Abbreviation of 地方銀行 (ちほうぎんこう). Refers to a bank that primarily operates within a specific prefecture or region, as opposed to nationwide city banks.
See also: 地方銀行 (ちほうぎんこう)
The realignment of regional banks is progressing.
Regional banks are an important presence that supports the local economy.
Abbreviation formed from the first characters of 地方 (ちほう, 'region') and 銀行 (ぎんこう, 'bank').