Difference between Investment Banking and Commercial Banking

Investment Banking and Commercial Banking are two different sectors within the broader financial services industry. Investment Banking refers to the financial activities and services provided by banks or financial institutions specializing in facilitating capital-raising for businesses, governments, and other entities. Commercial Banking refers to the activities conducted by banks that primarily serve individuals and businesses.

What is Investment Banking?

Investment Banking is a financial service sector primarily dealing with assisting companies, governments, and other entities in raising capital. It does so by underwriting or acting as an intermediary in the issue of securities, including stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. Investment banks also provide advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and other financial transactions.

Key functions of Investment Banking are:

• Underwriting: Investment Banks help companies in the issuance of new securities and bring them to market. They also assume the risk of buying the securities from the issuer and then selling them to investors.
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Investment Banks gives advise to the companies on buying, selling, or merging of businesses. They help their clients evaluate potential targets/buyers, negotiate deals, and complete transactions for them.
• Capital Markets: Investment Banks facilitate trading in financial markets by providing liquidity, trading services for institutional and corporate clients, etc.

What is Commercial Banking?

Commercial Banking refers to the banking activities primarily focusing on providing services to businesses, individuals, and institutions. These banks accept deposits from customers, offer various types of loans, and provide other financial services such as savings accounts, credit cards, and treasury management.

Key features of Commercial Banking include:

• Deposits: Commercial Banks accept deposits from customers, including individuals, businesses, and government entities.
• Loans and Credit: Commercial Banks extend credit to customers in the form of various types of loans, including commercial loans, mortgages, personal loans, and lines of credit. They evaluate the creditworthiness of borrowers and charge interest on the loans provided.
• Payment Services: Commercial Banks offer payment services such as savings accounts, and debit cards to facilitate transactions for customers. They also provide services for electronic funds transfers, wire transfers, and bill payments.

Difference between Investment Banking and Commercial Banking

Basis	Investment Banking	Commercial Banking
Meaning	Investment Banking is a financial service sector primarily dealing with assisting companies, governments, and other entities in raising capital.	Commercial Banking refers to the banking activities primarily focusing on providing services to businesses, individuals, and institutions.
Focus	It focuses on assisting corporations and institutions in raising capital through underwriting, M&A, and advisory services.	It focuses on providing banking services to individuals, businesses, and institutions, including deposits, loans, and payment services.
Regulation	Investment Banking is regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).	Commercial Banking is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
Clients	It includes businesses, governments, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals.	It includes individuals, small and large businesses, governments, non-profit organizations.
Services	Services of investment banking includes underwriting securities, M&A, capital markets services, corporate finance, and financial advisory.	Services of commercial banking includes deposits, loans (commercial, personal, mortgages), payment services, and treasury management.
Risk	It includes high risk because of involvement in complex financial transactions and market activities.	It includes moderate risk because of traditional banking activities and exposure to credit and interest rate risks.
Capital Requirement	Generally requires higher capital reserves.	It requires lower capital as compared to investment banking.
Revenue Source	It derives its revenue from fees/commissions for services provided, such as advisory fees, underwriting fees, etc.	It derives its revenue primarily from the interest earned on loans, fees from banking services(such as overdraft fees, etc.), and other charges.

Investment Banking and Commercial Banking – FAQs

What is the role of an investment banker?

Investment bankers act as intermediaries between companies seeking capital and investors looking to invest their funds. They provide strategic financial advice, execute transactions, and help clients navigate financial markets.

What are the career opportunities in commercial banking?

Career opportunities in commercial banking include roles, such as branch manager, loan officer, relationship manager, credit analyst, and various positions in operations, risk management, and compliance.

What are the career opportunities in investment banking?

Career opportunities in investment banking include analyst, associate, vice president, director, and managing director roles.

Which type of banking has a higher risk profile: investment banking or commercial banking?

Investment Banking. It is because investment banking activities generally involve higher levels of risk as compared to commercial banking due to their involvement in capital markets, trading, and advisory services.

What are some examples of investment banks and commercial banks in India?

Examples of investment banks include KPMG India Private Ltd., Avendus Capital Private Ltd., and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India, LLP. Examples of commercial banks include Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India.