Financial services are the industries that facilitate banking, investing, credit card transactions and loans. They help individuals control their personal finances, build wealth and manage debt. This is a critical industry that needs to be strengthened and expanded in order for consumers to thrive and businesses to succeed.
Financial service providers are often highly regulated and must adhere to strict laws in order to protect their customers’ investments and keep the industry stable. In addition to regulation, financial service providers must also be able to adapt quickly to the changing needs of their customers. This includes offering new products and services, such as fintech and digital banking solutions.
Insurance is part of the financial services industry, and it helps people prepare for unexpected events that can impact their personal finances. For example, if a person’s house burns down, an insurance policy can help them rebuild and replace their belongings. In addition, a financial service provider can be an investment bank or broker, which are businesses that help people invest their money in stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
The financial services industry can be a little overwhelming because it encompasses such a wide range of areas. The industry has evolved into a more consolidated entity than it used to be, where each sector of the industry focused on one product or service. For example, banks provide checking and savings accounts, loan associations offer mortgages, and brokerage companies sell investments like stock and bond mutual funds. Some firms also specialize in specific financial markets, such as the securities clearing houses and derivative and commodity exchanges.