secondary bank; small-scale financial institution
Refers to smaller financial institutions such as credit unions, community banks, or regional cooperative banks, often contrasted with major commercial banks.
Small-scale financial institutions play an important role in supporting the local economy.
大手銀行 refers to major commercial banks, while 小規模金融機関 refers to smaller, often community-based financial institutions.
Compound of 小規模 (small-scale) + 金融 (finance) + 機関 (institution).