who is the oldest bank in the world
List of oldest banks in continuous operation While there are seven banks founded in the 17th century still remaining and 16 banks founded in the 18th century, the list is topped by the only two banks founded in the 15th and 16th centuries respectively, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena and Berenberg Bank. Monte dei Paschi di Siena was founded as a mount of piety in 1472 and today is one of Italy's largest retail banks. Berenberg Bank is the world's oldest merchant bank and private bank and was founded in 1590, and is still owned by the descendants of its founders, the Berenberg family.