gildebanks
Gildebanken, or guild banks, were financial institutions driven by professional or craft guilds in medieval and early modern Europe. They pooled members’ funds to provide financial services for the guild and its members, integrating economic and social aims within the craft communities.
Gildebanken developed to meet a need for capital among artisans, merchants, and other guild members. They supplied
Contributions came from dues, fines, and voluntary or mandatory deposits by members. Lending was typically offered
Gildebanken are regarded as forerunners of later cooperative and savings institutions, illustrating early forms of mutual