Banking Principles and Practices
Banking Principles and Practices
By:
Hiwet Kebede
Dr Assefa Werede
April 2020
Mekelle, Ethiopia
Credit Hour: 2
Enrolment: regular
Course Objectives
This course is designed a to quaint students with the basic principles procedure and practice of
banks. Throughout this course emphasis will be given to relationship between Banker and
customer negotiable (credit) instruments Banking industry and formulation of bank loan policy
specially opening and crossing of accounts and rule of negotiable instruments are given detail
discussion so as to equipment students with the necessary regulation of bank for such instrument
and accounts.
Course Contents
2. Central Banking
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Functions of Central Bank
3. Commercial Banking
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Function of Commercial bank
3.3. Credit Creation
3.4. Balance Sheet of Banks
4. Bank Customer Relationship
4.1. Introduction
Evaluation
Total……………………………… 100%
Text Book:
Reference Books
Saunders, Anthony and Marcia Millon Cornett. Financial markets and institutions
Rose, Peter S. Money and capital markets: The financial system in an increasingly global
economy. 5th Ed
1.1 Introduction:
Modern commercial banking, in its present form, is of recent origin. Though bank is
considered to be an ancient institution just like money. Its evolution can be traced in
the functions of money lender, the goldsmiths and the merchants.
A bank has been often described as an institution engaged in accepting of deposits and
granting loans. It can also be described as an institution which borrows idle resources,
makes funds available to. It does not refer only to a place of lending and depositing money,
but looks after the financial problems of its consumers. In simple words, banking can be defined
as the business activity of accepting and safeguarding money owned by other individual and
entities, and then lending out this money in order to earn a profit.
This era is the age of specialization with the changing situation in the world
economy, banking functions have broadened.
Financial institutions which are shaped by the general economic structures of the country
concerned vary from one country to another. Banks are among the most important financial
institutions in the economy and are the principle sources of credit.
In simple words, banking can be defined as the business activity of accepting and safeguarding
money owned by other individual and entities, and then lending out this money in order to earn a
profit
Banking is defined as the accepting, for the purpose of lending, or investment of deposits, money
from the public, repayable on demand or otherwise and withdraw able by cheque, draft, or order.
On the other hand a bank is a financial institution which deals with deposits and advances and
other related services. It receives money from those who want to save in the form of deposits and
it lends money to those who need it. It bridges the gap between the savers and borrowers. The
provision of deposit and loan products normally distinguishes banks from other types of financial
firms. Deposit products pay out money on demand or after some notice. Deposits are liabilities
for banks, which must be managed if the bank is to maximize profit.
Likewise, they manage the assets created by lending. Thus, the core activity is to act as
intermediaries between depositors and borrowers. Other financial institutions, such as
stockbrokers, are also intermediaries between buyers and sellers of shares, but it is the taking of
deposits and the granting of loans that singles out a bank, though many offer other financial
services.
Banks are large and complex organizations. Their clients range from individuals and institutions,
all the way up to the governments and central banks of entire countries. Banks don't produce
physical things. They are not in the manufacturing business. The work they do simply involves
money – their money, their clients' money: borrowing it, lending it, and many other related
activities. The movement of capital handled by banks allows economies to grow and prosper.
Businesses and governments cannot be completely self-sufficient. They need money to operate,
and banks act as intermediaries (like ‘middlemen') between the suppliers of funds and users of
funds.
When the above ideas are summarized Bank has the following roles
♦ It encourages savings habit amongst people and thereby makes funds available for productive
use.
♦ It acts as an intermediary between people having surplus money and those requiring money for
various business activities.
♦It facilitates business transactions through receipts and payments by cheques instead of
currency.
♦It provides loans and advances to businessmen for short term and long-term purposes.
♦It helps in national development by providing credit to farmers, small-scale industries and Self-
employed people as well as to large business houses which lead to balanced economic
development in the country.
♦It helps in raising the standard of living of people in general by providing loans for purchase of
consumer durable goods, houses, automobiles, etc.
bank vs banking
Bank is an organization or a company like any other company, which sells and buys goods
and services in the market. The main difference between other companies and banks is that,
other companies are trading goods and services for money, but in the case of bank the trading
item itself is money, instead of tangible goods or intangible services. How a bank works can
simply be explained as accepting deposits from customers by paying interest to their
1. Deposit of funds: as their major function, banks deposit money of customers and pay
interests to depositors. Such deposits will be used for borrowings.
2. Bank transfers: money can be transferred from one place to another through bank
transfers.
3. Deposit of securities: such deposits include certificates and documents of title. The bank
can act as the agent of a business person in consideration of a commission.
4. Hiring of safes: bank may have safe boxes so that clients can put things they value most
in them.
5. Discount: when a negotiable instrument is due sometime in the future, banks may accept
the instrument before maturity and give discounted payment to the holder.
6. Lending: initial capital of the bank and its deposits will be used for lending clients with
some interest to the bank. Mostly the interest paid to the banks is higher than the interest
paid to depositors that brings profit to the banks.
7. Documentary credits: the main documentary instrument is the letter of credit (LC). This
is important in international sales transactions. A contract between a seller and a buyer;
the buyer goes to an issuing bank and opens letter of credit; the issuing bank
communicates with the payee bank; the seller goes to the payee bank and submits bill of
lading and other documents that transfer ownership of the goods; payee bank checks
documents and sends it to issuing bank; seller gets his money from payee bank; buyer
gets his documents from issuing bank; contract is performed. In between there can be an
advising/confirming bank which checks documents (check that documents are not
discrepant).
There are various types of banks. The necessity for the variety among these banks is because
each bank is specialized in their own field. Each bank has its own principles and policies.
Different rates of interests are also noted among these banks.
