Course

Banking and Money

Khan Academy

This course explains the fundamentals of banking systems, including how money is created. Students will explore various aspects of the banking industry through the following:

  • Understanding how banks generate revenue and their societal contributions
  • Analysis of a bank's income statement
  • Introduction to fractional reserve banking and its effects on the money supply
  • Exploring the roles of bank notes, checks, and loans
  • Learning about reserve ratios and their impact on lending
  • Discussion of central banking operations, including interest rates and open market transactions
  • Critiques of fractional reserve banking and its systemic risks

Through detailed modules, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of banking mechanisms and their implications on economic stability.

Course Lectures
  • Banking 1
    Salman Khan

    This module introduces the basics of banking, focusing on how banks operate within the economy. It covers:

    • The different ways banks generate income
    • The value added to society by banking institutions
    • The role of banks in facilitating economic growth and stability

    Students will gain insights into the critical functions banks perform and their significance in the financial landscape.

  • This module delves into the anatomy of a bank's income statement, explaining its components and importance. Key topics include:

    • Understanding revenue sources such as interest and fees
    • Expense categories and their impact on profitability
    • The relevance of the income statement in evaluating a bank's financial health

    Students will learn how to analyze this critical financial document for better investment decision-making.

  • This module provides an introduction to fractional reserve banking, a cornerstone of modern banking practices. It covers:

    • The concept of fractional reserves and their implications
    • The money multiplier effect and how it influences the money supply
    • Understanding the relationship between reserves and overall economic activity

    Students will gain insight into how banks utilize deposits to create money, impacting the entire economy.

  • This module expands on the concept of money creation within a fractional reserve banking system. Key points include:

    • Defining M0 and M1 money supply categories
    • Understanding how banks create money through lending
    • The multiplier effect and its significance in economic contexts

    Students will explore how different forms of money circulate within the economy and the implications for monetary policy.

  • This module introduces bank notes, detailing their historical context and practical applications. Topics include:

    • The evolution of bank notes and their role in transactions
    • How bank notes represent value and facilitate trade
    • Understanding the security features of modern bank notes

    Students will appreciate the significance of bank notes in the economy and everyday life.

  • This module continues the discussion on bank notes and checks, focusing on their usage in modern banking. Key components include:

    • The process of issuing and utilizing checks
    • How checks and bank notes interact in financial transactions
    • Security measures and best practices for using checks

    Students will learn about the practical aspects of using these instruments in banking and commerce.

  • This module explores the concept of banks giving out loans without actually disbursing gold. Key topics include:

    • The principles of lending in a fiat currency system
    • How banks leverage deposits to offer loans
    • The implications of this practice on liquidity and economic growth

    Students will understand the mechanisms that allow banks to operate effectively without the constraints of physical gold reserves.

  • This module discusses reserve ratios and their critical role in banking operations. Key elements include:

    • How reserve requirements are set and their purpose
    • The impact of reserve ratios on lending capacity
    • Exploring the balance between reserves and profitability

    Students will learn how reserve ratios help maintain stability within the banking system and control inflation.

  • This module revisits reserve ratios, emphasizing their limitations on lending practices. Key discussion points include:

    • Understanding the practical implications of reserve requirements
    • Examining case studies of reserve ratio impacts on lending
    • Identifying risks associated with low reserve levels

    Students will analyze how reserve ratios shape the lending landscape and influence banking decisions.

  • This module introduces the concept of leverage in banking, discussing its benefits and risks. Key topics include:

    • The definition of leverage and its application in banking
    • Understanding the relationship between leverage and insolvency
    • Discussing the positive and negative effects of leveraged financing

    Students will learn the balance required in leveraging to ensure sustainable growth without excessive risk.

  • This module provides an introduction to the concept of a reserve bank and its functions. Key aspects include:

    • The purpose of a reserve bank in the financial system
    • Functions such as regulating monetary policy and supervising banks
    • The role of a reserve bank as a lender of last resort

    Students will understand how reserve banks maintain financial stability and support the economy.

  • This module introduces government debt and treasuries, explaining their significance in the economy. Key points include:

    • What treasuries are and how they function
    • The relationship between Federal Reserve Notes and government obligations
    • The impact of government debt on the economy

    Students will explore how treasuries play a crucial role in financing government operations and managing public debt.

