To promote the general welfare and usefulness of banks, trust companies and banking organizations and activities closely related to banking and financial services and to encourage the highest possible banking standards; to provide a program of education and training of bankers; to conduct research and report UPON matters of general interest to bankers and the banking industry; to conduct appropriate public information programs; to advocate and promote by proper means the enactment of legislation and the promulgation of regulations fostering alike the interests of the public and of the banking industry; and generally to ACT as a trade association of banks and related financial institutions which share common business interests and common responsibilities to government, industry and commerce and to consumers.