The term "banking institutions" refers to financial organizations that provide a range of services, including accepting deposits, offering loans, and facilitating transactions. These institutions may include commercial banks, credit unions, investment banks, or other types of financial companies. They are authorized by the government to accept and safeguard money on behalf of customers, as well as provide payment processing services for businesses and individuals. Overall, "banking institutions" refers to any organization that is involved in banking activities, including managing accounts, issuing credit cards or loans, and providing financial advice.