Types of Banks
Meaning
Meaning
Commercial Banks
Commercial banks provide banking services to individuals, businesses, and governments. They offer a range of products and services such as deposit accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment services.
Industrial Banks
Industrial banks, also known as industrial loan companies, provide financing for industrial and commercial enterprises. They may specialize in providing loans to small and medium-sized businesses.
Development Banks
Development banks are specialized financial institutions that provide long-term financing for economic development projects. They may focus on funding infrastructure projects, promoting industrialization, or supporting entrepreneurship.
Agricultural Banks
Agricultural banks provide financing for agriculture and related activities. They may offer loans for purchasing land, equipment, and supplies, as well as for crop and livestock production.
Savings Banks
Savings banks, also known as thrift institutions, specialize in providing savings and mortgage products. They typically focus on serving local communities and may offer lower fees and higher interest rates than commercial banks.
Exchange Banks
Exchange banks specialize in providing foreign currency exchange services and international trade financing. They may also offer services such as money transfers and letters of credit.
Central Bank
The central bank is the main regulatory authority for a country's monetary system. It manages the money supply, sets interest rates, and provides financial stability to the economy. In addition, it may act as a lender of last resort to commercial banks in times of financial crisis.