Final answer:
There were approximately 5,844 independent banks and thrifts in operation at the end of 2013, after considering the decline from 7,085 in 2008 due to bank mergers and failures during the financial crisis, option c. 4,200 is the closest correct choice given.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the end of 2013, there were approximately 5,844 independent banks and thrifts in operation in the United States. This number is derived from the context provided, which states there were 5,571 banks at the end of the fourth quarter in 2014. Considering bank failures, mergers, and the impact of the financial crisis from 2007-2009, the number of independent banks decreased from 7,085 in 2008. Additionally, the dominance of larger banks has increased over time; as of 2013, the 12 largest banks controlled 69 percent of all banking assets. The Move Your Money Project, which began in 2009, encouraged people to transfer their money to credit unions, potentially affecting the number of banks. As such, option c. 4,200 is the closest available choice to the calculated figure from the data provided, which is 5,844.