Banking [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION Banking is a subject that should be of interest to all, but in writing this book I have borne particularly in mind four specific groups of readers. First, those customers of Banks who would like to know more about the institutions that look after their money and the officials who spend their working lives in banking. Second, those who are not customers, yet may be encouraged to open accounts and avail themselves of the manifold services of a Bank. Third, young men and women who, about to choose a career, would like to know the type of work they would be required to do in a Bank, what the life is like, and what prospects and rewards are offered. Fourth, the younger bankmen, or those who have had to specialize for a long time in certain limited spheres and seek a broader picture. In the course of my banking career I have inevitably learnt much from the many colleagues with whom I have been fortunate to work, both in branches and at Head Office, quite apart from the knowledge gained from lectures, books, and articles. In recent years this mental process has been intensified, for it has been my privilege to be a tutor at a Bank's residential staff college. While so engaged I have listened to many talks by leading bankmen who have freely placed their wisdom and experience at the disposal of students. I gratefully acknowledge the debt due to my mentors. I also acknowledge with gratitude the contribution, on many training courses, of students who, while learning something themselves, have in turn passed on much valuable information in the form of their own practical experiences, and provided the encouragement and inspiration so necessary for the continued process of instruction.