Banking services are offered to the public

Banking services are offered to the public, both to business and to private
households, by a variety of different types of financial institution. The business
banks offer the most comprehensive services, but there is also a range of
savings banks, similar institutions and building societies.

The business banks, often referred to in Germany as “universal banks”, offer a full range of services,
retail and wholesale, including all forms of investment banking, corporate
finance and related consultancy. They are also the traditional doorway for
German business and for the investing public to the stock exchange.