Very interesting, I didn't know all that about the Knights Templar. Apparently the Knights Templar were closer to a private bank, while centuries earlier the Chinese government did it.

"The Templars were not the first organisation in the world to provide such a service. Several centuries earlier, Tang dynasty China used "feiquan" - flying money - a two-part document allowing merchants to deposit profits in a regional office, and reclaim their cash back in the capital." - BBC.com

But fact-checking on all this stuff seems a bit tricky. Regardless, very interesting point you've added, gives me lots of food for thought, thank you! 🙏