Universal Bank

Author:

Moneyzine Editor

1 mins

September 25th, 2023

Advertiser Disclosure

Definition

The term universal bank refers to a financial institution that provides services offered by both commercial banks as well as investment banks. Universal banks can offer their customers deposit accounts in addition to investment advice.

Explanation

Also referred to as a full-service financial institution, a universal bank provides a large array of services, including those of commercial banks and investment banks. The types of services offered include deposit accounts such as checking and savings, loans and credit, asset and wealth management, buying and selling securities, financial and investment advice, and even insurance products.

In the United States, the Banking Act of 1933, also known as the Glass-Steagall Act, separated commercial banking from investment banking; identifying them as separate lines of commerce. Examples of universal banks include Deutsche Bank, ING Bank, UBS, Credit Suisse, HSBC, Barclays, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.

Related Content

What Can Help You Meet Your Budget While Shopping for Important Items?
Budgeting while ensuring you don't compromise on quality can seem daunting. Whether filling your pantry, updating your wardrobe, or keeping up with the latest tech, smart shopping strategies are crucial for keeping your finances in check.
April 2nd, 2024
How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years
Truthfully, this title should actually be “How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years Without Going Into Debt", but that is just getting a little too winded for my liking. It’s true though!
December 6th, 2024
How to Apply Maslow’s Hierarchy to Your Money This Year
You might vaguely remember your psychology teacher talking about Maslow. He pointed at a picture of a triangle as you nodded off in the back of the school room.
November 18th, 2024
How to Tackle Multiple Savings Goals
When there’s only so much money to go around, there are often multiple savings goals competing for your money. Think of the young professional who’d like to get a more reliable car, buy a house, and save for retirement. Or consider the young family that’s saving for college, retirement, and a bigger house.
March 22nd, 2024
The Countdown to Early Retirement: 10 Expenses to Eliminate
Dreaming of waving goodbye to the daily grind five years ahead of schedule? The road to early retirement is paved with more than good intentions; it requires a meticulously crafted strategy with surprising twists. It's not solely about what you should be doing—like diligently saving a portion of your income or investing wisely—but also about what you need to stop doing.
March 22nd, 2024