Basic concepts -- The nature and variety of financial intermediation -- The what, how, and why of financial intermediaries -- Major risks faced by banks -- Spot lending -- Further issues in bank lending -- Special topics in credit: syndicated loans, loan sales, and project finance -- Off-balance sheet banking and contingent claims products -- Securitization -- The deposit contract and insurance -- Objectives of bank regulation -- Milestones in banking legislation and regulatory reform -- Management of risks and opportunities in banking -- Mergers and acquisitions -- Investment banking -- The future.