32-1-102. Institutions to which chapter is applicable. (1) The word "bank" as used in this chapter means any corporation that has been incorporated to conduct the business of receiving money on deposit or transacting a trust or investment business, as defined in this chapter.

(2) The soliciting, receiving, or accepting of money or its equivalent on deposit as a regular business is doing a commercial or savings bank business, whether the deposit is made subject to check or is evidenced by a certificate of deposit, a passbook, a note, or other receipt. This section does not apply to or include money or its equivalent left in escrow or left with an agent pending investment in real estate or securities for or on account of the agent's principal.

(3) It is unlawful for any corporation, partnership, firm, or individual to engage in or transact a banking business within this state except by means of a corporation duly organized for that purpose.

(4) Banks are divided into the following classes:

(a) commercial banks;

(b) savings banks;

(c) trust companies;

(d) investment companies.

(5) This chapter does not apply to:

(a) any investment company or corporation established prior to March 8, 1927, under authority of the law of Montana not accepting, receiving, or holding money on deposit;

(b) a student financial institution, as defined in 32-1-115; or

(c) a nonprofit corporation that serves as trustee of one or more trusts in which it is expressly designated under the terms of the trust as having a present or future beneficial interest, vested or contingent.