In this class, we will be talking about commercial banks. Enjoy the class!

Commercial Bank

CONTENTS

1. Definition and features of commercial banks

2. Functions of Commercial Banks

3. Types of bank accounts and their features

4. Procedures for collecting advances from banks etc

A commercial bank is a financial institution which accepts deposits and other valuables from the public for safekeeping lends money to people and firms and performs other auxiliary services with the sole aim of making a profit. A commercial bank is owned by private individual organizations or the government. It is a limited liability company.

Characteristics of commercial banks

1. They are limited liability companies

2. They are established and owned by individuals, organizations or governments.

3. The motive for its establishment is profit-making

4. Commercial banks are incorporated under CAMA (1990)

5. They transact business with private individuals, organizations, and governments

6. They are members of the money market

Functions of commercial banks

1. Accepting deposits from customers

2. Lending to customers i.e. they grant loans and overdrafts to their customers

3. Acting as an agent for payment

4. Discounting bills of exchange

5. Safekeeping of valuables e.g. wills, pieces of jewellery, certificates, etc.

6. Offering advice to customers

7. Acting as executors or trustees

8. Acting as referees/granting of performance bonds

9. Issuing, buying and selling of securities e.g. shares

10. Issuing of letter of credit

11. Acceptance and discounting of bills of exchange

12. Buying and selling of foreign currencies

13. Funds transfers e.g. credit transfer services

14. Lending money to importers and exporters

15. Issuance of travellers’ cheques

16. Acting as agents for both importers and exporters.

17. Transfer and handling of the vitals business documents

Types of bank accounts

There are three types of accounts which customers can open in a bank. These are:

Current Account:
This is an account on which cheques are drawn. It is also called a Demand Deposit.

Features of current account

1. Money can be withdrawn at any time without notice to the bank.

2. Money can be withdrawn as many times as possible in a month.

3. Withdrawals are made through cheques

4. Deposits are made through a pay-in-slip or tellers.

5. The bank issues a bank statement (statement of account) periodically to the customer.

6. No interest is paid to the current account holder

7. The bank charges some commission for services rendered to customers. This is called a commission on turnover (COT).
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Other people can withdraw money from the account on behalf of the customers.

Saving Account: This account is opened by low-income earners who are small savers.

Features of savings accounts

1. Money can only be withdrawn occasionally

2. The bank pays interest to the account holder

3. Holders are issued with passbooks

4. Only the account holder can withdraw from the account

Fixed Deposit Account (Time Deposits):
Here, money is saved in the bank for a specific period of time to earn interest. Holders are entitled to higher interest
than a savings account. The bank issues a receipt or deposits account passbook and also pays interest to the
owners. The bank must be given between seven to fourteen days notice before money can be withdrawn.

Procedures for opening a current account

1. The customer will collect and fill out an application form.

2. Two referees, who are customers of banks must be provided to recommend the applicant.

3. Two referees, who are customers of banks must be provided to recommend the applicant.

4. The customer will submit his complete particulars (information) to the bank, showing his personal details – this is to enable the bank to authenticate his identity.

5. The bank will issue him with a pay-in-slip booklet.

6. He will be issued an account number.

7. He will pay an initial deposits

. A checkbook will be given to him
Bank advances (commercial banks credit facilities)

Bank advances may be made by way of
1. Loans
2. Overdrafts
3. Discounting of bills of exchange

In the above instances, a bank will usually advance the money only against security or collateral.

Characteristics of a good banking security

The security deposited by a customer to cover a banker’s advances should be
1. Durable
2. Transferable with little expenses and inconveniencies i.e. readily saleable
3. Capable of easy and accurate valuation
4. Easily realizable i.e. easy to convert to cash.
5. Sate in value
. Has a value that is greater than the value of the loan
7. Free from any legal claims by other parties.

Types of securities taken by bankers

1. Stock and Shares – e.g. ‘gilt-edged’ and blue-chip’ securities.

2. Land Buildings

3. Life Assurance Policies

4. Documents of titles to goods e.g. bill of lading

5. Guarantees

6. Indemnity

7. Deposit Account/Cash Collateral

8. Fixed and floating charges on assets of the business.

Factors that a bank manager considers before granting loans or advances to customers

1. The amount of the loan

2. The type of account the customer operates
3. The past financial dealings of the customer with the bank
4. The purpose for which the loan is required
5. The collateral security offered by the customer
6. The period or tenor of the loan
7. Government policy on bank lending
8. The ability to repay/viability of the project
9. The financial reports (accounts) of the customer.

Difference between a loan and an overdraft Loan Overdraft

1. Tenor (Durations) Long-term/medium Short–term

2. Repayment Instalmentally as per agreement Repayable on demand

3. Type of Account: Loan Account, Current Account

4. Balance Relatively stable and always a debit balance Fluctuating; may swings from debit to credit and vice – versa

5. Interest charged by the bank

On the full amount of the loan Only on that part of the overdraft facility utilized by
the customer.

6. Availability: To any type of account only to customers having current accounts.

Review questions

1. Describe five ways by which commercial banks aid foreign trade.

2. Describe to Kola, a new recruit in your office, the steps he may take to open a current account.

3. Explain any six factors whish a bank manager would take unto consideration in evaluating an application for a
loan.

Theory

1. State two features of a savings account

2. Mention three collateral securities acceptable to banks o secure an advance

General evaluation

1. Explain five reasons why tariffs are imposed on imports

2. State five functions performed by the Customs Authorities

3. Give six reasons why manufacturers pre-package their products

4. Explain five factors that adversely affect the growth of Commerce in West Africa

5. Mention and explain five ways by which the Central Bank regulates the activities of commercial banks

In our next class, we will be talking about the Cheque System. We hope you enjoyed the class. Send your questions in the comment section below and we will respond