Banks can be classified into various types on the basis of their functions, ownership, domicile,
etc. The following are the various types of banks.
A. Commercial Banks: The banks, which perform all kinds of banking business and generally
finance trade and commerce, are called commercial banks. Since their deposits are for a short
period, these banks normally advance short-term loans to the businessmen and traders and avoid
medium-term and long-term lending.
However, recently, the commercial banks have also extended their areas of operation to medium-
term and long-term finance. Majority of the commercial banks are in the public sector. However,
there are certain private sector banks operating as joint stock companies. Hence, the commercial
banks are also called joint stock banks.
B. Industrial Banks: Industrial banks mainly meet the medium-term and long-term financial
needs of the industries. Such long-term needs cannot be met by the commercial banks, which
generally deal with short-term lending.
C. Agricultural Banks: Agricultural credit needs are different from those of industry and trade.
Industrial and commercial banks normally do not deal with agricultural finance. The
agriculturists require:
H. World Bank: - It refers to an institution that provides financial assistance to the member
countries of the world. World Bank organized to achieve the following two objectives.
(a) Public Sector Banks: These are owned and controlled by the government. They usually need
to emphasis on social objective than profitability
(b) Private Sector Banks: These banks are owned by the private individuals or corporations and
not by the government or co-operative societies,
Cooperative bank is a financial entity which belongs to its members, who are at the same time
the owners and the customers of their bank
Co-operative banks are often created by persons belonging to the same local or professional
community or sharing a common interest.
On the basis of domicile, the banks are divided into two categories:
(a) Domestic Banks: These are registered and incorporated within the country,
(b) Foreign Banks: These are foreign in origin and have their head offices in the country of
origin.
CENTRAL BANKING
INTRODUCTION
A central bank is a financial institution that is owned by the government, which has a central role
of managing the currency.
A Central Bank is a financial institution that controls country’s monetary policy, and usually has
several mandates including, but not limited to issuing national currency, maintaining the value of
the currency, ensuring financial system stability, controlling credit supply, serving as a last-
resort lender to other banks and acting as government’s banker. The central bank might be or
might not be independent the government.
Some of the well-known central banks are the US Federal Reserve, Bank of England, Bank of
Canada, Reserve Bank of Australia, and the European Central Bank. Some central banks are
responsible for single’s country monetary policy, for example the Bank of Canada, while others
manage the monetary policy of group of countries like the European Central Bank.
The core functions of central banks in any countries are to manage monetary policy with the
aim of achieving price stability; to prevent liquidity crises, situations of money market disorders
and financial crises; and to ensure the smooth functioning of the payments system. This chapter
will examine some basic concepts as they relate to central banking theory. Specifically, the
chapter investigates the following fundamental areas:
Central banks have been following different methods of note issue in different countries.
The most common methods used in issuance of note are
According to this method of note issue, the fiduciary system’s limit is fixed above the normal
requirements of the country. Beyond the maximum no note is issued without legal sanction. This
system is defective in the sense that, if the limit is too low, the currency system becomes
inelastic and if the limit is too high, there is danger of over issue of notes.
Under this method of note issue, the central bank is mandatory by law to maintain a permanent
percentage from 25% to 40% adjacent to issuance of notes. It is often called percentage system.
The remainder of the notes is to be covered by trade bills and government securities. This system
is easily operated and it gives needed elasticity to the currency note system. But the system is
uneconomic as huge amount of gold is kept idle as reserve. Moreover, the value of money is not
stable, but this system is elastic up to a certain limit.
Under this method of note issue, the reserve limit is permanently fixed and the volume of
the notes has no connection with the amount of the reserve. To meet the ever- increasing
demand for currency, government can issue notes up to any amount against the reserve
but it is faced with the danger of the inflation.
(A).Bank rate: Bank rate is the rate at which the reserve bank is prepared to buy or rediscount
bills of exchange or other commercial paper eligible for purchase under the act. Increase in the
bank rate reduces the credit creation power of banks and decrease in bank rate increases the
credit creation power of the banks.
(B).Open market operations: The term open market operation refers to purchase or sale of
government securities by the central bank. when the banks and the private individuals purchase
these securities they have to make payments for these securities to the Central Bank.
This gives result in the fall in the cash reserves of the Commercial Banks, which in turn reduces
the ability of create credit. Through this way of working the Central Bank is able to exercise a
check on the expansion of credit.
Further, if there is deflationary situation and the Commercial Banks are not creating as much
credit as is desirable in the interest of the economy. Then in such situation the Central Bank will
start purchasing securities in the open market from Commercial Banks and private individuals.
With this activity the cash will now move from the Central Bank to the Commercial Banks. With
this increased cash reserves the Commercial Banks will be in a position to create more credit
with the result that the volume of bank credit will expand in the economy.
(C). Cash-reserve ratio: The central bank can control credit by variation of cash reserve ratio. A
raise in this ratio reduces the credit creation ability of the banks and a decrease in this ratio
results in increasing the credit creation ability of the banks.
While lending commercial banks accept securities, deduct a certain margin from the market
value of the security. This margin is fixed by the central bank and adjusts according to the
requirements. This method affects the demand for credit rather than the quantity and cost of
credit. This method is very effective to control supply of credit for speculative dealing in the
stock exchange market. It also helps for checking inflation when the margin is raised. If the
margin is fixed as 30%, the commercial banks can lend up to 70% of the market value of
security.
B. Regulation of consumer's credit: Apart from trade and industry a great amount of credit is
given to the consumers for purchasing durable goods like houses, motor cars, refrigerator etc on
purchase or installment credit system. Central seek to control such credit in several ways. E.g.
D. Rationing of credit: The amount of credit to be granted is fixed by the central bank. Credit is
rationed by limiting the amount available to each commercial bank.
