Banche

Banche (singular banca) are financial institutions that accept deposits and provide credit. In Italian, banche refers to banks in general and also to individual institutions. They perform core financial services including accepting savings deposits, issuing loans for households and businesses, processing payments, and offering wealth management and advisory services. Banks earn income from interest on loans, fees, and trading activities, subject to regulation and supervision to ensure safety and liquidity.

Banche play a central role in the economy by channeling funds from savers to borrowers, supporting consumption, investment, and employment. Deposit-taking institutions create money through lending, under prudential limits that control risk. They operate under licenses granted by national authorities and are subject to ongoing oversight by a central bank or financial regulator, as well as to international standards such as capital and liquidity requirements.

There are several types of banche, including retail banks that serve individuals; commercial banks that handle business financing; investment banks focused on markets and advisory services; and cooperative or savings banks that operate on member-based or regional models. In many jurisdictions, the rise of digital banking and fintech has changed how banche provide services, with online accounts, mobile payments, and automated lending platforms becoming common.

Regulatory frameworks, deposit insurance schemes, and capital requirements aim to protect depositors and ensure financial stability. The sector is highly interconnected with other financial institutions and markets, making risk management and compliance essential components of modern banking.