Iron Bank of Braavos

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The Iron Bank of Braavos is the main bank of Braavos. It is very wealthy and often lends money to outsiders, among its clients is the King of the Seven Kingdoms.[1]

Though all the free cities have their own banks, The Iron Bank is richer and more powerful then all the others combined and has a fearsome reputation when collecting debts. When princes or kings default on their debts or are foolish enough not to honor their agreements with the Iron Bank, new princes and kings (with the financial aid of the Iron Bank) spring up in their place. These new Princes and Kings then honor the previous debt along with paying back the money the bank loaned them in claiming their new power, lest they suffer the same fate as their predecessors.[2]

There is a saying

"The Iron Bank will have its due." [3]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Ned Stark learns the crown of Westeros owes the Iron Bank a large sum of money that Littlefinger borrowed from the bank to cover King Robert's spending.[4]

A Feast for Crows

Queen Cersei and the small council decided to defer payments on the loans they have from the Iron Bank, Pycelle is the only one who objects to this move and tries to warn Cersei of the problems it will cause, but his advice falls on deaf ears.[5] In response to Queen Cersei's decision, the Iron Bank began calling in outstanding debts all over the Seven Kingdoms and refusing all new loans, this caused economic chaos throughout Westeros.[6] Noho Dimittis was sent by the Bank to the Iron Throne to collect the debt, he was told by Queen Cersei at an audience that the Iron Bank would only get its money when the rebellions were quashed.[7]

A Dance with Dragons

An envoy, Tycho Nestoris, from the Iron Bank arrives at the Wall via Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, the Iron Bank plans to help Stannis Baratheon's claim via financial aid on the condition that he will honor the debts the Iron Throne owes the Bank. While present at Castle Black, Jon Snow makes arrangements with the envoy to borrow from the Iron Bank so the Night's Watch can buy food and supplies to see them through the approaching winter.[8] Nestoris travels to Deepwood Motte, where he paid a ransom for the Ironmen which Lady Sybelle Glover accepted for the king. He then went through the snow to Winterfell looking for Stannis. Stannis was not there but he found Mors Umber outside the gates with some green boys. He also takes Theon Greyjoy and Jeyne Poole, who were found by Umber after their escape from Winterfell. Eventually, after three days they arrive at Stannis's camp in a village.[9]

Ser Harys Swyft, the Master of Coin under Lord Regent Kevan Lannister, has written to the banks of both Pentos and Myr in order to gain the crown a new loan so they can placate the Iron Bank of Braavos, so far however he has been unsuccessful. Before his death, Lord Kevan suggested Ser Harys travel to Braavos and treat with the bank in person.[10]

The Winds of Winter

Tycho and Stannis meet and sign a contract.

Ser Justin Massey has been ordered to escort Tycho safely back to the Wall and from there sail to Braavos with him and use the new found wealth of the Iron Bank to hire sellsword companies for Stannis's cause. [11]

References and Notes