Banking: market research reports

Banking is the business of a bank or other financial institution. Banking includes such activities as holding money in saving and checking accounts, as well as issuing loans and credit. A bank is a financial intermediary.

There are several different types of banks which engage in different types of banking. Some of these types include: central bank, advising bank, commercial bank, credit union and investment bank.

It is not uncommon for some banks to offer many different types of services. For example a bank may offer personal and commercial banking services to clients.

The banking industry is highly regulated by the government. In 2008, the banking industry suffered from a crisis caused by risky lending, particularly in the mortgage loan sector also known as the subprime mortgage crisis. Though this may be viewed as a setback by some, the banking industry is continually evolving and offering innovative services to meet clients needs. An example of this is the somewhat recent addition of online banking which is growing in popularity.

Routine banking activities include paying on checks written by clients, collecting deposits and issuing loans. Issuing loans and charging interest is the main source of revenue in the banking industry.

There are many banking channels which clients can use to access accounts and conduct their business. Some of these include: bank teller at a branch or retail location, call center or telephone banking, online or mobile banking, video banking and ATM machines.

The oldest bank still operating, is located in Italy. Monte dei Paschi di Siena has been banking since 1472.