A commercial bank and a savings and loan institution are similar in that they both accept deposits and make loans. Each type of institutions has its own regulator, however, and generally issues loans to different types of lenders.
Deposits
Both commercial banks and savings and loans accept deposits, which they in turn lend out to both individuals and businesses.
Commercial Bank Loans
Commercial bank loans are primarily business loans, such as construction loans or loans to finance business purchases.
Savings and Loan Mandate
A savings and loan is focused more on lending to individuals for home purchases. Savings and loans are mandated by regulators to have at least 70 percent of assets in residential mortgages or mortgage securities.
Regulation
The Office of Thrift Supervision is responsible for regulating savings and loan institutions. The office of the comptroller of the currency oversees national commercial banks. State regulators also monitor certain commercial banks.
Service Area
Savings and loan institutions are typically regional in focus, serving local customers, whereas commercial banks are often multinational and capable of serving an international clientele.
References
- The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency: About the OCC
- Office of Thrift Supervision: About the OTS
- The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency: About the OCC
- FDIC. "Historical Bank Data."
- Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. "Covered Savings Associations Implementation: Covered Savings Associations."
Writer Bio
John Csiszar earned a Certified Financial Planner designation and served for 18 years as an investment counselor before becoming a writing and editing contractor for various private clients. In addition to writing thousands of articles for various online publications, he has published five educational books for young adults.