E. Direct Action: It is an extreme step taken by the central bank. Direct action implies measures
like refusal by central bank to extend credit facilities, denial of permission to open new branches
etc.
F. Publicity: under this method Central Bank publishes various reports stating what is good and
what is bad in the system. This published information can help commercial banks to direct credit
supply in the desired sectors. Through its weekly and monthly bulletins, the information is made
public and banks can use it for attaining goals of monetary policy.
G. Moral suasion: Central bank uses persuasion to influence lending activities of banks. It
sends letters to banks periodically, advising them to follow sound principles of banking.
Discussions are held by central bank with banks to control the flow of credit to the desired
sectors. The central bank may request and persuade member banks to refrain from increasing
their loans for speculative or non-essential activities.
E. Interest-Rate Stability
Interest-rate stability is desirable because fluctuations in interest rates can create uncertainty in
the economy and make it harder to plan for the future. Fluctuations in interest rates that affect
consumers’ willingness to buy houses, for example, make it more difficult for consumers to
decide when to purchase a house and for construction firms to plan how many houses to build.
(I) It is the custodian of their cash reserves. Banks of the country are required to keep a
certain percentage of their deposits with the central bank; and in this way the central bank
is the ultimate holder of the cash reserves of commercial banks
(II) Central bank is lender of last resort. Whenever banks are short of funds, they can take
loans from the central bank and get their trade bills discounted. The central bank is a
source of great strength to the banking system.
(III) It acts as a bank of central clearance, settlements and transfers.
Its moral persuasion is usually very effective so far as commercial banks are concerned.
Central banks also possess some additional powers of supervision and control over the
commercial banks. They are the issuing of licenses; the regulation of branch expansion; to see
that every bank maintains the minimum paid up capital and reserves as provided by law;
inspecting or auditing the accounts of banks; to approve the appointment of chairmen and
directors of such banks in accordance with the rules and qualifications; to control and
recommend merger of weak banks in order to avoid their failures and to protect the interest of
depositors; to recommend nationalization of certain banks to the government in public interest;
to publish periodical reports relating to different aspects of monetary and economic policies for
the benefit of banks and the public; and to engage in research and train banking personnel etc.
9. COLLECTION OF DATA
Central banks in almost all the countries collects statistical data regularly relating to economic
aspects of money, credit, foreign exchange, banking etc. from time to time, committees and
commission are appointed for studying various aspects relating to the aforesaid problem.
A central bank should also have some control over non-bank financial intermediaries that
provide credit.
COMMERCIAL BANKING
3.1. INTRODUCTION
Banking occupies one of the most important positions in the modern economic world. It is
necessary for Trade and industry. Hence it is one of the great agencies of commerce. Although
banking in one form or another has been in existence from very early times, modern banking is
of recent origin. It is one of the results of the Industrial Revolution and the child of economic
necessity. Its presence is very helpful to the economic activity and industrial progress of a
country. Commercial banking play a great role for this contribution and this chapter focuses on
the issues of commercial banking. Commercial banks gives short term, medium-term and long-
term loan to business enterprises.
Commercial banks perform a variety of functions which are common to both developed and
developing countries. These are known as ‘General Banking’ functions of the commercial banks.
The modern commercial banks perform a variety of functions. These can be broadly divided into
two categories: 1. Primary functions and 2.Secondary functions.
1. Primary Functions
I, Current Deposits: These deposits are also known as demand deposits. These deposits can be
withdrawn at any time. Generally, no interest is allowed on current deposits, and in case, the
customer is required to leave a minimum balance undrawn with the bank. Cheques are used to
withdraw the amount. These deposits are kept by businessmen and industrialists who receive and
make large payments through Banks. The bank levies certain incidental charges on the customer
for the services rendered by it.
II. Savings Deposits: This is meant mainly for professional men and middle class people to help
them Deposit their small savings. It can be opened without any introduction. Money can be
deposited at anytime but the maximum cannot go beyond a certain limit. There is a restriction on
the amount that can be withdrawn at a particular time or during a week. If the customer wishes to
withdraw more than the specified amount at any one time, he has to give prior notice. Interest is
allowed on the credit balance of this account. The rate of interest is less than that on fixed
deposit. This system greatly encourages the habit of thrift or savings.
III. Fixed Deposits: These deposits are also known as time deposits. These deposits cannot be
withdrawn before the expiry of the period for which they are deposited or without giving a prior
notice for Withdrawal. If the depositor is in need of money, he has to borrow on the security of
this account and pay a slightly higher rate of interest to the bank. They are attracted by the
payment of interest which is usually higher for longer period. Fixed deposits are liked by
depositors both for their safety and as well as for their interest.
B. ADVANCING LOANS: The second primary function of a commercial bank is to make loans
and advances to all types of persons, particularly to businessmen and entrepreneurs. Loans are
I. overdraft facilities: In this case, the depositor in a current account is allowed to draw over and
above his account up to a previously agreed limit. Suppose a businessman has only Birr 30,000/-
in his current account in a bank but requires Birr 60,000/- to meet his expenses. He may
approach his bank and borrow the additional amount of Birr 30,000/-. The bank allows the
customer to overdraw additional money. The bank, however, charges interest only on the amount
overdrawn from the account.
II. Cash Credit: Under this account, the bank gives loans to the borrowers against certain
security. But the entire loan is not given at one particular time, instead the amount is credited
into his account in the bank; but under emergency cash will be given. The borrower is required to
pay interest only on the used amount. He will be allowed to withdraw small sums of money
according to his requirements through cheques, but he cannot exceed the credit limit allowed to
him.
III. Discounting Bills of Exchange: This is another type of lending which is very popular with
the modern banks. Banks provide short-term finance by discounting bills that is, making
payment of the amount before the due date of the bills after deducting a certain rate of discount.
