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 Wilkes-Barre, commercial banking is seen as distinct from retail banking, which involves the provision of financial services direct to consumers.
In Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre.