Lot of discussion hmm interesting.
@De-legro you are right about your assumption purpose was to give Banker a small pool of food where he can assist the realms regions.
Why would they not get defacto trader abilities? maybe on a small scale compared to traders but they should have some. It isn't like they have anything else beside reports.
True, positions are only as strong as the realm as a whole makes them. I understand that and what you are saying, but I agree bankers seem to be lower than regional lords in abilities and power. Giving them the ability to transfer a small amount of food doesn't make them Over powered.
Food Tax, that doesn't seem to be on Tom's good side. But the original idea was to push region lords to sell food before tax day. Else they'd be taxed 1-3 percent of it. Giving them a motive to not sit and collect large stores. As well as to make it difficult for the Banker to get funds. He'd have to rely on the hope that region lords do not sell their food. Yet, with this implemented they would umm wouldn't they?
I do see your point that food is the region lords. However, I think back then food for the most part was actually the Rulers. He taxed them gold as well as food. If im wrong then so be it though I remember King Richard bleeding his people virtually dry to fund his army for the crusades, thought that included food. Maybe I'm wrong, im not much of a history buff.