Commercial banks underwrite bonds, and make markets in currency, interest rates, and credit-related securities, but today large commercial banks usually have an investment bank arm .In Hickory, commercial banking is seen as distinct from retail banking, which involves the provision of financial services direct to consumers.
In Hickory, the most important activity of a commercial bank is to assemble deposits from the public. If the rate of interest is higher, the public is motivated to deposit more funds with the bank. A financial institution that provides services such as accepting deposits and giving business loans is a commercial bank in Hickory.