What was the first public banking institution in history? As a side question when did the concept of charging interest for the use of money start?
The Italians claim that they invented banking in the 14th century in Florence. However, this is pretty questionable, it sort of depends how you define a bank. certainly there were moneylenders well before the 14th century (remember who it was that Jesus drove out of the temple). The Knights Templar also did a pretty good job of money lending as did the jewish people in Europe. Actually both of those groups were (unfairly) persecuted because of their money lending activities.
This bank claims to be the oldest in the world.
Given that the Bible (OT) specifically proscribes usury, it is safe to say that the general idea of charging people for the use of capital has been around for a long time and that it would be very difficult to say when it first came about.
Sorry, submitted that before I meant to…
It is believed that banking came about before the invention of coinage. Unfortunately I don’t have my books here but (from memory) in ancient Mesopotamia, grain stores provided receipts for the grain placed with them and these receipts came to be used for the payment of debts etc. There are Hammurabic laws laid down regulating the practice.
As a side note, the Bank of North America in Phila. was the first one in the US. I know that’s not what you asked, but I had to throw it in as I have checks drawn on that bank from 1789, only 6 months after they opened their doors. It was a check written by a commercial company in the shipping business.
Motog - Your link states that banking was invented in 14th century Florence and also states the oldest bank was founded in 1472. So after founding banking they then waited until the next century to open a bank?
Confused new member. 
Nou
No contradiction there. That bank simply claims that it is the oldest still in existence, not the first bank ever. There were other banks opened prior to it in the 14th century that have since closed.
From memory, the first modern bank developed from a board set up by that city/state to raise cash to fight one of its wars. (though don’t quote me on that)