Financial services are economic services linked to finance, including those provided by the banking industry, insurance companies, and other related enterprises. The industry is a vital part of the economy and has enormous influence in the world’s marketplace. Financial services include the banking industry, credit unions, and other retail banks; savings institutions; insurance companies; investment companies; and capital market intermediaries. This sector also includes financial technology, payment services, and other emerging areas.
Approximately 2 billion people worldwide lack access to the full range of financial services, leaving them without the ability to build wealth, make investments, and take control of their futures. This lack of financial inclusion is a significant challenge for businesses, civil societies, and governments. Many factors have contributed to the exclusion of people from financial services. The good news is that a variety of approaches, technologies and products exist to help bring these people into the financial services net.
A healthy and active financial services sector provides a wide array of benefits to individuals, families, and society as a whole. For example, lending allows people to buy a house or car and pay for college tuition and other expenses. Financial services also provide a means to manage cash flows and protect against risk by investing in real estate, securities, and other assets. By providing funding for microenterprises, financial services also boost local economies and create jobs.
The financial services industry is made up of numerous subsectors, each offering a different set of products and services. These include deposit-taking (including checking accounts, money market accounts, and other saving instruments); lending of all types; financial leasing; payments and transfer services; securities trading; investment advice; and custodial, depository, and trust services.
Insurance is one of the more well-known types of financial services, covering people against the costs of unforeseen events. It’s a safety net that can cover health, home, or vehicle expenses, as well as lawsuits and other liabilities. This subsector of financial services also includes life, disability income, and property insurance.
Corporate finance is another area of the financial services industry. It encompasses everything from underwriting debt and equity for companies to mergers and acquisitions. It also includes developing more intricate derivative products for high-net worth clients and advising on complex corporate transactions.
A career in financial services is a challenging but rewarding path. It’s a fast-paced industry where connections are often everything. A successful career in this sector can lead to a lifetime of rewards. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to understand the different segments and their offerings. Learn about the different aspects of this exciting industry, and contact Pocketbook Agency to learn more about how you can get your foot in the door.