The holder of a bill can get it discounted by the bank, when he is in need of money. After
deducting its commission, the bank pays the present price of the bill to the holder. Such bills
form good investment for a bank. They provide Avery liquid asset which can be quickly turned
into cash. The commercial banks can rediscount the discounted bills with the central banks when
they are in need of money. These bills are safe and secured bills. When the bill matures the bank
can secure its payment from the party which had accepted the bill.
IV. Money at Call: Bank also grant loans for a very short period, generally not exceeding 7
days to the borrowers Against collateral securities like stock or equity shares, debentures, etc.,
offered by them. Such advances are repayable immediately at short notice hence; they are
described as money at call or call money.
V. Term Loans: They are loans granted for a fixed period of time. A term loan has a set
maturity date and usually has a fixed interest rate. It has fixed periodic (Scheduled) payment.
Short-term loans: A short-term loan is a type of advance offered for duration up to 12 months.
- Intermediate-term loans: Financial institutions generally classify intermediate or mid-term
loans as the ones that come usually with a tenor ranging between 1 to 5 years.
- Long-term loans: Available at attractive term loan interest rates; long-term loans come with an
extended tenor that can reach up to 25 years.
VI. Consumer Credit: Banks also grant credit to households in a limited amount to buy some
durable consumer goods such as television, sets, refrigerators, etc., or to meet some personal
needs like payment of hospital bills etc.
3. CREATION OF CREDIT: When a bank grants a loan to its customer, it does not pay cash.
It simply credits the account of the borrower. He can withdraw the amount whenever he wants
by a cheque. In this case, bank has created a deposit without receiving cash. That is, banks are
said to have created credit.
4. Promote the Use of Cheque: The commercial banks render an important service by providing
to their customers a cheap medium of exchange like cheques. It is found much more convenient
to settle debts through cheques rather than through the use of cash. The cheque is the most
developed type of credit instrument in the money market.
2. Secondary Functions
A. Agency Services
B. General Utility Services
(I) Collection and Payment of Credit Instruments: Banks collect and pay various credit
instruments like cheques, bills of exchange, promissory notes etc., on behalf of their customers.
(II) Purchase and Sale of Securities: Banks purchase and sell various securities like shares,
stocks, bonds, debentures on behalf of their customers.
(III) Collection of Dividends on Shares: Banks collect dividends and interest on shares and
debentures of their customers and credit them to their accounts.
(IV) Execution of Standing Orders: Banks execute the standing instructions of their customers
for making various periodic payments. They pay subscriptions, rents, insurance premium etc., on
behalf of their customers.
B. General Utility Services: In addition to agency services, the modern banks provide many
general utility services for the community as given.
(I) Locker Facility: Bank provides locker facility to their customers. The customers can keep
their valuables, such as gold and silver ornaments, important documents; shares and debentures
in these lockers for safe custody.
(II) Traveler’s Cheques and Credit Cards: Banks issue traveler’s cheques to help their customers
to travel without the fear of theft or loss of money. With this facility, the customers need not take
the risk of carrying cash with them during their travels.
(III) Letter of Credit: Letters of credit are issued by the banks to their customers certifying their
creditworthiness. Letters of credit are very useful in foreign trade.
(IV) Collection of Statistics: Banks collect statistics giving important information relating to
trade, commerce, industries, money and banking. They also publish valuable journals and
bulletins containing articles on economic and financial matters.
Credit creation is one of the most important functions of the commercial banks. Like other
Financial institutions, they aim at earning profits. For this purpose they accept deposits and
advance loans by keeping small cash in reserve for day-to-day transactions. Bank deposits
represent an IOU between a commercial bank and their customers, with customers including
both individuals and organizations.
•It is an open secret that banks advance a major portion of their deposits to the borrowers and
keep smaller part of them for the payment to the customers on demand. Even then the customers
of the banks have full confidence that their deposits lying in the banks are quit safe and can be
withdrawn on demand. The banks exploit this trust of the customers and expand loans several
times than the amount of demand deposits possessed by them. This tendency on the part of the
commercial banks to make loans several times of the excess cash reserves kept by the bank is
called creation of credit. Credit creation means that on the basis of primary deposits commercial
banks make loans and expand the money supply. It results in multiple expansions of banks
demand deposits. Credit money represents the total amount of money that is owed to banks by
borrowers.
Suppose a man, say X, deposits $ 2,000 with a bank and the Legal reserve ratio (LRR) is 10%,
which means the bank keeps only the minimum required $200 as cash reserve (LRR). The bank
can use the remaining amount $1800 (= 2000 – 200) for giving loan to someone. (Mind, loan is
never given in cash but it is red posited in the bank as demand deposit in favor of borrower.) The
bank lends $ 1800 to, say, Y who is actually not given loan but only demand deposit account is
opened in his name and the amount is credited to his account. This is the first round of credit
creation. In the form of secondary deposit ($1800), which equals 90% of primary (initial)
deposit? Again 10% of Y’s deposit (i.e., $180) is kept by the bank as cash reserve (LRR) and the
balance $1620 (=1800 – 180) is advanced to, say, Z. The bank gets new demand deposit of
$1,620. This is second round of credit creation which is 90% of first round of increase of $1800.
The initial deposit at a commercial bank is called a primary deposit. To make a profit for its
investors, the bank loans this money out. Derivative or active deposits are created by the bank by
opening a deposit account in the name of the person concerned who contacts bank to borrow
money.
The process of credit creation goes on continuously till derivative deposit (secondary deposit)
becomes zero. In the end, volume of total credit created in this way becomes multiple of initial
(primary) deposit. The quantitative outcome is called money multiplier. If the bank succeeds in
creating total credit of, says $18000, it means bank has created 9 times of primary (initial)
deposit of $ 2000. This is what is meant by credit creation.
