I think it's a period thing rather than a country one. People are likely to say they owe "the bank" over here in the UK as well. Back in the 40s though your ban

I think it's a period thing rather than a country one. People are likely to say they owe "the bank" over here in the UK as well. Back in the 40s though your bank manager had a lot more leeway in the debts they'd underwrite, and presumably had more personal investment in any loans that were defaulted on because they'd personally signed off on them.