The financial services industry includes a wide array of professionals and firms that offer products or services related to money. This sector is vital to the economy and society, as it provides individuals with access to the capital they need for investing, obtaining loans and mortgages, and meeting other financial goals.
Among the most important institutions in the industry are commercial banks, which collect deposits from consumers and then lend the funds to businesses and individuals. Banks also provide such services as checking accounts, credit cards, and wire transfer services. They may also offer securities brokerage services and sell investment products like mutual funds.
Other major financial services providers include insurance companies, credit unions and other savings organizations, credit and lending corporations, and firms engaged in financing or intermediation. The latter can include asset management companies, leasing companies, factoring and other debt-based finance firms, and specialized intermediaries such as securitizers and investment banking firms.
The lines that separate these different sectors have become blurry, and many financial services firms now offer a broad range of products. Some have even combined multiple types of companies into larger financial conglomerates to expand their offerings and earn more money.
Getting a job in the field of Financial services can be difficult, but it is possible to get started with a small company or an entry-level position that will give you hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn on the job. Once you have gained some experience, you can apply to more specialized jobs with greater responsibility and higher pay.