(1) The term ‘Bank’ Is derived from the French word ‘Banco’ which means a ‘bench’. In olden days, moneylenders used to display coins and currencies on the tables or benches for the purpose of lending or exchanging. An organisation which is dealing with money is called bank. An institution offering certain financial services such as the safe keeping of money and lending money to needy people is called Bank.

(2) According to the Indian Banking Regulation Act, 1949, bankIng company means “any company which transacts the business of banking in India.” The word banking has defined further as “acceptingfor the purpose of lending or investment of deposits of money from the public repayable on demand or otherwise and withdrawable by cheques. drafts, order or otherwise.” Bank accepts deposits repayable on demand by cheques or drafts and lends or invests the surplus money as a part of normal business. It makes a profit by accepting deposits at a lower rate of Interest and lending money at a higher rate of Interest.