merchant bank

American  

noun

British Finance.

1. a private banking firm engaged chiefly in investing in new issues of securities and in accepting bills of exchange in foreign trade.

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merchant bank British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a financial institution engaged primarily in accepting foreign bills, advising companies on flotations and takeovers, underwriting new issues, hire-purchase finance, making long-term loans to companies, and managing investment portfolios, funds, and trusts

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Other Word Forms

• merchant banker noun
• merchant banking noun

Etymology

Origin of merchant bank

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The merchant bank, which has the largest relative exposure given that car finance represents a significant part of its loan book, has so far set aside a 165 million-pound provision.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Associated Press contacted United and merchant bank Raine, which is handling the sale process for comment.

From Seattle Times

Two years later, Brunswick Group sold a minority stake to the merchant bank BDT.

From New York Times

The Raine Group, the merchant bank focused on sports, media and tech deals, raised $760 million for its latest investment fund.

From New York Times

Powell McCormick, one of the most senior women at Goldman, is joining the merchant bank as a partner, vice chairman and president of global client services, according to a statement from her new firm.

From Reuters