Financial services are a broad category of service sector industry that includes the banking, insurance, investment and credit industries. It also includes the critical utilities that support these functions like financial exchanges and the payment systems that facilitate stock, commodity and foreign currency trades. The industry is large and includes companies that provide a wide range of products to consumers, businesses, investors, and institutions.
The industry has a significant impact on the economy and is considered an important part of the global economy. In its most basic form, it involves the transfer of funds from savers to borrowers. However, the scope of this industry is much broader than this and encompasses everything from money management and advice to corporate finance.
As an industry, it is made up of thousands of depository institutions, providers of investment products, insurance companies, credit and lending organizations, and other credit-related companies such as consumer finance firms, mortgage lenders and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Financial services also include the ancillary and support services that these industries use, such as accounting and tax filing, global payment networks and systems, credit card companies and machines, debt resolution companies, and currency exchange and wire transfer services.
While the bulk of the industry is for-profit ventures, many nonprofits also offer financial services. These can include counseling services, money management advice and even loans for small businesses. The industry is a powerful economic force and its failure can drag the entire economy down. However, many of the industry’s companies are regulated and are required to adhere to strict rules and standards.
In the United States, there are two different ways for companies to operate in the financial services industry. One way is for them to create a new entity that combines multiple services, such as a bank that creates a brokerage division or an insurance company that sells its own policies. Another way is for a larger firm to acquire smaller, independent firms and add them into its holding company.
This industry is heavily impacted by interest rates. When rates are low, it is easier for banks to lend money and more people borrow, which in turn leads to increased spending and growth for the economy. However, when rates rise, it becomes more expensive for companies to borrow money, and this can slow or even stop economic growth.
Careers in this field are lucrative, but you should be aware of the risks. The industry is highly competitive and requires a high level of technical knowledge. It is also important to find a job that fits with your long-term goals. For example, working as a teller at a bank will not help you move up the ranks to become an investment banker. You can also choose to work for a non-profit and provide financial services to the community, which can be rewarding in its own right. If you want to work in the industry, consider a position in an advisory or compliance role.