Commercial Banks

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Commercial Banks

Published by: Anu Poudeli

Published date: 14 Jul 2023

Commercial Banks

Commercial banks are financial institutions that offer a variety of products and services to consumers, corporations, and governments. They are vital to the economy because they mobilize savings and channel them into productive activity through loans and other financial goods. Here is some information on commercial banks:

1. Definition and Function

Commercial banks are profit-making institutions that accept customer deposits and use those monies to make loans and provide other financial services.

Their primary functions are as follows:


a. Deposit Acceptance: Commercial banks take a variety of deposits, including current accounts, savings accounts, and fixed deposits. These deposits provide funds for banks to lend or invest with.

b. Lending: One of commercial banks' primary functions is to provide loans and credit to individuals, corporations, and governments. They provide a variety of loans, including personal loans, house loans, company loans, and working capital loans.

c. Payment services: Commercial banks support the transmission of funds using a variety of payment systems, including cheques, debit cards, credit cards, and electronic fund transfers.


d. Investment services: To help customers develop their wealth, banks also offer investment products such as mutual funds, treasury bonds, and securities.

e. Foreign exchange services: Commercial banks assist currency exchange as well as international trade and remittance services.

2. Structure and Regulations

Commercial banks are often established as corporations and are subject to stringent rules and oversight from government agencies such as central banks and financial regulatory bodies. These rules assure financial stability, client protection, and adherence to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism funding requirements.


3.Types of Commercial Banks:

There are various sorts of commercial banks, including:

a. Retail banks: These banks provide services such as savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and credit cards to individual consumers.

b. Corporate banks: Corporate banks cater to major corporations, offering services such as project financing, trade finance, cash management, and advisory services.

c. Investment banks: Investment banks generally underwrite securities, facilitate mergers and acquisitions, and provide corporate clients with advisory services.

d. Community banks: These banks are geared locally and serve certain communities or areas. They frequently have deep relationships with their consumers and play an important role in sustaining local economies.

4.Risk Management
Commercial banks have a variety of hazards, including credit risk (borrower default), liquidity risk (inability to satisfy short-term obligations), interest rate risk (interest rate changes), and operational risk (system failures, fraud, and so on). To avoid these risks and ensure financial stability, banks use risk management measures.

5. Importance of the Economy

Economic Importance: Commercial banks play an important role in economic development. They encourage savings and investment by offering a safe place for people and businesses to store their money. Banks also help to stimulate economic growth by making loans for productive enterprises, encouraging trade and commerce, and fostering financial inclusion by providing banking services to underserved communities.


Overall, commercial banks are important financial institutions that offer a variety of services to individuals and businesses, so promoting economic growth and development.