The bank recognized his government's existence and was standing by to provide financial assistance, in the event that it may need such help.

All trace of the station has been removed, although a loading bank is still standing.

To be sure, the bank has not stood still as the world changed around it.

After all, banks stand to lose far more if new rules are open to widespread abuse.

"Five years ago banks would have been standing in line for this loan," he added.

Seventy-eight British and foreign banks stand to lose £500m-600m (about $1 billion) from the decision.

But other figures show the soft terrain on which the banks stand.

"The market has the view that the central banks will stand aside and let the dollar fall to lower levels."

The bank recovered from a devastating fire in 1914 and still stands at 4th & Penn today.

In 1870, 1,638 national banks stood against only 325 state banks.