Perbankan

Perbankan refers to the industry and activities of banks. Banks are financial institutions that accept deposits and make loans. They play a crucial role in the economy by facilitating the flow of money, providing credit, and offering various financial services. The core functions of a bank include accepting deposits from individuals and businesses, which are then used to fund loans. These loans can be for various purposes, such as mortgages for homes, business expansion, or personal consumption.

Beyond deposit-taking and lending, banks offer a wide range of other services. These include facilitating payments through checks, electronic transfers, and credit/debit cards. They also provide services like currency exchange, investment advice, wealth management, and safe deposit boxes. Banks operate under strict regulations to ensure the stability of the financial system and protect depositors' funds. These regulations are typically overseen by central banks and other financial authorities.

The banking sector can be broadly categorized into retail banking, which serves individual consumers and small businesses, and wholesale or investment banking, which deals with larger corporations and governments, often involving complex financial transactions like underwriting securities and mergers and acquisitions. Digitalization has significantly transformed perbankan in recent years, with the rise of online banking, mobile banking apps, and fintech companies offering innovative financial solutions. This evolution continues to shape how individuals and businesses interact with financial institutions.