Financial services is an industry that encompasses a wide range of businesses that provide money and investment-related services. This includes banking, mortgages, credit cards, real estate, insurance and other services.
Banks – The most basic type of financial services, banks accept deposits and issue checks, and they might also offer cash management services and business loans. They also sell savings and investment products, such as mutual funds, to individuals.
Investment banks – A different kind of financial service, these firms specialize in raising capital for companies and governments. They often help companies raise capital through mergers and acquisitions or by issuing stocks.
Insurance – A broad range of policies are sold to individuals for protection against death, injury, and property damage. The insurance sector is a significant contributor to the economy.
Private equity – Funds and other investors supply investment capital to companies in exchange for ownership stakes or profit participation. They also play a role in helping technology firms raise funding.
Other sub-industries within the financial services sector include debt resolution, financial market utilities and global payment providers, accounting and tax filing services, currency exchange and wire transfer services, credit card machine services and networks and stock and derivatives exchanges.
These institutions enable producers to access loans at reasonable rates, thus making it possible for them to expand their activities and maximize their earnings. They also contribute to the economic dynamism of the country by ensuring an equal distribution of funds among the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.