Unit 3 Depository Institution
Unit 3 Depository Institution
Deposit-Taking:
Lending and Credit
Payment Services
Investment Services
Foreign Exchange Services
Risk Management
Profit Maximization
Size:
The size of the commercial banking industry is typically measured by metrics such as total assets, total
deposits, and total loans and advances. Commercial banks often constitute a significant portion of the
financial sector and play a crucial role in intermediating funds between savers and borrowers.
In larger and more developed economies, commercial banks may have substantial asset bases, with total
assets often reaching into the trillions of dollars. In contrast, in smaller or less developed economies,
commercial banks may have smaller asset sizes but still play a vital role in providing financial services to
the population.
Structure:
Commercial banking industries can have diverse structures, ranging from concentrated to fragmented
markets. In some countries, a few large banks dominate the market, while in others, there may be
numerous smaller banks competing for market share.
Market concentration levels, measured by metrics such as the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) or
concentration ratios, vary widely across different commercial banking sectors. High levels of
concentration may raise concerns about market power, competition, and systemic risk, while lower levels
of concentration may promote competition and innovation.
Commercial banks may operate as standalone institutions or as part of larger financial conglomerates with
subsidiaries in other sectors such as investment banking, asset management, insurance, and securities
brokerage.
Composition:
The composition of the commercial banking industry includes various types of banks and financial
institutions offering a range of banking services. These may include:
Retail Banks: Serving individual consumers and small businesses, providing services such as
savings accounts, checking accounts, consumer loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
Commercial Banks: Catering to the needs of businesses, corporations, and institutions, offering
services such as corporate lending, trade finance, cash management, and treasury services.
Universal Banks: Offering a full range of banking services, including retail banking, commercial
banking, investment banking, and wealth management under one roof.
Community Banks and Credit Unions: Smaller banks serving local communities or specific
membership groups, focusing on personalized service and relationship banking.
Online Banks and Digital Banks: Operating primarily through digital channels, offering online and
mobile banking services without physical branch networks.
Foreign Banks: International banks with operations in multiple countries, serving global clients
and participating in cross-border financial activities.
The composition of the commercial banking industry may also include specialized banks or financial
institutions focusing on specific niches or sectors, such as agricultural banks, development banks, export-
import banks, and housing finance institutions.
Mobile Banking: Mobile apps enable customers to manage their finances, make payments,
deposit checks, and access banking services on smartphones and tablets, providing convenience
and flexibility.
Internet Banking: Banks provide internet-based banking services, including account
management, fund transfers, bill payments, and account statements, accessible through desktop
computers and laptops.
Wire Transfers: Banks offer wire transfer services for fast and secure electronic transfers of funds
domestically and internationally, facilitating high-value transactions and global trade.
Real-Time Payments: Banks participate in real-time payment systems that enable instant, 24/7
funds transfers between accounts, enhancing payment efficiency and responsiveness.
Digital Wallets: Banks partner with digital wallet providers or offer their own digital wallet apps,
allowing customers to store payment credentials, make contactless payments, and manage
loyalty rewards and coupons.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payments: Banks offer P2P payment services that enable customers to send
and receive money directly to/from friends, family, and businesses using mobile phone numbers,
email addresses, or account numbers.
Banks leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to analyze customer behavior,
predict financial trends, assess credit risk, and personalize product offerings and marketing campaigns.
Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention: Banks invest in robust cybersecurity measures and fraud
detection systems to safeguard customer data, prevent unauthorized access, and mitigate cyber
threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and identity theft.
Encryption: Banks use encryption protocols to protect sensitive data in transit and at rest,
ensuring confidentiality and integrity of customer information and financial transactions.
Banks explore blockchain and DLT solutions for secure and transparent record-keeping, cross-border
payments, trade finance, and smart contract applications, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing
transaction costs.
Cryptocurrencies: Some banks offer services related to cryptocurrencies, such as custody, trading,
and investment products, to meet the growing demand for digital assets and blockchain-based
financial services.
Deposit Services:
Savings Accounts: Customers can deposit funds into savings accounts, earn interest on their
balances, and withdraw money as needed for everyday expenses or future financial goals.
