What is private banking? Barron's Dictionary of Banking Terms provides an excellent definition. It defines private banking as banking services, including lending and investment management, for wealthy individuals. Private banking primarily is a credit service, and is less dependent on accepting deposits than retail banking. Another interpretation can be found in The Federal Reserve Supervisory Letter (SR97-19). Under this definition, private banking includes, among other things, personalized services such as money management, financial advice and investment services for high-net-w