In short, money (or credit) creation by commercial banks is determined by (i) amount of initial
(primary) deposits and (ii) LRR. The multiple is called credit creation or money multiplier.
Symbolically:
Money Multiplier: Money Multiplier or Deposit multiplier measures the amount of money that
the Banks are able to create in the form of deposits with every unit of money it keeps as reserves.
It means the multiple by which total deposit increases due to initial (primary) deposit. Money
multiplier (or credit multiplier) is the inverse of Legal Reserve Ratio (LRR). If LRR is 10%, i.e.,
10/100or 0.1, then money multiplier = 1/0.1 = 10.
Smaller the LRR, larger would be the size of money multiplier credited to his account. He is
simply given the cheque book to draw cheques when he needs money. Again, 20% of Sohan’s
deposit which is considered a safe limit is kept for him by the bank and the balance Rs 640 (=
80% of 800) is advanced to, say, Mohan. Thus, the process of credit creation goes on
continuously and in the end volume of total credit created in this way becomes multiple of initial
cash deposit.
Similarly, the bank creates credit when it buys securities and pays the seller with its own cheque.
The cheque is deposited in some bank and a deposit (credit) is created for the seller of securities.
This is also called credit creation. As a result of credit creation, money supply in the economy
becomes higher. It is because of this credit creation power of commercial banks (or banking
system) that they are called factories of credit or manufacturer of money.
The business of a bank is reflected in its balance sheet and hence its financial position as well.
The balance sheet is issued usually at the end of every financial year of the bank.
The balance sheet items of commercial bank is listed & explained as follows:
Liabilities are those items on account of which the bank is liable to pay others. They denote
other’s claims on the bank.
1. Deposits: The deposits of the public like demand deposits, savings deposits and fixed deposits
Constitute an important item on the liabilities side of the balance sheet. The success of any
banking business depends to a large extent upon the degree of confidence it can instill in the
minds of the depositors. The bank can never afford to forget the claims of the depositors. Hence,
the bank should always have enough cash to honor the obligations of the depositors.
2. Borrowings from Other Banks: Under this head, the bank shows those loans it has taken
from other banks. The bank takes loans from other banks, especially the central bank, in certain
extraordinary circumstances.
4. Acceptances and Endorsements: This item appears as a contra item on both the sides of the
balance sheet. It represents the liability of the bank in respect of bills accepted or endorsed on
behalf of its customers and also letters of credit issued and guarantees given on their behalf. For
rendering this service, a commission is charged and the customers to whom this service is
extended are liable to the bank for full payment of the bills. Hence, this item is shown on both
sides of the balance sheet.
5. Contingent Liabilities: Contingent liabilities comprise of those liabilities which are not
known in advance and are unforeseeable. Every bank makes some provision for contingent
liabilities.
6. Profit and Loss Account: The profit earned by the bank in the course of the year is shown
under this head. Since the profit is payable to the shareholders it represents a liability on the
bank.
8. Bills for Collection: This item also appears on both the sides of the balance sheet. It consists
of drafts and hundies drawn by sellers of goods on their customers and are sent to the bank for
collection, against delivery documents like railway receipt, bill of lading, etc., attached thereto.
All such bills in hand at the date of the balance sheet are shown on both the sides of the balance
sheet because they form an asset of the bank, since the bank will receive payment in due course,
it is also a liability because the bank will have to account for them to its customers.
Bank capital represents the equity or ownership funds of a bank, and it is the account against
which bank loans and security losses are charged. The greater the proportion of capital to
deposits, the greater the protection to depositors. Banks maintain much lower capital accounts
than other businesses. Capital is a more important source of funds for small banks than for large
banks.
There are three principal types of capital accounts for a commercial bank.
2. Retained earnings: comprise that portion of the bank’s profit that is not paid out to
shareholders as dividends
3. Special reserve accounts: are set up to cover un-anticipated losses on loans and investments.
Reserve accounts involve no transfers of funds or setting aside of cash. They are merely a form
of retained earnings designed to reduce tax liabilities and stockholder’s claims on current
revenues.
According to Crowther, the assets side of the balance sheet is more complicated and interesting.
Assets are the claims of the bank on others. In the distribution of its assets, the bank is governed
by certain well defined principles. These principles constitute the principles of the investment
policy of the bank or the principles underlying the distribution of the assets of the bank. The
most important guiding principles of the distribution of assets of the bank are liquidity,
profitability and safety or security. In fact, the various items on the assets side are distributed
according to the descending order of liquidity and the ascending order of profitability.
1. Cash: Here we can distinguish cash on hand from cash with central bank and other banks cash
on hand refers to cash in the vaults of the bank. It constitutes the most liquid asset which can be
immediately used to meet the obligations of the depositors. Cash on hand is called the first line
of defense to the bank. In addition to cash on hand, the bank also keeps some money with the
central bank or other commercial banks. This represents the second line of defense to the bank.
2. Money at Call and Short Notice: Money at call and short notice includes loans to the brokers
in the stock market, dealers in the discount market and to other banks. These loans could be
quickly converted into cash and without loss, as and when the bank requires. At the same time,
this item yields income to the bank. The significance of money at call and short notice is that it is
used by the banks to affect desirable adjustments in the balance sheet. This process is called
‘Window Dressing’. This item constitutes the ‘third line of defense’ to the bank.
4. Bills for Collection: As mentioned earlier, this item appears on both sides of the balance
sheet.
5. Investments: This item includes the total amount of the profit yielding assets of the bank.The
bank invests a part of its funds in government and non-government securities.
6. Loans and Advances: Loans and advances constitute the most profitable asset to the bank.
The very survival of the bank depends upon the extent of income it can earn by advancing loans.
But, this item is the least liquid asset as well. The bank earns quite a sizeable interest from the
loans and advances it gives to the private individuals and commercial firms.