Checking Accounts: Checking accounts provide a convenient way to manage day-to-day finances,
allowing customers to deposit checks, make electronic transfers, write checks, and access funds
using debit cards.
Time Deposits (Certificates of Deposit): Time deposits offer higher interest rates than savings
accounts in exchange for locking in funds for a fixed period, ranging from a few months to several
years.
Money Market Accounts: Money market accounts combine features of savings and checking
accounts, offering higher interest rates and limited check-writing privileges while maintaining
liquidity.
Lending Services:
Personal Loans: Commercial banks offer personal loans for various purposes, such as home
renovations, debt consolidation, medical expenses, or vacations, with fixed or variable interest
rates and flexible repayment terms.
Mortgages: Banks provide mortgage loans to finance the purchase of homes or real estate
properties, offering different types of mortgages, including fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate
mortgages (ARMs), and government-insured mortgages.
Business Loans: Commercial banks extend credit to businesses for working capital, expansion,
equipment financing, inventory purchases, and other operational needs, tailored to the specific
requirements and creditworthiness of the business.
Lines of Credit: Banks offer lines of credit, such as revolving credit lines and overdraft facilities,
allowing customers to borrow funds on an as-needed basis up to a predetermined credit limit.
Bill Payment Services: Customers can pay bills electronically through their bank accounts, either
by setting up recurring payments or initiating one-time payments to utility companies, service
providers, creditors, and merchants.
Debit and Credit Cards: Banks issue debit cards and credit cards to customers, enabling them to
make purchases, withdraw cash, and access banking services at ATMs, point-of-sale terminals,
and online merchants worldwide.
Retirement Planning: Banks provide retirement planning services, including individual retirement
accounts (IRAs), employer-sponsored retirement plans, annuities, and pension advisory services
to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals.
Risk Mitigation: Banks offer risk management solutions, such as hedging products, derivatives,
and structured products, to help clients manage financial risks, including interest rate risk, foreign
exchange risk, commodity price risk, and credit risk.
Sources of Funds:
Deposits: Deposits from customers are the primary source of funding for commercial banks.
These include:
Savings Accounts: Deposits made by individuals and households, often earning interest.
Checking Accounts: Demand deposits used for everyday transactions, typically non-interest-
bearing or low-interest-bearing.
Time Deposits: Fixed-term deposits with predetermined maturity dates, offering higher
interest rates.
Money Market Accounts: Interest-bearing accounts offering higher yields than savings
accounts, with limited check-writing capabilities.
Wholesale Funding: Commercial banks may raise funds from wholesale sources, including:
Interbank Borrowing: Short-term loans and borrowings from other banks or financial
institutions to manage liquidity needs.
Commercial Paper: Short-term debt instruments issued by banks to raise funds from
institutional investors in the money market.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Time deposits issued by banks to institutional investors and
corporate clients, often with higher interest rates.
Capital: Banks raise equity capital from shareholders through the issuance of common stock
or preferred stock, providing a permanent source of funds to support their operations and
regulatory capital requirements.
Borrowings: Commercial banks may borrow funds from central banks, government agencies,
or other financial institutions to meet short-term liquidity needs or regulatory requirements.
Uses of Funds:
Lending and Investments: The primary use of funds for commercial banks is to extend credit
and make investments, including:
Loans and Advances: Providing financing to individuals, businesses, and institutions through
various types of loans, such as personal loans, mortgages, commercial loans, and consumer
loans.
Securities Investments: Investing in government bonds, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed
securities, and other fixed-income securities to earn interest income and diversify the bank's
investment portfolio.
Reserves and Liquidity Management: Commercial banks maintain reserves and liquidity to
meet withdrawal demands from depositors and regulatory requirements, including:
Reserve Requirements: Holding reserves with central banks to satisfy regulatory reserve
requirements and manage liquidity risks.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Holding cash reserves and liquid assets, such as Treasury bills and
short-term securities, to meet daily operational needs and unforeseen liquidity shocks.
Operational Expenses: Banks allocate funds to cover operating expenses, including employee
salaries, rent, utilities, technology infrastructure, marketing, and regulatory compliance costs
associated with running the banking business.
Interest Expense: Commercial banks pay interest on deposits and borrowings, representing a
significant portion of their operating expenses and funding costs.
