What is function learning?

What are the best resources for learning how banks function?

• For "normal" banks (that is, not investment banks, etc), in the retail and/or commercial space, what are the best resources for getting a look "behind the curtain" and learning more about how they function, what they do, and to learn their language?  For the sake of argument, assume the goal is to educate yourself on their world sufficiently to not look like a moron when trying to sell software into their world.

• Answer:

  There are different kinds of banks -- pick the kind that is relevant to you, and make a list of the banks of this kind that are publicly traded; then read all of their annual reports. Annual reports are free, and generally 150+ pages long -- thorough.  More to the point, publicly traded companies are required to state, in plain terms, an overview of their industry and how their particular company operates -- there is a section in every annual report that is dedicated to this purpose. In annual reports, companies must also state their material risks; and, of course, list their expenses in the income statement, which can put things into perspective. Read analysts' opinions on these publicly traded banks (although these reports are often expensive).  The Federal Reserve Board's publications and research papers are an excellent source of information on how banks function. Do the same for each of the 12 regional Federal Reserve banks. These are all free. Scholarly papers on the topic (of which there are many -- I know because I have read many of them), or papers and documentation by any person or entity that is a proponent bank regulation (economists, lobbyists). White papers by bank trade associations.  Many large consulting companies (Boston Consulting Group, for example) also publish such research papers, and these papers are free. Banking is a thoroughly researched industry. The resources you need are abundant. You will have no issue finding what you need.