Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Search
Accessibility Menu

What Is Merchant Banking?

By Kristi Waterworth – Updated Apr 16, 2025 at 11:11PM

Key Points

  • Merchant banks specialize in services for mid-sized firms needing international financing and underwriting.
  • They differ from investment banks by not handling huge transactions like IPOs or mergers.
  • Merchant banks facilitate complex services like loan syndication and managing international monetary transactions.

Our Guides

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.