Capital Expenditures and Growth Initiatives: Banks invest in capital expenditures and growth
initiatives to expand their branch network, upgrade technology systems, develop new
products and services, and pursue strategic acquisitions or partnerships to enhance market
presence and competitiveness.
Central Bank:
The central bank of a country plays a crucial role in regulating and supervising banks and financial
institutions to maintain financial stability, monetary policy effectiveness, and overall economic health. Key
responsibilities of the central bank in the regulatory framework include:
Formulating and implementing monetary policy to achieve price stability, economic growth, and
currency stability.
Supervising and regulating banks to ensure their safety, soundness, and compliance with
prudential standards and regulations.
Managing the payment system, interbank settlements, and foreign exchange operations to
maintain liquidity and stability in financial markets.
Serving as the lender of last resort to provide emergency liquidity assistance to banks facing
liquidity shortages or financial distress.
Banking regulators and supervisory authorities are government agencies or independent bodies
responsible for overseeing the banking sector and enforcing banking laws and regulations. They conduct
on-site examinations, off-site monitoring, and risk assessments to ensure banks comply with regulatory
requirements and operate prudently. Key functions of banking regulators and supervisory authorities
include:
Licensing and chartering banks, approving mergers and acquisitions, and reviewing ownership
changes to ensure the safety and integrity of the banking system.
Setting prudential standards and regulatory guidelines on capital adequacy, liquidity
management, asset quality, risk management, corporate governance, and disclosure
requirements.
Conducting regular examinations, inspections, and stress tests to assess the financial condition,
risk profile, and compliance with regulatory standards of banks.
Enforcing laws and regulations, imposing sanctions, and taking corrective actions to address
deficiencies, violations, or misconduct by banks and their executives.
Deposit insurance agencies are government entities or independent corporations responsible for insuring
bank deposits and protecting depositors' funds in the event of bank failures or insolvency. Key functions
of deposit insurance agencies include:
Administering deposit insurance programs to provide coverage and guarantees for eligible
deposits up to specified limits, typically funded through premiums paid by member banks.
Monitoring the financial condition and risk profile of member banks to assess their eligibility for
deposit insurance coverage and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Managing resolution and liquidation processes for failed banks, including the payout of insured
deposits, sale of assets, and recovery of losses to minimize taxpayer liabilities and maintain public
confidence in the banking system.
Securities regulators and financial authorities oversee aspects of the banking sector related to securities
activities, capital markets, and financial services. They regulate investment banking activities, securities
trading, asset management, and market conduct to protect investors and ensure fair and orderly markets.
Securities regulators also collaborate with banking regulators and central banks to address systemic risks
and coordinate regulatory efforts across different segments of the financial sector.
International organizations, such as the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the Basel Committee on Banking
Supervision (BCBS), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), play a role in setting global standards and
best practices for banking regulation, supervision, and financial stability. They promote cooperation
among national regulators, facilitate information sharing, and assess the effectiveness of regulatory
reforms to strengthen the resilience and integrity of the global banking system.
Credit Risk: Credit risk arises from the potential of borrowers or counterparties failing to meet
their obligations, resulting in losses to the bank. This risk is inherent in lending activities and arises
from factors such as borrower default, bankruptcy, insolvency, or deterioration in credit quality.
Commercial banks manage credit risk through prudent underwriting standards, credit analysis, loan
diversification, collateralization, and risk-based pricing. They assess the creditworthiness of borrowers,
monitor loan portfolios, and establish credit risk management frameworks to mitigate losses and maintain
adequate provisions for loan losses.
Market Risk:
Market risk stems from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices, commodity
prices, and other market variables that can impact the value of banks' assets, liabilities, and trading
portfolios.
Commercial banks manage market risk through asset-liability management (ALM), hedging strategies,
derivatives transactions, stress testing, and scenario analysis. They use interest rate swaps, options,
futures, and other hedging instruments to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk and currency risk.
Liquidity Risk:
Liquidity risk arises from the inability of banks to meet short-term funding obligations or cash flow needs
due to mismatches between assets and liabilities, disruptions in funding markets, or unexpected
withdrawals by depositors.
