Bankings

Bankings refers to the activities and institutions involved in providing financial services through banks. The core function is intermediation: banks accept deposits and use those funds to lend to individuals, businesses, and governments. Beyond lending, banks offer payment services, custody, and advisory or wealth-management products. They also participate in payment systems and help transmit monetary policy as part of the broader financial framework.

Banking institutions include commercial, retail, savings, cooperative, and investment banks, as well as universal banks that combine several functions. Core services include deposit accounts, consumer and business loans, mortgages, credit cards, payment processing, and foreign exchange. Larger banks may provide underwriting, asset management, and advisory services for corporations and institutions.

Regulation in banking aims to maintain financial stability, protect consumers, and prevent financial crime. Common features are capital adequacy and liquidity requirements, consumer protection laws, and deposit insurance schemes. Banks must comply with anti-money-laundering rules and report to supervisory authorities.

Technology has reshaped banking through online and mobile services, digital payments, open banking, and partnerships with fintechs. Cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk management are increasingly central to operations. Key risks include credit, liquidity, market, and operational risks, which are mitigated by governance, internal controls, and regulatory supervision.