I know you will find this has been the case for 1000 years or more depending on what is viewed as a bank The story of Jesus in a temple laying into money lenders is, perhaps, very relevant todayOriginally Posted by Swanny
Way back the King would know what taxes he had by use of bits of wood [tally sticks] which had a value but if coin was needed urgently these sticks were sold to lenders ,but at a much reduced value this creating profit. In fact the Houses Of Parliament were burnt down by a fire of these pieces of wood ;D---remembered this from my school history