Q 01/05

From which Old Italian word meaning 'table' does the word 'bank' derive?

A) Moneta

B) Banco

C) Cassa

D) Conto

Answer · why

B) Banco

It goes back to Old High German for bench or counter.

Q 02/05

The word 'bankrupt' comes from the Italian 'banca rotta', meaning what?

A) Empty box

B) Lost ledger

C) Broken bench

D) Closed door

Answer · why

C) Broken bench

The symbolic ruin of an insolvent trader.

Q 03/05

What is the oldest existing retail bank in the world?

A) Bank of Scotland

B) Barclays of London

C) Berenberg of Hamburg

D) Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena

Answer · why

D) Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena

It was founded in 1472.

Q 04/05

In which Italian city is the world's oldest bank headquartered?

A) Venice

B) Siena

C) Genoa

D) Florence

Answer · why

B) Siena

It began as a mount of piety in 1472.

Q 05/05

What is the world's oldest merchant banking house, founded around 1590?

A) Coutts

B) Berenberg

C) Hope & Co.

D) Barings

Answer · why

B) Berenberg

It was founded by Flemish refugees in Hamburg.