| 1. |
Explain utility function of banks. |
|
Answer» The utility functions of the commercial bank are explained as follows: (1) Issue of drafts and cheques : The Bank draft/cheque is an order issued by the bank upon the other branch of the same bank or other bank to pay money to the person whose name is specified thereon. The bank issues bank drafts to its accountholders or non account holders. However, cheque are issued by the bank only to its account holders. For issuing the bank draft, bank charges some commission. (2) Locker facility: The bank provides safe deposit vaults to the customers for keeping their valuables like gold ornaments, jewels, securities, valuables, documents, etc. in safe custody. Safe deposit vaults/lockers are made available to the customers on rental basis. (3) Project reports : As per the request of the clients, bank prepare project report and feasibility study (i.e. a study designed to determine practicability of a system or plan) on their behalf. This helps the business organisation to get funds from the market and clearance from the government authorities. (4) Gift cheques : The commercial banks also issue gift cheques and gold coins to the customers as well as to the general public by charging nominal charges. It is more popular and has wider acceptance in India. Instead of giving gifts in cash, one can give gift cheques as a present on various occasions such as birthdays, weddings, marriage anniversaries, etc. (5) Underwriting Services : Underwriting services are given by the banks to the companies in which the bank gives guarantee to the issuing company to purchase unsubscribed portion of the shares, debentures, bonds and other securities if the public demand is not enough to fulfil the minimum subscription amount. For this services bank charges underwriting commission. (6) Gold related services : Now a days, many commercial banks offer gold related services to its customers. The banks on commercial basis buy and sell gold and gold ornaments to the customers on large scale basis. Some banks even gives advisory services to its customers in regard to gold funds, gold Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) etc. |
|