1) The Mongol Empire, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, became the largest contiguous empire in history, spanning from Asia to Europe.

2) The banking industry is regulated by government agencies to ensure the stability and integrity of the financial system and to protect consumers.

3) The first bank in the world, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, was established in Italy in 1472 and is still in operation today.

4) The word "bank" comes from the Italian word "banco," which means bench. In medieval Italy, bankers conducted their business on benches in the marketplace.