It is generally said that the word “BANK” has been originated in Italy. In the middle of 12th century there was a great financial crisis in Italy due to war. To meet the war expenses, the government of that period imposed a forced subscribed loan on citizens of the country at the interest of 5% per annum. Such loans were known as Compara, Mintuo etc. The most common name was Monte. In Germany the word Monte was named as Bank or Banke. According to some writers, the word Bank has been derived from the word Banke.
It is also said that the word Bank has been derived from the word Banco which means a banch. The Jews money lenders in Italy used to transact their business sitting on banches at different market places. When any of them used to feel to meet his obligations, his banco or banch would be broken by the angry creditors. The word Bankrupt seems to be originated from broken banco. Since, the banking system has been originated from money lending business, it is rightly argued that the word Bank has been originated from the world banco.
Today the word bank is used as a comprehensive term for a number institutions carrying on certain kinds of financial business. In practice, the work Bank means which borrows money from one class of people and again lends money to another class of people for interest or profit.
Definition of a Bank
Oxford Dictionary defines a bank as "an establishment for custody of money, which it pays out on customer's order."
Definition of banking
In general terms, the business activity of accepting and safeguarding money owned by other individuals and entities, and then lending out this money in order to earn a profit.
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Characteristics / Features of a Bank ↓
1. Dealing in Money
Bank is a financial institution which deals with other people's money i.e. money given by depositors.
2. Individual / Firm / Company
A bank may be a person, firm or a