When you think of financial services, you might picture banks, mortgage lenders and credit card companies. But the industry is far more expansive than that. It includes everything from debt resolution to professional services. It’s a diverse and dynamic sector that serves individuals, small businesses, large corporations and even governments.
It includes central banks; depository organizations (banks, building societies and mortgage banks); monetary authorities; exchange rates; credit rating agencies; debt recovery firms; and those engaged in financial intermediation and asset management. It also encompasses all the other sectors of finance and banking like insurance, pension funds and investment firms.
The financial services industry helps people get the money they need for things like mortgages, cars, education, or business opportunities. It allows them to save for retirement or other goals and protects their assets, health and property through insurance. It also enables businesses to grow and expand by providing them with the capital they need to thrive.
There are a variety of jobs within the financial services industry, and finding one that’s right for you depends on your interests, skills, and experience. You can start a career in this field by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or you can pursue a certificate to get a foot in the door. In addition, many financial services companies offer online and on-demand courses designed to help you learn the industry quickly and efficiently. These courses are typically more affordable than a traditional degree program and often come with the same world-class instruction as on-campus programs.