what s the difference between a commercial and investment bank 
a commercial bank where most people do their banking is a type of financial institution that accepts deposits offers checking account services makes business personal and mortgage loans and offers basic financial products like certificates of deposit cds and savings accounts to individuals and small businesses investment banks specialize in providing services designed to facilitate business operations this might include raising money through financing and equity offerings including initial public offerings ipos they also commonly offer brokerage services for investors act as market makers for trading exchanges and manage mergers acquisitions and other corporate restructurings 11