: Securely holding cash, securities, and other assets for consumers and businesses .

A is a type of entity that is legally allowed to accept monetary deposits from the public, which it then uses to fund its lending activities . These institutions serve as vital intermediaries in the economy, channeling funds from "surplus units" (savers) to "deficit units" (borrowers) through various loan products . Primary Functions

: Providing the infrastructure for daily transactions, such as checking accounts, debit cards, and electronic fund transfers . Core Types of Depository Institutions What is a Depository? Definition, Types, and Examples

: Paying interest to depositors on their savings while charging a higher interest rate to borrowers (the difference is known as the interest rate spread ) .

: Bridging the gap between investors and borrowers by pooling deposits to issue mortgages, personal loans, and business credit .