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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.

Should central banks hike rates, that could exacerbate vulnerabilities in “opaque nonbank leverage.”

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

In these “back leverage” deals, the special-purpose vehicles do the borrowing and the banks have no recourse on the nonbank lender, in this case Atlas, if the underlying assets sour.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 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

The Thai provider of nonbank financial and insurance brokerage services targets loan growth of 5%-10% in 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

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