Understanding Banks in Modern Finance

Study Notes

Banks act as intermediaries, connecting savers with borrowers, essential for economic stability and growth.
According to the General Banking Act, banks are entities authorized by the Monetary Board to lend funds obtained from public deposits.
Banks accumulate deposits from the public and extend loans, facilitating capital formation and economic development.

Depository of Idle Funds: Banks provide secure storage for excess funds, attracting depositors with interest and services.
Source of Loanable Funds: Deposits are recycled into loans, generating income through interest rate differentials and fueling economic activity.
Financial Counsel Provider: Banks offer expert advice to businesses, helping navigate complex financial landscapes.

Deposit Accumulation: Banks attract deposits with competitive interest rates and diverse account options, supported by robust security and insurance schemes.
Loan Distribution: Thorough assessment of loan applications considers credit history, income, and collateral, ensuring responsible lending.
Risk Management: Banks maintain a balance between deposits and loans through diversification, reserve maintenance, and regulatory compliance to ensure stability.

Presidential Decree No. 71: Established classification and uniform treatment of banking institutions.
Republic Act 337 (General Banking Act): Provided comprehensive guidelines for banking operations and regulations.
Republic Act 1948: Amended previous laws to refine classifications and adapt to evolving financial needs.

Universal Banks: Offer a broad array of services, including commercial and investment banking, deposit-taking, and securities underwriting.
Commercial Banks: Focus on services for individuals and businesses, providing savings accounts, loans, and a range of financial products.
Thrift Banks: Concentrate on savings mobilization and loans for individuals and small businesses, smaller in scale compared to universal and commercial banks.
Rural Banks: Target financial services for rural and agricultural communities, providing essential banking services in underserved areas.
Cooperative Banks: Owned and operated by members/customers, promoting community-focused financial services.
Islamic Banks: Operate based on Islamic finance principles, offering Sharia-compliant banking options to Muslim customers.

Capital Formation: Banks mobilize public savings into investments, driving economic growth.
Business Expansion: Loans to businesses stimulate expansion, innovation, and job creation, enhancing productivity.
Financial Inclusion: Banks expand access to financial services, reducing income inequality and encouraging sustainable development.
Monetary Policy Implementation: Banks assist central banks in executing monetary policies, influencing interest rates and economic stability.

Digital Transformation: Adoption of digital technologies improves customer experience and efficiency, integrating mobile banking, AI, and blockchain.
Open Banking: Sharing data with third-party providers fosters innovation and improved financial services through fintech collaboration.
Sustainable Banking: Increasing focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors; green financing and responsible investing are prioritized.
Cybersecurity Focus: As digital banking rises, banks invest in advanced security measures, including encryption and AI fraud detection to safeguard customer data.