Financial services are economic services that comprise a broad range of businesses that manage money and finance assets. They include credit unions, savings institutions, insurance companies, mutual fund companies, credit card companies and brokerage firms. The industry is regulated by government bodies and international financial organizations to ensure security and integrity.
The most common type of area in this industry is insurance. This includes services like life, car and home insurance. It is a safety net for people to cover costs that are often unforeseen. This is one of the biggest reasons why it is such an important part of any economy.
Another large area of the industry is investment banking. This includes stock brokerage and advisory services, M&A counsel and valuation services. Many different firms, from small domestic consulting companies to large multinationals, offer these services.
Other areas of the industry include asset management, debt resolution and global payment services. These are the services that help to keep the larger financial markets running smoothly. These services are vital for the tertiary sector of any economy to grow as it helps create jobs and provide a better standard of living.
As financial services continue to evolve and expand, they are playing an increasingly critical role in the world’s economies. As more people have control over their personal finances, they are more resilient to shocks in the economy and can save for future needs. In addition, they are able to make smart investments and choose the right products to meet their needs.