7. Acceptances and Endorsements: As discussed earlier, this item appears as a contra item on
both sides of the balance sheet.
8. Fixed Assets: Fixed assets include building, furniture and other property owned by the bank.
This item includes the total volume of the movable and immovable property of the bank. Fixed
assets are referred to as ‘dead stocks’. The bank generally undervalues this item deliberately in
the balance sheet. The intention here is to build up secret reserves which can be used at times of
crisis. Balance sheet of a bank acts as a mirror of its policies, operations and achievements. The
liabilities indicate the sources of its funds; the assets are the various kinds of debts incurred by a
bank to its customers. Thus, the balance sheet is a complete picture of the size and nature of
operations of a bank.
This unit is designed so as to create awareness of the students about banker and customer and the
relationship that exists between them.
A customer is a person who maintains an account with the bank, without taking into
consideration the duration and frequency of operation of his account. To constitute a customer of
the bank one should have an account with the bank; one should deal with the bank in its nature of
regular banking business and one should deal with the bank without consideration of the duration
and frequency of operation of his account
The new concept lays down opening a bank account as a crucial test of banker- customer
relationship. Duration of relationship is not given any importance. A person becomes a customer
as soon as he opens an account with a bank and the latter undertakes to honor the cheques drawn
by the former up to the amount deposited in the account. A single transaction is sufficient to
constitute a person a customer of the bank “so far as banking transactions concerned, a customer
is a person whose money has been accepted on the footing that the banker will honor up to the
amount standing to his credit, irrespective of his connection being of short or long standing. “The
dealing with the bank should be in the nature of regular banking business. Thus, to constitute a
customer the following essential requisites must be fulfilled: -
1, a bank account must be opened in his name by making necessary deposit of money.
2, the dealing between the banker and the customer must be of the nature of banking business.
What is a Banker?
The relationship between the bank and customer is very important. Both serve the society to
grow and the economy to expand. It is generally studied under the following two categories.
General Relationship
Special Relationship
General Relationship
A, Debtor and Creditor: The general relationship between bank and a customer is that of a
debtor and a creditor i.e. borrower and lender. Sir John Paget remarks, “the relation of a banker
and a customer is primarily that of debtor and creditor, the respective positions being determined
by the existing state of account. Instead of the money being set apart in a safe room, it is replaced
by the debt due from the banker. The money deposited with him becomes his property, and is
absolutely, at his disposal, and, save as regards the following of the trust funds into his hands, the
receipt of money by a banker from or on account of his customer constitutes him merely the
debtor of the customer with ‘super added’ obligation to honour his customer’s cheques drawn
upon his balance, in so far the same is sufficient and available”
The true relationship between banker and customer is primarily of a debtor and creditor. When
customer deposits money with a bank, the bank then is the debtor and the customer is the
creditor. The customer expects from the bank that His money will be kept safe by the bank, it
will be returned on demand within business hours and the money will be intact and safe and will
give return (interest).
We all know about the general relations that the banks have with their customers. But along with
this normal relation the banks have special relation. With special relationship we mean to say
that the banks involve-ness with a third party along with the customers. So here are those third
party relationship in other words special relationships.
The special relationship between the customer and the banker is that of principal and agent. The
customer (principal) deposits checks, drafts, dividends for collection with the bank. He also gives
written instructions to the bank to purchase securities, pay insurance premium, installments of
loans etc on his behalf. When the bank performs such agency services, he becomes an agent of
his customer
Pledge means the delivery of goods as security for payment of a debt or performance of a
promise when credit facility is provided by a bank to its customers against collateral security.
The relationship between customer and banker can be that of Pledger and Pledgee. This happens
when customer pledges (promises) certain assets or security with the bank in order to get a loan.
In this case, the customer becomes the Pledger, and the bank becomes the Pledgee. Under this
agreement, the assets or security will remain with the bank until a customer repays the loan.
A bailment is the delivery of goods in trust. A bank may accept the valuables of his customer
such as jewelry, documents, and securities for safe custody. In such a case the customer is the
Bailer and the bank is Bailee. The bank (bailee) charges a very small amount as service charges
for safe custody of the valuables from his customer (bailer). This relationship between the bank
and the customer as bailee and bailer started from the days of earlier goldsmiths.
Where a banker, pursuant to instructions, express or implied has credited the proceed of a bill or
other document entrusted to him for collection, the relationships of debtor and creditor arises
from the time of his doing so. Where, however, the banker has suspended his business before
receipt of such amount, he holds the money as a trustee for the customer, irrespective of whether
or not the latter had an account with him on the date of the receipt of money and whether or not
the money has been credited in the account. The banker acts as a trustee for his customers in
those cases where
When a customer hires a locker in the bank’s safe deposit vault, the bank undertakes to take
necessary precaution for the safety of the articles in the locker. The relation between the parties
is that of a lessor and lessee.
The main rights and duties of a customer towards the banker in brief are explained as follows
below:-
Rights of a customer:
A customer who has deposited money can draw check on his account up to the extent
of his credit balance or according to overdrawing limit sanctioned by the bank.
Duties of a customer
It is the duty of the customer to present checks and other negotiable instruments during
the business hour of the bank.
The instruments of credit should be presented by the customer with in due time from
their dates of issue.
A customer must keep the check books issued by the bank in safe custody. In case of
theft or loss, it is the duty of the customer to report the matter immediately to the bank.
A customer should fill the check with utmost care, if a customer finds any forgery in
the amounts of the check issued by him. It should then immediately be reported to the
bank.
