Abstract. The article addresses the issue of development (promotional) banks, discussing the role these institutions have in the economy. At the beginning of the work, it integrates the aspects analysed in the context of the latest crises, which determined the modification of the financialbanking governance at the European and international level. Relevant papers and studies are cited to reflect the activity and different perspectives on development banks. The specific conceptual approaches of development banks, sources of funds attracted and used, business models, instruments and products, the structure of mandates taken over by these institutions are reflected in the second part of the article. In the third part, contributions of development banks are highlighted, as well as, the component elements of an added value matrix, which can be built and developed, to make aware and reflect the strategic component of this typology of financial institutions. The article ends with a section that includes the authors' conclusions.

Keywords: development banks, government policies, economic development, European Union.