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HomeFinancial CodeDiv. 1Ch. 1§ 109 Commercial Banking Definition

§ 109 Commercial Banking Definition

Financial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 109 Commercial Banking Definition

This law explains what counts as a commercial banking business – basically taking deposits, giving loans, and dealing with things like securities and money orders.

Key Takeaways

  • •Taking money deposits (checking, savings, certificates, etc.) is part of commercial banking.
  • •Lending money, whether backed by property or not, is also commercial banking.
  • •Buying and selling securities, gold, foreign coins, and other paper money for customers or the bank itself counts too.
  • •Money held in escrow or with an agent for a specific real‑estate or securities deal is NOT covered by this definition.

Example

A local bank lets people put money in a checking account, gives a homeowner a mortgage, and buys government bonds for its own investment.

Because the bank is taking deposits, lending money, and buying securities, all of those activities fall under the definition of "commercial banking business" in this law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 109 Commercial Banking Definition

“Commercial banking business” includes, but is not limited to, the business of soliciting, receiving, or accepting of money or its equivalent on deposit as a regular business whether the deposit is made subject to check or is evidenced by a certificate of deposit, a passbook, a note, a receipt, or other writing, provided that nothing herein shall apply to or include money or its equivalent left in escrow, or left with an agent pending investment in real estate or securities for, or on account of, his or her principal. In addition, “commercial banking business” means to lend money on the security of real or personal property or without security; to discount or deal in bills, notes, or other commercial paper; to buy and sell for the account of customers, and, if eligible for investment, for its own account, securities, gold and silver bullion, foreign coins, and bills of exchange; and generally to transact a commercial banking business. (Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 243, Sec. 2. (SB 664) Effective January 1, 2012.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

commercial banking businessdepositlendingsecuritiesescrow

Related Statutes

  • § 1000 Bank And Trust Formation
  • § 1005 Banking Business Requirements
  • § 107 Commercial Bank Definition
  • § 17003 Escrow Transaction Definition
  • § 17005.2 Escrow Business Locations

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Financial Code. Section 109.
View Official Source