  • This module covers open market operations, exploring tools used by central banks to manage the money supply. Key topics include:

    • The purpose of open market operations in monetary policy
    • How these operations influence interest rates and liquidity
    • Case studies of open market operations in action

    Students will learn how central banks utilize these tools to stabilize the economy and control inflation.

  • This module discusses the Federal Funds rate and its implications for banking. Key aspects include:

    • The mechanics of how banks lend to each other overnight
    • The relationship between the Federal Funds rate and open market operations
    • How changes in the rate impact the broader economy

    Students will understand the importance of the Federal Funds rate in maintaining financial stability.

  • This module further examines the Federal Funds rate and its mechanics. Key points include:

    • Understanding how the Federal Funds rate increases the money supply
    • The implications for commercial banks and their lending behaviors
    • Case studies of rate changes and their economic impacts

    Students will analyze how adjustments to the Federal Funds rate shape financial conditions in the economy.

  • This module discusses the rationale behind targeting interest rates over a direct money supply target. Key aspects include:

    • The advantages of interest rate targeting for monetary policy
    • Challenges associated with directly controlling the money supply
    • Analyzing historical examples of both strategies

    Students will appreciate the complexities of monetary policy decision-making and its broader economic implications.

  • This module addresses the historical transition from the gold standard, discussing its implications. Key discussion points include:

    • The reasons for moving away from the gold standard
    • The effects on monetary policy and economic flexibility
    • What this shift means for the concept of wealth

    Students will gain a historical perspective on banking and monetary systems.

  • This module provides a big picture discussion of various banking systems and their pros and cons. Key components include:

    • Comparative analysis of different banking frameworks
    • The role of gold in historical and modern contexts
    • Understanding systemic risks and benefits in banking

    Students will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of banking systems and their impact on economic stability.

  • The Discount Rate
    Salman Khan

    This module introduces the concept of the discount rate, exploring its role in the banking system. Key aspects include:

    • Understanding what the discount rate is and its function
    • The importance of the discount window for banks
    • Analyzing the role of the discount rate as a lender of last resort

    Students will explore how the discount rate influences lending and overall economic conditions.

  • This module covers the mechanics of repurchase agreements (repo transactions), essential tools in banking and finance. Key topics include:

    • Understanding how repos facilitate short-term borrowing
    • The relationship between repos and liquidity management
    • Analyzing the risks and rewards associated with repo transactions

    Students will gain insights into how repos function within the broader financial system.

  • This module provides an analysis of the Federal Reserve's balance sheet as of February 2007, focusing on its implications. Key points include:

    • The structure of the Federal Reserve's assets and liabilities
    • Understanding the significance of the balance sheet in monetary policy
    • Looking at historical context and future implications

    Students will learn how balance sheet analysis informs economic strategies and regulatory frameworks.

  • This module addresses the weak points of fractional reserve banking, examining its systemic risks. Key topics include:

    • Identifying vulnerabilities in the fractional reserve system
    • The implications for economic stability
    • Understanding criticisms from various economic perspectives

    Students will learn to navigate the complexities and challenges posed by fractional reserve banking.

  • This module further discusses the weaknesses of fractional reserve banking, focusing on deposit insurance. Key points include:

    • The role of the FDIC and its impact on depositor confidence
    • Side effects of deposit insurance on banking behavior
    • Understanding the balance between protection and risk-taking

    Students will critically analyze how deposit insurance influences the banking landscape and systemic safety.

  • This module provides a comprehensive summary of thoughts regarding fractional reserve banking and its implications. Key elements include:

    • Discussing the nature of fractional reserve banking as a subsidy to banks
    • Evaluation of yield curve arbitrage opportunities
    • Implications for policy-making and economic stability

    Students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of fractional reserve banking and its broader economic effects.

  • LIBOR
    Salman Khan

    This module covers the London InterBank Offer Rate (LIBOR), a critical benchmark in finance. Key topics include:

    • The role of LIBOR in global financial markets
    • How LIBOR is calculated and its significance
    • Implications for borrowing costs and financial contracts

    Students will understand how LIBOR influences the banking system and broader economy.