Financial services are the activities that enable people to invest, save and spend money. They are a crucial part of our economy and a key driver of economic growth. They include the banking sector, credit and capital markets, insurance, investment management and redistribution of risk. The industry is made up of thousands of depository institutions, providers of investment products, insurance companies and other credit and financing organizations.
Banking services are the foundation of the financial services sector, consisting of direct savings and lending. These services are the main source of revenue for the banks and provide the basic infrastructure to support the other segments. They primarily generate revenue from fees, commissions and other methods like the spread on interest rates between loans and deposits.
Private equity funds and venture capital providers supply investment capital to businesses in exchange for ownership stakes or profit participation. This is one of the more dynamic sectors in the industry as it has been changing rapidly over the last few years, particularly with new regulations around disclosure and transparency.
Financial services also include mortgages and credit cards, which are often considered a part of consumer finance. These are essential tools for enabling individuals to purchase and manage their own property, which in turn can lead to greater wealth and prosperity. A career in financial services can be exciting and rewarding, but you should carefully weigh up the pros and cons before applying. As a broad sector, it requires a wide range of skills and can be challenging to start with.