Whether you are financially comfortable or struggle to make ends meet, it
pays to know how various financial institutions differ and what role they
play in today’s world.
A central bank is an organization responsible for managing banking
activity. Many countries have central banks. In the US, the central bank
is the Federal Reserve, commonly known as 'the Fed'.
A retail bank works with consumers.
A commercial bank is one that
works with businesses. However,
most banks today offer their
products and services to both
consumers and businesses and are
commonly referred to as
commercial banks.
These are the larger banks that have branches and interests across the country. Their business models are
complex. The largest ones have become known as “The Big Banks.”
Among the 5 largest banks in the U.S. are Bank of America and
Wells Fargo.
Although the definition of a regional bank varies, it is generally one that operates in one region of the country, such as a state or within a group of states and is concerned with the
regional economy. Well known regional banks in Southern Virginia include First Citizens and Carter Bank & Trust
Some banks such as BB&T and SunTrust were for years considered regional banks but now are often referred to as national banks.
Community banks are typically locally owned and operated. They tend to focus on the needs of local businesses and families. Lending decisions are made by people who understand those needs of businesses and farmers. First community Bank of central Alabama is a good example.
Some banks these days do not have physical locations. They serve customers strictly in the virtual world. Everything, including opening accounts, is done online at these banks.
Also known as thrifts, these are financial
institutions that specialize in savings type deposits, mortgages and other
loans. They can serve both consumers and businesses; however, by law,
thrifts can have no more than 20 percent of their lending in commercial
loans.
Credit unions differ from banks and other financial
institutions in that those who have accounts in the credit union are its
members and actual owners. These member-owned financial cooperatives
are democratically controlled by its members, and operated for the
purpose of offering its members economical financial services.
Unlike commercial banks, investment banks do not
take deposits. Their focus is assisting individuals, corporations, and
governments in raising capital by underwriting and/or acting as the
client's agent in the issuance of securities. An investment bank may also
assist companies involved in mergers and acquisitions
Sometimes called investment companies,
these are companies that pool money from many investors to purchase
securities. Each fund invests in a different group of securities for the
investors. They serve the general public. If you own a 401(k) or similar
account, you are probably served by a mutual fund company.
Often simply called a brokerage, this is a financial institution that facilitates the buying and selling of securities between
investors. They serve a clientele that trades public stocks and other securities. The firm's agents, commonly called stockbrokers, research the markets to provide appropriate recommendations
These are corporate entities that insure people against loss. The client pays a fee, known as a premium, in exchange for the promise of the company to protect the client financially in the event of
certain potential misfortunes. The different types of insurance include life,
vehicle, health, liability and homeowners.
These are companies engaged in the business of
originating and/or funding mortgages for residential or commercial
property. A mortgage company is often just the originator of a mortgage; they typically have access a network of lending institutions that provide the capital for the mortgage itself.