Financial services are the businesses and institutions that provide advice, expertise, assets, and tools to manage finances. They include banking, insurance, investments, retirement planning, and more. Financial services are important for all kinds of people, from small community banks to large hedge funds. In addition, they are a key driver of economic growth, so the success of this industry is crucial to the health of economies around the world.
This industry includes a wide range of jobs, from entry-level positions like customer service to higher-level roles such as advisors. It’s common for professionals in this field to work their way up the career ladder, building upon their experience and education each time they move up.
There are four main types of financial services: payment services, consumer finance, investment services, and asset management. Each of these services offers something unique to consumers, companies, and investors. Payment services are offered by firms such as American Express, which provides credit and debit cards with a variety of rewards programs. Consumer finance is another area of financial services, encompassing firms that offer loans for home loans, automobile loans, and personal loans. These firms often make money by charging interest on the debt they lend, so borrowers should always be aware of the terms and conditions associated with their loans.
Investment services are a subset of financial services that are provided by companies such as private equity funds and venture capital providers. These businesses are designed to invest in early-stage companies that have potential for high returns, but may not yet be profitable. They also provide advice and services to wealthy individuals, advising them on investment options and portfolios. This industry is also responsible for underwriting debt and equity for governments, public companies, and private individuals.
Asset management is a type of financial service that involves managing a portfolio of assets on behalf of clients. These assets might include stocks, bonds, real estate, and other liquid securities. The goal of this service is to maximize the value of these assets and meet a client’s financial goals. This industry is responsible for creating and implementing strategies, sourcing and selecting investment opportunities, and providing ongoing oversight and reporting to clients.
Regulatory services are provided by independent agencies that oversee the operations of different financial institutions and ensure they operate fairly. Two of the most important regulatory bodies in this industry are The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Many consumers and small-scale entrepreneurs in developing and emerging market economies do not have access to financial services, which can limit their ability to save for a rainy day or borrow funds for investment purposes. In order to help alleviate this problem, promoting financial inclusion has become a priority for many governments and central banks. This includes increasing the availability of savings accounts, establishing more regulated lending networks, and offering incentives to encourage microfinance lenders. These initiatives have the potential to lift millions out of poverty and create jobs, boosting global economic growth in the process.