The main rights and duties of a banker towards the customer in brief are explained as follows
below:-
Duties of a banker
1. To honor a customer’s cheque: The banker is bound to honor his customer’s cheques
The bank has the obligation to honour customer’s cheque as and when they are presented. A
banker must honour the customer’s cheque drawn on him provided
A. Sufficient funds
1. Insufficiency of funds
4. Trust accounts
2. Standing orders: It is the duty of the bank to abide by the standing orders of the customers in
making periodical payments on his behalf such as club, library, insurance premium etc. and
receive receipts on behalf of customer.
3. Secrecy of the customer’s account. When a customer opens an account in a bank, the banker
must not give information about the customer's account to others.
4. Obligation to give reasonable notice before closing the customer’s accounts
5. The bank owes a contractual duty not to disclose the customer’s financial position without
his consent. However, the obligation of secrecy is not considered essential on the following
occasions.
When a banker is required to give evidence in the court.
When there is national emergency and disclosure is essential in the public interest.
When there are clear proofs of treason to the state
When consent is given by the customer to provide information for the preparation of
balance sheet.
1. Right to set off: It is a right of the banker to adjust his outstanding loans in the name of the
customer from his credit balance of any of the accounts he is maintaining with the bank.
Conditions for exercising right to setoff
♦ Two or more account should be in the name of same customer.
♦ the amount of debts must be certain
2. Right to charge interest, commission etc:
A. Rights to charge interest: As a creditor the banker has the implied right to charge
interest on the advance granted to the customer.
B. Right to charge commission: A banker render several services to the customers and
they cannot be offered free hence the banker has an implied right to levy certain charges
known as commission
3. Right to lien: A banker has the right to retain the property belonging to the customer until the
debt due from him has been paid.
The objectives of the banker lien are to ensure the safety of the banker fund by serving as a
protection against the loss that may arise on a loan, overdraft or any other advance to a
customer.
A banker’s lien empowers the bank not only to retain the securities but also to sell them
without getting any orders from the court so the banker lien is considered as an implied
pledge
4. Right to close account: Bankers also enjoy the right to close customers account and
discontinue operation. This process terminates the relationship between bank and customer
.this is done if continuation of relationship seems unprofitable to the bank.
5. The right to garnishee order:
This order warms the holder of money of judgment Debtor, noy to make any payment out
of it till the court directs. It is an order issued by competent court of low addressed to
bankers instructing him to stop or withhold payment of money belonging to the particular
5. Object of Loan (Purpose): A banker should thoroughly examine the object for which his
client is taking loans. This will enable the bank to assess the safety and liquidity of its
investment. A banker should not grant loan for unproductive purposes.
6. Security: A banker should grant secured loans only. In case the borrower fails to return the
loan, the banker may recover his loan after realizing from the sale of security. In case of
unsecured loans, the chances of bad debts will be very high. Security conditions are different in
different banks.
7. Margin Money: In case of secured loans, the bank should carefully examine and value the
security. There should be sufficient margin between the amount of loan and the value of the
security. If adequate margin is not maintained, the loan might become unsecured in case the
borrower fails to pay the interest and return the loan. The amount of loan should not exceed 60 to
70% of the value of the security. If the value of the security is falling, the bank should demand
further security without delay. In case he fails to do so, the loan might become unsecured and the
bank may have to suffer loss on account of bad debt.
8. Character of the Borrower: Last but not the least; the bank should carefully examine the
character of the borrower. Character implies honesty and capacity of the borrower to return the
loan. In case he fails to verify the character of the borrower, the loans and advances might
become bad debts for the bank.
9. Public interest: The banker should grant advances to those industries which require
development in the countries planning program.
5.2.3. PAYMENT SERVICES
An important service offered by banks is that they offer facilities that enable customers to make
payments. A payment system can be defined as any organized arrangement for transferring value
between its participants. Heffernan (2005) defines the payment systems as a by-product of the
intermediation process, as it facilitates the transfer of ownership of claims in the financial sector.
These payment flows reflect a variety of transactions: for goods and services as well as financial
assets. Some of these transactions involve high-value transfers, typically between financial
institutions. However, the highest number of transactions relates to transfers between individuals
and/or companies. If any of these circulation systems failed, the functioning of large and
CO-OPERATIVE BANKING
1. To extend loans to specified agricultural and industrial sectors as well as to other sectors of
the national economy in pursuit of the nation’s economic and social objectives so as
accelerate the economic development of the country, and
2. To attract funds from national or international sources whether private or public.
3. Moreover, inconformity with the directives of the supervising authority, the bank shall have
the following powers and duties in order to fulfill its objectives:
i. Extend medium and long-term loans to viable development projects in the agricultural
and industrial sectors of the national economy;
ii. Extend, short-term agricultural sectors of the national economy;
iii. Grant credits to other sectors of the national economy;
iv. Upon charging appropriate fees manage funds entrusted to it by entrusting agencies
without being liable to the failure or non-repayment of such funds;
v. Act as a guarantor to viable agricultural and industrial development projects;
Investment banking is a very vast area in the field of banking and finance. Investment banking
includes a wide variety of activities, including underwriting, selling, and trading securities,
providing financial advisory services, and managing assets
Investment banks cater to a diverse group of stakeholders, companies, governments, non-profit
institutions, and individuals and help them raise funds on the capital market. Investment banking
is a specific division of banking related to the creation of capital for other companies. There are a
It is a bank that holds deposits, makes loans and provides other financial services to cooperatives
and member-owned organizations. It also known as Banks for Cooperatives.
A co-operative bank is a financial entity which belongs to its members, who are at the same
time the owners and the customers of their bank. Co-operative banks are often created by persons
belonging to the same local or professional community or sharing a common interest. Co-
operative banks generally provide their members with a wide range of banking and financial
services (loans, deposits, banking accounts...).
