Understand
the Economy and Banking

A bank is a company that offers a wide range of financial products and services, including deposits, loans, payment instruments and financial advice.

Security and trust
Banks offer a secure environment for depositing money, guaranteed by regulations and controls. Customer trust is essential for the proper functioning of a bank.

Financial intermediation
The bank acts as an intermediary between those who have a surplus of funds (savers) and those who need them, helping to develop the economic system and make the financial market more efficient.

Regulation and supervision
Banks are subject to strict regulations and controls by supervisory authorities to ensure the stability and transparency of the financial system.

Diversification of services
In addition to deposit and loan services, banks offer a diverse range of services, including payment services, financial advice, investments, currency exchange and distribution of insurance products.

Capital structure
Banks must maintain an adequate level of capital in compliance with regulatory (prudential) requirements to guarantee their stability. This capital serves as a buffer against any losses.

Technological innovation
Banks are increasingly committed to technological innovation, offering online banking, mobile banking and fintech solutions (digital tools in the financial field) to improve and automate the provision of financial services.

Central banks
Public institutions that manage the currency of a country or group of countries, through monetary policy.

Commercial banks
They offer conventional banking services, such as current accounts, loans and mortgages and payment services.

Investment banks
They mainly focus on investment services for large clients, companies or governments. They offer advice on mergers and acquisitions, portfolio management, securities issuance and complex financial transactions.

Online banks
They operate mainly (or exclusively) through the internet, often without a physical network of branches.

Deposit collection
Banks collect savings from customers in the form of deposits.

Granting loans
Banks lend money to customers for various purposes, such as the purchase of homes, the financing of business activities or personal consumption.

Payment management
Banks facilitate transactions, such as money transfers, bill payments and other electronic payments.

Investment and protection services
Banks offer investment products and services, such as mutual funds, bonds, insurance and financial advice.