Commercial banks manage liquidity risk by maintaining adequate liquidity buffers, diversifying funding
sources, conducting stress tests, managing asset liquidity profiles, and establishing contingency funding
plans. They also participate in central bank liquidity facilities and maintain access to interbank funding
markets to address liquidity shortages.
Operational Risk:
Operational risk arises from internal processes, systems, human errors, technology failures, fraud,
cyberattacks, or external events that may disrupt business operations, cause financial losses, or damage
reputation.
Commercial banks manage operational risk through strong internal controls, robust risk management
frameworks, employee training, information security measures, business continuity planning, and
insurance coverage. They invest in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity defenses, and fraud detection
systems to mitigate operational vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.
Compliance and regulatory risk arises from failure to comply with laws, regulations, and supervisory
requirements imposed by regulatory authorities, leading to fines, penalties, legal liabilities, or
reputational damage.
Commercial banks manage compliance and regulatory risk by establishing compliance programs,
conducting regular audits and assessments, monitoring regulatory changes, and maintaining effective
communication with regulatory authorities. They invest in compliance personnel, training, and technology
systems to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.
Reputational Risk:
Reputational risk arises from negative publicity, public perception, or stakeholder confidence in the
integrity, ethics, or business practices of the bank. Reputational damage can lead to loss of customers,
investor confidence, and business opportunities.
Commercial banks manage reputational risk by fostering a strong corporate culture, ethical conduct, and
transparency in communication. They prioritize customer satisfaction, stakeholder engagement, and
community involvement to build trust and credibility in the marketplace.
3.2. Meaning Of Development Bank, Their roles, Size, Structure and Composition
Meaning: A development bank is a financial institution established with the primary objective of
promoting economic development, fostering industrialization, and facilitating long-term investment in
strategic sectors of the economy. Development banks play a crucial role in providing financial assistance,
technical expertise, and policy support to address developmental challenges, stimulate growth, and
improve living standards in both developing and emerging economies.
Providing Long-Term Financing: Development banks offer long-term loans, equity investments,
and guarantees to support investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, energy,
housing, and other priority sectors that may have limited access to conventional financing from
commercial banks or capital markets.
Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Development banks foster innovation,
entrepreneurship, and technology transfer by providing venture capital, seed funding, and
business advisory services to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and innovative
enterprises.
Facilitating Regional and Rural Development: Development banks promote inclusive growth and
regional development by investing in rural areas, underserved regions, and disadvantaged
communities through targeted financing programs, microfinance initiatives, and community
development projects.
Leveraging Private Sector Investments: Development banks leverage private sector investments
by providing risk-sharing mechanisms, credit enhancements, and innovative financing
instruments to mobilize private capital for developmental projects and public-private
partnerships (PPPs).
Development banks vary in size, structure, and composition depending on their mandate, ownership
structure, funding sources, and operational focus. Some key characteristics of development banks include:
Funding Sources: Development banks raise funds from various sources, including government
appropriations, capital contributions, bond issuance, multilateral development assistance, donor
funding, and retained earnings.
Consumer Lending: Finance companies offer various types of consumer loans, including personal
loans, auto loans, installment loans, and credit card financing, to individuals for purchasing goods,
financing education, covering medical expenses, or meeting other personal needs.
Small Business Financing: Finance companies provide financing solutions to small and medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and entrepreneurs, including working capital loans, equipment
financing, trade finance, factoring, and leasing arrangements.
Commercial and Real Estate Financing: Finance companies extend credit to commercial entities,
real estate developers, and property investors for acquiring, developing, or refinancing
commercial properties, residential properties, and investment properties.
Asset-based Lending: Finance companies offer asset-based lending facilities secured by collateral,
such as inventory, accounts receivable, machinery, equipment, or real estate, providing
businesses with access to capital based on the value of their assets.
Leasing and Equipment Finance: Finance companies provide leasing solutions and equipment
financing options to businesses and organizations for acquiring equipment, vehicles, machinery,
and technology assets without the need for upfront capital investment.
Debt Collection and Factoring: Finance companies engage in debt collection services, purchasing
delinquent or non-performing loans from banks or creditors at a discount and pursuing collection
efforts to recover outstanding debts from borrowers.
