Banking is the financial system that facilitates the management, storage, and transfer of money. Banks provide essential services such as deposits, loans, payments, and investments to individuals, businesses, and governments. They play a crucial role in the economy by safeguarding funds, offering credit, and enabling transactions through checking and savings accounts. Central banks regulate monetary policy, control inflation, and issue currency, while commercial banks serve customers with financial products. Investment banks assist with capital markets, mergers, and asset management. Modern banking has evolved with digital services, enabling online transactions, mobile payments, and decentralized finance (DeFi) innovations.