Financial services are the businesses that provide credit, investment, insurance and a host of related activities. These are essential to the economy and help create jobs. They also allow individuals to save and invest their money, which leads to economic growth and increased living standards. Without financial services, people may be less likely to spend their hard-earned money on consumer goods or invest in new business ventures.
Financial institutions make profits by accepting deposits and making loans, as well as providing payment systems like credit and debit cards, bank drafts such as checks, and electronic funds transfer. They also manage the issuance of securities, and can trade in foreign exchange, derivatives, stocks and bonds. Many financial services companies are conglomerates that offer a wide range of products and services.
There are four key areas of financial services: investment banking, capital markets, commercial and corporate banking, and asset management. Each of these offers a different set of career paths. If you are interested in entering this industry, it is important to have both hard and soft skills to succeed. Hard skills include an aptitude for math and data analysis, as well as strong collaboration and interpersonal skills. Luckily, there are a number of online financial service courses available to help you develop the required skills.
The demand for financial services is growing around the world due to the increasing population and the increased spending power of consumers. There is an urgent need to provide financial inclusion to the 2 billion people in the world who do not have access to savings accounts, credit cards, or other forms of financial services. Financial inclusion will enable these people to grow microenterprises and improve their living standards by purchasing more consumer goods and services and hiring more employees. These microenterprises will also create a flow of cash into the local economies and reduce their dependency on imports.
Investment banking provides capital market research and advice, mergers and acquisitions support, and underwriting for public and private companies looking to raise capital. This includes equity and debt offerings as well as the formation of joint ventures. It is a highly competitive industry and requires a deep understanding of the global marketplace, the regulatory environment, and the ability to anticipate trends and developments.
Commercial and corporate banking is one of the oldest and most vital sectors of the financial services industry. It includes deposit-taking, lending to both businesses and consumers, and the provision of payment services. It also includes the administration of trust funds and estates, and the management of assets. Financial services companies in this sector are known for promoting from within, based on merit rather than longevity. They are also known for investing in their staff, both in terms of continuing education and on-the-job training. As a result, they have some of the highest retention rates in the finance industry. It is also one of the fastest-growing segments of the financial services industry. This is largely due to the need for sophisticated financial solutions such as structured finance, lender negotiations, accelerated M&A, and capital raising.