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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• merchant banking
  noun
• merchant banker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of merchant bank

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Most recently, she was president and vice chairman of the merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

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 • Oct. 9, 2025

BDT & MSD Partners, an American global merchant bank, have worked with Chelsea as financial advisors on a potential minority investment in the club.

From BBC • May 29, 2024

Redstone brought in merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners and its capital arm, which paid $125 million to become a preferred investor in National Amusements.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2023