Merchant banking is a type of banking service that provides financial services to corporations, rather than individuals. It involves advising businesses on a variety of financial matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and international trade.

Key Features of Merchant Banking:

• Corporate focus: Merchant banks primarily focus on providing services to corporations, rather than individual investors.
• Advisory role: Rather than providing loans or deposits, they primarily act as advisors and advocates for their clients.
• Variety of services: They offer a wide range of services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, capital raising advisory, international trade consulting, and cash management.
• Close relationships: Merchant banks build close relationships with their clients, understanding their unique needs and goals.
• High-touch service: They provide a highly personalized service, often involving direct involvement from senior bankers.

Typical Clients:

• Large corporations
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• International businesses
• Investors

Services Offered:

• Mergers and acquisitions advisory
• Capital raising advisory
• International trade consulting
• Cash management
• Debt placement
• Equity placement
• Business valuation
• Strategic planning

Benefits:

• Access to a wide range of financial services
• Expert advice and guidance
• Access to senior bankers
• Personalized service
• Comprehensive solutions

Comparison to Traditional Banking:

Merchant banking differs from traditional banking in the following ways:

• Client focus: Merchant banks focus primarily on corporations, while traditional banks cater to individuals.
• Services offered: Merchant banks provide a wider range of advisory services, while traditional banks focus primarily on loans and deposits.
• Relationship structure: Merchant banks tend to have closer relationships with their clients, often involving senior bankers.
• Fee structure: Merchant banks typically charge fees for their advisory services, rather than interest on loans.

Conclusion:

Merchant banking is a specialized type of banking that provides a range of advisory services to corporations. It involves close relationships, high-touch service, and access to a wide range of financial services.