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nonbank

American  
[non-bangk, non-bangk] / ˈnɒnˈbæŋk, ˈnɒnˌbæŋk /

noun

  1. an institution that is not a bank but engages in certain banking practices, as lending money or holding deposits.


adjective

  1. of, relating to, or handled by a nonbank.

    nonbank loans.

Etymology

Origin of nonbank

First recorded in 1945–50; non- + bank 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bank commitments to private equity and private-credit fund sponsors represent about 14% of total nonbank financial institution lending, up from around 1% a decade ago.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

That can include loans to nonbank lenders, such as private-credit funds, which have been a big growth area in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Another risk is the rising prevalence of nonbank investors, such as hedge funds, option sellers, and leveraged exchange-traded funds.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

It’s hard to account for the aggressive lending of nonbank financial players, the wild stock-market prices of technology companies, and pockets of hidden borrowing and investing that are difficult to measure.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Meanwhile, global debt and equity markets, deficits, many nonbank financial institutions and investors are far larger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

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