How Banks Really Work: A Beginner’s Guide

Name: How Banks Really Work: A Beginner’s Guide
Rating: 4.5 (14 reviews)

Learn how banks make profits, process payments, and operate in the real world

Role Play

Created byRachit Sharma

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

Comprehensive introduction to the global banking industry
Gain a thorough understanding of various functions of a Bank
Understand the types of Banking such as Retail, Corporate, Private etc
Understand how International Banking works
Understand the role of Central Bank and Banking regulations
What is Banking Risk
What is Risk Management
Comparison of Banking Markets across the globe
Emerging trends in Banking

Course content

26 sections • 95 lectures • 4h 18m total length

Welcome to this course1:31
Rajat Sharma introduces banking fundamentals with decades of experience, covering how banks operate, the services they offer, and their role in the economy with accessible, jargon-free guidance.
The curious case of Aryan1:19
Your journey begins1:27
About me1:48
Rajat Sharma shares his 20+ years in banking and IT, with an MBA from SP Jain and electronics engineering, detailing payments projects like UPI and IMPS across banking domains.
Course Structure1:48

Bank's Primary function summary1:19
Accepting Deposits1:22
Types of Deposits3:17
Granting Loans & Advances2:55
Discover how banks grant loans and advances, with secured and unsecured options, repayment terms, and the impact on individuals, businesses, and the economy.
Types of Loans - Term Loan2:26
Types of Loans - Short term credit2:41
Short term credit offers fast, flexible financing through loans or lines of credit repaid within months up to 18, with approvals in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Types of Loans - Over draft2:10
Types of Loans - Cash credit1:44
Overdraft v/s Cash Credit2:07
Classification of Loans and Advances2:56

Agency Functions1:42
Payments and Collections1:56
I threw a new word there - Bill of Exchange. As promised, demystifying all the jargon for you.

A bill of exchange is a written, legally binding order that requires one party (the drawee) to pay a fixed sum of money to another party (the payee) either on demand or at a specified future date. It is commonly used in trade and business transactions, especially when goods or services are provided on credit, to ensure that payment will be made at the agreed-upon time.

The main parties involved are:
- The **drawer**: the person or entity who creates the bill and orders the payment.
- The **drawee**: the person or entity who is required to pay.
- The **payee**: the person or entity who will receive the payment (often the same as the drawer unless the bill is endorsed to someone else).

Bills of exchange are widely used in both domestic and international trade to formalize credit arrangements and provide security for payments. They are transferable, can be endorsed to third parties, and serve as a guarantee that the amount owed will be paid at the specified time.
Bills & Promissory Notes2:39
Explore bills of exchange and promissory notes, including cheques as a common bill, and learn how they secure future payments, manage credit, and facilitate domestic and international trade.
Standing Instructions3:04
Acting as a Trustee1:57
Executor or Attorney3:26

Why do different Banking Types exist?3:28
Understand why banks specialize for efficiency, serve diverse client needs with retail, commercial, and investment banks, manage regulatory and risk considerations, and optimize profitability through distinct revenue models.
Overview of Banking Types1:47
Explore the five major banking types—retail, private, Islamic, corporate, and investment—and their distinct services, customer focus, and roles in keeping the financial system running.

Overview1:39
Retail Banking - Commercial Banks2:26
Retail Banking - Savings Banks3:30
Retail Banking - Co-operative Banks3:46
Retail Banking - Building Society4:05
Building societies function as mutual, member-owned institutions with one member, one vote. They reinvest profits for members and offer savings, mortgages, and loans with competitive rates and a community focus.
Retail Banking - Credit Unions4:10
Retail Banking - Finance Houses5:11
Summary1:11

Requirements

No banking experience/background needed. You will learn everything you need to know.

Description

Most people know what banks do, but few understand how banks work behind the scenes.

Step into the dynamic world of banking with a course that unlocks the secrets of the financial system—no prior experience required. Whether you're a curious learner, a professional pivoting into finance, or someone eager to make smarter financial decisions, this course is your gateway to understanding how banks shape the economy and your everyday life.

Why Take This Course?

Empower Yourself: Gain the confidence to navigate financial conversations, products, and decisions with ease.
Career Catalyst: Lay the groundwork for roles in banking, fintech, finance, or business strategy.
Future-Proof Knowledge: Stay ahead of the curve with insights into digital banking and financial innovation.

What You’ll Learn?

Banking Fundamentals: Discover how banks operate as financial intermediaries, manage risk, and fuel economic growth.
Types of Banks: Understand the unique roles of commercial, investment, and central banks.
Core Products & Services: Learn about savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, investment tools, and more.
Central Banking & Regulations: Explore the critical role of central banks and how regulations help ensure stability, trust, and smooth operations in the banking system.
Digital Banking: Dive into the world of electronic banking, online transactions, and the rise of digital payment systems transforming customer experiences.
Financial Mechanics: Unpack how banks earn revenue, manage liquidity, and meet regulatory standards.
Industry Language & Structure: Master essential terminology and grasp the architecture of the financial system.
Fintech & Innovation: Examine the technologies reshaping banking—from mobile apps to blockchain.

By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with a clear, practical understanding of banking, ready to make informed financial choices, engage confidently in the finance world, or pursue further studies and career opportunities.

#banking #finance #typesofbanking #digitalbanking #fintech #accounting

Who this course is for:

Banking and Finance new entrants
Interns and students who want to learn banking Fundamentals
Career switchers from other industries
Banking staff undergoing induction or compliance training
Individuals seeking financial literacy
IT professionals working with banks or fintech
Finance professionals from non-banking sectors
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Business or Management Consultants and Analysts
Government staff in Banking world

How Banks Really Work: A Beginner’s Guide

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Course Introduction5 lectures • 8min

Introduction to a Bank4 lectures • 8min

Primary Functions10 lectures • 23min

Secondary Functions1 lecture • 2min

Secondary functions - Agency Functions6 lectures • 15min

Secondary Functions - General Utility Functions5 lectures • 12min

Pit stop with Aryan1 lecture • 1min

Types of Banking - Premises2 lectures • 5min

Retail Banking8 lectures • 26min

Private Banking2 lectures • 5min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: