Commercial Bank vs. Development Bank: Know the Difference
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By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 25, 2024
Commercial Banks offer general banking services to the public, focusing on deposits and loans, while Development Banks provide long-term funding for economic development projects.
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Key Differences
A Commercial Bank is a financial institution that offers banking services to the general public and businesses, including accepting deposits, providing checking and savings accounts, and offering loans. In contrast, a Development Bank is a specialized financial institution that primarily provides long-term capital for infrastructure and development projects, often funded by national governments or international organizations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
The main objective of a Commercial Bank is to earn profit through interest and fees on various financial services, focusing on short to medium-term financial needs. Development Banks, on the other hand, aim to support economic development, focusing on long-term projects with social and economic benefits, often prioritizing social impact over immediate financial return.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Commercial Banks cater to the day-to-day financial needs of individuals and businesses, offering services like loans, credit facilities, and deposit accounts. Development Banks, however, provide funding for large-scale projects in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and industry, which may not be as profitable in the short term but are essential for long-term economic growth.
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In terms of funding, Commercial Banks rely on customer deposits and other short-term borrowings. Development Banks often derive their funding from national or international sources, including government contributions, international financial institutions, and long-term debt issuance.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Commercial Banks play a crucial role in the financial stability and liquidity of an economy, offering a range of financial products and services. Development Banks, while not directly involved in day-to-day banking activities, contribute to strategic economic growth and development, often in collaboration with governments and policy-makers.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Provide general banking services
Fund long-term development projects
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Objective
Profit through financial services
Economic development, social impact
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Services Offered
Deposits, loans, credit facilities
Long-term financing for large-scale projects
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Source of Funding
Customer deposits, short-term borrowings
Government contributions, international institutions
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Focus
Short to medium-term financial needs
Long-term strategic economic growth
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Commercial Bank and Development Bank Definitions
Commercial Bank
Commercial Bank plays a key role in the economy’s liquidity.
The central bank relied on commercial banks to implement its monetary policy.
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Development Bank
Development Bank’s success is measured by economic impact rather than profit.
The development bank’s projects have contributed to sustainable development.
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Commercial Bank
Commercial Bank is a financial institution offering deposit and loan services.
The commercial bank provided a business loan for my new startup.
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Development Bank
Development Bank is typically state-owned or international.
The international development bank funded a renewable energy project.
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Commercial Bank
Commercial Bank operates with the primary goal of profit.
The commercial bank announced a rise in profits due to increased lending.
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Development Bank
Development Bank provides funding for economic development projects.
The development bank financed a major infrastructure project in the city.
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Commercial Bank
Commercial Bank serves both individuals and businesses.
I opened a savings account at a local commercial bank.
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Development Bank
Development Bank often supports sectors like agriculture and industry.
A development bank provided loans for small-scale farmers.
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Commercial Bank
Commercial Bank offers a variety of financial products and services.
The commercial bank recently launched a new mobile banking app.
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Development Bank
Development Bank focuses on long-term social and economic growth.
The development bank’s initiative boosted the rural economy significantly.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the main goal of a Development Bank?
To support long-term economic growth and development.
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Can individuals get loans from Development Banks?
Typically, they fund larger projects, not individual loans.
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What kind of projects do Development Banks finance?
Large-scale projects like infrastructure, industry, and agriculture development.
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Are Commercial Banks state-owned?
They can be both private and state-owned.
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Are Development Banks profit-oriented?
They prioritize economic development over immediate profit.
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Do Commercial Banks offer checking accounts?
Yes, they provide various deposit accounts including checking.
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What is a Commercial Bank?
A financial institution offering banking services like loans and deposits.
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What is a Development Bank?
A bank providing long-term funding for economic development projects.
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Do Commercial Banks finance large infrastructure projects?
Generally, they focus on shorter-term financing needs.
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How do Commercial Banks contribute to the economy?
By providing liquidity and facilitating everyday financial transactions.
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How do Commercial Banks make money?
Primarily through interest on loans and fees for services.
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Who funds Development Banks?
Governments and international financial organizations.
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Are savings accounts offered by Commercial Banks?
Yes, they offer a range of savings products.
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Can a Development Bank issue bonds?
Yes, they can issue long-term bonds for funding.
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Are Commercial Banks involved in monetary policy?
They play a role in implementing central bank policies.
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Who oversees Commercial Banks?
National regulatory bodies and central banks.
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What role do Development Banks play in policy-making?
They often collaborate with governments on economic policies.
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Do Development Banks work internationally?
Many operate both nationally and internationally.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can businesses get loans from Commercial Banks?
Yes, they provide loans to both businesses and individuals.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
What's the impact of Development Banks on society?
They contribute to long-term societal and economic benefits.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
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Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.