Lafayette may have one or more banks. A bank is a financial institution that is charged with the function of accepting deposits and lending out money. Thus, it acts as an intermediary connecting individuals with a capital deficit with individuals having a capital surplus. They are centrally placed in the financial system for most economies. Thus, they function under a well-defined set of regulations. Most banks have national and regional headquarters, and then branches in smaller towns and villages. The banks may be international, national or local in spread of operations.