Co-operative banks differ from stockholder banks by their organization, their goals, their values
and their governance. In most countries, they are supervised and controlled by banking
authorities and have to respect prudential banking regulations, which put them at a level playing
field with stockholder banks. Depending on countries, this control and supervision can be
implemented directly by state entities or delegated to a co-operative federation or central body.
Co-operative banks are deeply rooted inside local areas and communities. They are involved in
local development and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities, as their
members and management board usually belong to the communities in which they exercise their
activities by increasing banking access in areas or markets where other banks are less present
- Provided financial assistance mainly to Economical weaker section of the society such as
SMEs, farmers in rural areas, middle or low income households in urban areas
- Co-operative banks reduce banking exclusion and foster the economic ability of millions of
people. They play an influential role on the economic growth in the countries in which they work
in and increase the efficiency of the international financial system. Their specific form of
enterprise, relying on the above-mentioned principles of organization, has proven successful both
in developed and developing countries. The primary objective of cooperative bank is to
maximize the welfare of its member community by helping them to meet their various needs and
Customer's owned entities: in a co-operative bank, the needs of the customers meet the
needs of the owners, as co-operative bank members are both. As a consequence, the first
aim of a co-operative bank is not to maximize profit but to provide the best possible
products and services to its members. Some co-operative banks only operate with their
members but most of them also admit non-member clients to benefit from their banking
and financial services.
Democratic member control: co-operative banks are owned and controlled by their
members, who democratically elect the board of directors. Members usually have equal
voting rights, according to the co-operative principle of "one person, one vote".
Profit allocation: in a co-operative bank, a significant part of the yearly profit, benefits
or surplus is usually allocated to constitute reserves. A part of this profit can also be
distributed to the co-operative members, with legal or statutory limitations in most cases.
Profit is usually allocated to members either through a patronage dividend, which is
related to the use of the cooperative's products and services by each member, or through
an interest or a dividend, which is related to the number of shares subscribed by each
member.
1. which of the following Account permits the collection and payment of interest
A, current account
B, Islamic Sharia law
C, saving account
2. ____is an agreement with the bank by which a current account holder is allowed to withdraw over
and above the amount in his account.
A. Term loan
B. Cash credit
C. Overdraft
A. it accepts deposits of money from the public to keep them in its custody
B. it accept valuable for safety custody
C. it create credit by making advance out of the fund received as deposit
D. all
4. Which one of the following is not the primary function of commercial banks?
A. Acceptance of deposits C. Remittance of funds
B. Advancing loans D. None
5. What kind of deposit that commercial bank accepts
A. current deposit
B. fixed deposit
19. Which one of the following is /are the commonfeature co-operative banks.
A. Profit allocation
B. Democratic member control
C. Customer's owned entities
D. All
Ato Abebe wants to import goods on credit from an Italian exporter known as Malana. Now Mr.
Malana prefers the credit to be guaranteed by a known bank in Ethiopia. Here Commercial Bank
of Ethiopia, who is the banker to Ato Abebe, writes a letter to another banker in Italy, may be
Bank of Italy, to pay the agreed sum of money in the transaction, when the goods are arrived to
the buyer, which might be communicated as it is realized. Then, the Italian bank will advise Mr.
Malana to deliver goods according to the agreement with Ato Abebe. As the arrival of the goods
is reported to Bank of Italy through Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Bank of Italy will pay the
amount or credit Mr. Malana s account, if he has an account in the same bank, or may transfer to
another bank where he has an account, if it is instructed to do so.
Based on the above paragraph Answer questions 19 &20
24. Which one of the following is not true about the advantages of the note issue by central bank.
A. People have more confidence in the currency issued by the central bank.
D. none.
A. monitory instrument
B. monitory policy
C. fiscal policy
D. A&B
27. _________is a financial institution responsible for overseeing the monetary system for a
nation, or a group of nations, with the goal of fostering economic growth without inflation
A. commercial bank
B. central bank
D. all
28. A type of bank situated in the exporter’s country which guarantees the credit on the request
of the issuing Bank refers to:
A. Paying Bank
B. Confirming Bank
C. Negotiating Bank
D. Issuing
E. None of the above
TRUE OR FALSE QUESTIONS
1. The agriculture bank provides Short-term credit to purchase land, to make permanent
improvements on land.
2. The main documentary instrument in foreign trade is the letter of credit (LC).
4. Money cannot be transferred from one place to another through bank transfers.
5. Clearing house keeps the central bank fully informed about the liquidity position of
the commercial banks.
6. Safe deposit box vault are made available by the bank only to fixed deposit holder.
7. Liabilities are those items on account of which the bank is claim on others.
3. Profit and Loss Account reported under balance sheet represents liability on the bank.
8. Current deposits cannot be withdrawn before the expiry of the period for which they are
deposited or without giving a prior notice.
9. Term Loans are loans granted for a fixed period of time
10. A bank has the right to retain the property belonging to the customer until the debt due from
him has been paid.
11. Co-operative banks are often created by persons belonging to the different local
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Describe briefly the various ways of acceptance of deposits by Banks.
1. Central bank
♦What is central bank?
♦ what is the main Objective
♦What are the main functions of central Bank of Ethiopia?
♦Who are the owners and customers?
2. Commercial bank
♦What is Commercial Banks?
♦What is main objective
♦ who are the owners and customers of the bank?
♦What are the main functions of Commercial Banks of Ethiopia?
3. Development bank
♦What is Development bank?
♦ what is the main objective?
♦Who are the owners and customers?
♦what are the main functions of Development bank of Ethiopia?
4. Cooperative bank
♦What is cooperative bank?
♦What is the mail objective of cooperative bank ?
♦what are the functions of cooperative and its practice in Ethiopia?
♦ Who are the owners and customers ?
5. Investment bank
♦What is investment bank
6. Foreign bank
♦What is foreign bank?
♦ What is its function?
♦What is its main objective?