1. Definition of 'Bank'
A financial institution licensed as a receiver of deposits. There are two types of banks:
commercial/retail banks and investment banks. In most countries, banks are regulated by
the national government or central bank.
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Investopedia explains 'Bank'
Commercial banks are mainly concerned with managing withdrawals and deposits as
well as supplying short-term loans to individuals and small businesses. Consumers
primarily use these banks for basic checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit
and sometimes for home mortgages. Investment banks focus on providing services such
as underwriting and corporate reorganization to institutional clients.
While many banks have both a brick-and-mortar and online presence, some banks have
only an online presence. Online-only banks often offer consumers higher interest rates
and lower fees. Convenience, interest rates and fees are the driving factors in consumers’
decisions of which bank to do business with. As an alternative to banks, consumers can
opt to use a credit union.
Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bank.asp#ixzz1npspEdqm

2. Definition of 'Branch Banking'
Engaging in banking activities such as accepting deposits or making loans at facilities away from
a bank's home office. Branch banking has gone through significant changes since the 1980s in
response to a more competitive nationwide financial services market. Financial innovation such
as internet banking will greatly influence the future of branch banking by potentially reducing the
need to maintain extensive branch networks to service consumers.
Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/branch-banking.asp#ixzz1npsEoMWX
Investopedia explains 'Branch Banking'
The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking & Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 authorized well-
capitalized banks to acquire branch offices, or open new ones, anywhere in the United
States outside their home states after June 1, 1997. Most states passed laws enabling interstate
branching prior to that date. Branch banking networks are gradually evolving into multistate
financial services networks where depositors can access their accounts from any banking office.
Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/branch-banking.asp#ixzz1npsL3oCb
A branch, banking center or financial center is a retail location where a bank, credit union, or other financial
institution (and by extension, brokerage firms) offers a wide array of face-to-face and automated services to its
customers.[citation needed]
Branch banking is the act of doing one's banking business at a location that is separate from the
bank's central business location. Many large and small banks use branch banking in order to extend
the reach of their services to different locations in a community, state, or country. Smaller branches
are also less expensive to operate, and often easier for customers to access, while providing all of the
features of a larger bank.
Historically, branch banks were part of a larger building, often found in strip malls or even in grocery
stores or discount stores, sharing the location with another business. Today,
however,branch banking can take place at a number of different locations, and many banks build
individual branch locations that are independent of other businesses. Each type of location is still
considered a branch bank.
In general, most of the services offered at a large bank can be completed at
a branch bankinglocation. Locations found in grocery and discount stores often do not have as many
options as other branch services; it is often not possible to "drive-through" at these locations,
because the bank is located inside the store. In addition, though deposits can be made at this type of
bankbranch, safe deposit boxes are typically never available, because the security is simply not high
enough. Otherwise, these locations typically offer all other services, and generally include an
automated teller machine (ATM).
Other types of bank branches generally do have the option to drive through, when they are
standalone brick-and-mortar businesses. These may also offer the option of safe deposit boxes.
There are generally tellers available to provide assistance and answer questions.
The branchbanking that can take place includes actions such as making withdrawals, making
deposits, cashing checks, and opening checking and savings accounts, or purchasing certificates of
deposit (CDs), just to name a few.

3. For many people, the only business they will ever do with their bank is through branch banking. The
central location of the bank may be too far away to visit, and the branches of the bank will provide all
the necessary services one may need. It is also possible to apply for loans, such aspersonal loans,
vehicle loans, or even mortgages, through branch locations. With all of these
options, branch banking has made banking much more convenient for many people, in addition to
the large numbers of people who simply do all their banking online.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-branch-banking.htm
Branch Banking operations refer to certain banking operations carried out by a bank in certain specific
branches.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_Branch_Banking_Operations
Branch Banking
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4. customer’s entire portfolio, helping them complete transactions and answer questions more quickly. Predefined and
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http://www.premier.fiserv.com/products/branchbanking.htm
Branch Banking and its
Advantages
Branch banking is a system where the banking business is carried on through a network
of branches spread throughout the length and the breath of the country. The head office
of the bank is located in a big city or a state capital. In the early period of development of
banking in England there were only a few banks. Today in England most of the banking
business is carried on by five big banks namely, the Midland, the Lloyds, the Barclays,
the West Minister and the National Provincial Subssequently National Provincial Bank
and the West Minister Bank were merged to form West Minister Bank. They control 75%
of the banking business through their 13,500 branches.
Advantage of Branch Banking
i) Large Scale Operations
Branch banking system possesses large financial resources. It has a number of branches.
A huge financial resources enable branch banking to provide agricultural and industrial
loan to large number of people. It can employ officers to carry on increasing financial
responsibilities in the sphere of management. The presence of an efficient staff is an
asset to a banking company. This advantage is not available to unit banking.
ii) Geographical Spreading of Risks
In the branch banking system, the bank can distribute risks geographically. Banks are
operating through several branches. So they can diversify both deposits and assets.
Deposits are mobilised from places where savings are in plenty. Loans and advances are
made to those areas where there is scarcity of capital and interest rates are high.
iii) Remittance Facilities
The branch banking has the branches which are spread all over the country. So it is

5. easier to transfer funds from one branch to another at a lesser cost. Unit banking system
cannot offer this facility. In the unit banking system transfer of funds is effected through
correspondent banks. The cost of transfer of funds is high.
iv) Economy in Cash Reserves
One of the important advantages of branch banking is that it results in an economy of
cash reserves. When a branch experiences shortage of cash it can be easily met by
transferring cash from some other branch. This naturally results in economy of cash
reserves. But the unit bank maintains a higher cash reserve in order to meet the
requirements of depositors. Keeping of large cash reserve reduces the profitability of the
banks concerned.
v) Large Financial Resources
Branch banking system ensures the advantage of large financial resources. The
requirements of large customers can be easily met. Loans and Advances can be made on
more liberal scale. With large financial resources branch banking has financial strength
and ability to meet any crisis.
vi) Greater Public Confidence
Branch banking commands greater public confidence. The reasons for this include huge
financial resources and branches spread all over the country.
http://churmura.com/business/branch-banking-and-its-advantages/20491/