Financial Advisory and Consulting: Finance companies offer financial advisory services, investment advice,
wealth management, and financial planning services to individuals, families, businesses, and institutional
clients to help them achieve their financial goals and objectives.
Size, Structure, and Composition of Finance Companies:
Ownership and Governance: Finance companies may operate as publicly traded companies,
privately held corporations, partnerships, or subsidiaries of larger financial institutions. They are
governed by boards of directors, executive management teams, and regulatory authorities
responsible for oversight and supervision.
Funding Sources: Finance companies raise funds from various sources, including bank loans,
bonds, commercial paper, securitization, private placements, equity capital, and deposits from
institutional investors or retail clients.
Technology and Innovation: Finance companies leverage technology, data analytics, and digital
platforms to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, improve risk management,
and develop innovative financial products and services.
Risk Management: Finance companies implement robust risk management frameworks, credit
underwriting standards, and portfolio monitoring practices to assess credit risk, market risk,
liquidity risk, operational risk, and compliance risk associated with their lending and investment
activities.
Market Presence and Expansion: Finance companies may operate through branch networks,
online platforms, mobile apps, or strategic partnerships to reach customers, expand market share,
and diversify revenue streams across different geographic regions and market segments.
Cooperative banks aim to promote financial inclusion, empower communities, and foster economic
development by providing accessible, affordable, and member-centric banking services tailored to the
needs of their constituencies.
Principles of Cooperative Banking Institutions:
Cooperative banking institutions adhere to a set of core principles that distinguish them from other types
of financial institutions. These principles are based on the cooperative values of self-help, self-
responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. The key principles include:
Open Membership: Cooperative banks operate on a principle of voluntary and open membership,
where individuals or entities within the defined field of membership are eligible to become
members and participate in the cooperative's affairs without discrimination.
Democratic Control: Cooperative banks adhere to democratic governance principles, where each
member has equal voting rights and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes
through general meetings, elections, and representation on the board of directors.
Member Ownership: Cooperative banks are owned and controlled by their members, who
contribute capital, share in profits or surpluses, and collectively own the assets and liabilities of
the institution.
Education and Training: Cooperative banks promote education, training, and information-sharing
among members, staff, and communities to enhance financial literacy, cooperative values, and
responsible financial management practices.
Membership Ownership: Members are the owners of cooperative banking institutions. Each
member typically has an equal vote in decision-making processes, regardless of the amount of
capital they contribute.
Common Bond: Cooperative banks often serve specific communities, professions, or affinity
groups, with membership typically based on a common bond such as geographic location,
employer, profession, or association.
Member Participation: Members actively participate in the governance and management of the
institution through democratic processes, such as voting in board elections and attending general
meetings.
Social Purpose: Cooperative banks prioritize meeting the financial needs of their members and
supporting the well-being of their communities over maximizing profits for shareholders. They
often have social missions focused on financial inclusion and community development.
Not-for-profit Status: While cooperative banks aim to be financially sustainable, they are not-for-
profit organizations. Any profits generated are typically reinvested into the institution or returned
to members in the form of dividends, lower loan rates, or higher savings rates.
Mutual Ownership: Cooperative banks operate on a mutual basis, meaning they exist for the
mutual benefit of their members rather than to generate profits for external shareholders.
Simplified Governance Structure: Cooperative banks often have simpler governance structures
compared to traditional banks, with a focus on direct member participation and representation
on the board of directors.
Board of Directors: The board of directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction,
overseeing operations, and representing the interests of members. Directors are elected by
members and typically serve on a voluntary basis.
Management Team: The management team, led by a CEO or general manager, is responsible for
day-to-day operations, implementing the strategic plan, and managing staff.
Committees: Cooperative banks may have committees or working groups responsible for specific
functions such as finance, risk management, governance, and member services.
Members: Members are the core constituents of cooperative banking institutions. They have
voting rights and may participate in general meetings to make decisions about the institution's
direction and policies.
Employees: Employees work within the cooperative bank to deliver services to members, manage
operations, and support the institution's mission and goals.
Regulatory Oversight: Cooperative banks are subject to regulatory oversight by government
agencies responsible for ensuring their safety, soundness, and compliance with applicable laws
and regulations.