Banking is an important section of the financing world that ensures there are effective and easy economic flows in the world, coupled with a healthy availability of credit facilities. Basically, banks are financial intermediaries that protect savings, offer loans, and advance investment opportunities. Banking systems around the world have evolved to meet the needs of people, businesses, as well as governments, through services offered depending on the type of bank involved.
What is Bank and Banking?
A bank is a licensed financial institution authorized to receive deposits as well as to offer various other financial services such as making loans, wealth management, and currency exchange. Banking, in its larger sense, describes the business carried out or services offered by a bank: money management, credit supervision and management, and the flow of funds through different sectors in the economy.
These are some of the basic banking functions:
- Accepting deposits.
- Advancing loans and overdrafts to the public, companies, and other bodies.
- Provision of investment products, among others, like asset management, life insurance, etc.
Banks have been the cornerstones of economic development through the provision of funds for private and public projects.
Types of Banks in India
India has a diverse banking system comprising various banks to serve different financial needs. Let’s explore the types of banks operating in India.
Commercial Banks
Commercial banks are profit-making organizations. They offer a wide range of products and services to customers as well as companies. Commercial banks are governed by the Reserve Bank of India, RBI. They fall into three categories:
- Public Sector Banks: These are banks owned by the government. The government holds a large amount of ownership in such banks. Some examples include the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of Baroda.
- Private Sector Banks: Most of these banks have private shareholders. The following are a few examples: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank.
- Foreign Banks: These are foreign-owned banks, and they have country-wise branch offices here in India. A few examples of international banks operational in India include Citibank, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank.
Cooperative Banks
A cooperative bank is a deposit-taking financial institution established on a cooperative basis and, therefore, owned by the members themselves. They extend credit and financial services to some groups of people on more congenial terms than the latter. There are two forms of cooperative banks:
- Urban Cooperative Banks: These service small businesses and industries located in urbanized centers.
- Rural Cooperative Banks: These service the needs of agriculture and rural areas.
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Regional Rural Banks were established to provide banking services to the rural areas with more emphasis on the agricultural sector. RRBs are regulated by RBI and mainly target all kinds of credit flow for agriculture, microfinance, and pushing the concept of financial inclusion.
Development Banks
Development banks extend long-term financing facilities for infrastructural projects and industries. These banks play an imperative role in the development of an economy because they provide funds for large-scale investments, usually for public works. Major development banks are the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Specialized Banks
Specialized banks service specific industries or sectors. Examples include:
- Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank): Specializes in financing, facilitating, and promoting India’s international trade.
- Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI): Focuses on promoting and financing small-scale industries.
Payment Banks
New types of banks, operate at a relatively small scale compared to the traditional full-service banks. Payment banks may collect deposits and extend remittance services but cannot provide credit. A few of the popular payment banks operating in India are Airtel Payments Bank, Paytm Payments Bank, and India Post Payments Bank.
Main Functions of Banks
The main functions of banks include facilitating an easy flow of money and arranging fund services for people, businesses, and the government. The following are some of the main functions of banks:.
Accepting Deposits
Accept deposits from individuals, businesses, and others. Deposits can be made in the following types:
- Saving Accounts: Suitable for individuals who want to save money with interest earned.
- Current Accounts: Suitable for companies and organizations. They are meant for constant operations devoid of any limit on withdrawals.
- Fixed Deposits: During this, the person places a fixed amount in the bank and withdraws it for a stipulated period. At that time, the bank pays out a higher interest rate compared with saving accounts.
Providing Loans
Banks offer loans to people and industries on all issues. Other types of loans include:
- Personal Loans: These are provided to individuals to perform issues with personal issues, such as purchasing a car, education, or health issues.
- Business Loans: These are credited to companies to undertake their various activities, expansions, and/or wealth investment.
- Home Loans: These are credited to individuals for home purchase or development.
Agricultural Loans: Specialized loans designed to enhance agriculture.
Credit Creation
Banks are indeed the chief mechanism of credit creation. The act of lending part of its deposits increases credit inflow into the economy by a bank. This gives impetus to economic activity by filling the coffers of companies and other house-holds with money for the purposes of certain kinds of spending.
Transfer of Funds
Banks offer various facilities to transfer funds domestically and internationally through services like:
- NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)
- RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement)
- IMPS (Immediate Payment Service)
Investment Services
Banks provide investment services by offering products like mutual funds, insurance, and wealth management services. They act as intermediaries, helping customers grow their wealth.
Foreign Exchange Services
Commercial banks provide foreign exchange services, including currency exchange and trade finance services, which are essential for businesses engaged in international trade.
Agency Functions
Banks act as agents for their customers, performing various services on their behalf, such as paying utility bills, managing investments, and collecting checks.
Advisory Services
Banks often provide financial advice and guidance to businesses and individuals to help them make informed decisions regarding their finances.
Conclusion
Banking institutions are integral to the financial stability of a country. They not only facilitate personal savings and credit for individuals but also play a pivotal role in the overall economic development by funding businesses and government projects. The diversity of banking services and the different types of banks operating in India allow for efficient financial intermediation, which benefits all sections of society. From traditional commercial banks to modern payment banks, the variety of banking options ensures that different needs are met, making the banking sector a cornerstone of economic growth.
Banking and Its Types FAQs
What is a commercial bank?
A commercial bank is a financial institution that offers services such as accepting deposits, providing loans, and facilitating business transactions.
How do cooperative banks differ from commercial banks?
Cooperative banks operate on a cooperative basis and primarily serve their members, whereas commercial banks are profit-driven institutions open to the general public.
What are payment banks?
Payment banks are specialized banks that can accept deposits but cannot lend money. They primarily focus on providing digital payment and remittance services.
What is the role of regional rural banks (RRBs)?
Regional Rural Banks focus on providing financial services in rural areas, particularly supporting agriculture and small-scale industries.