The term financial services describes the economic services provided by the financial industry. This industry covers a diverse range of businesses, including banks, credit-card companies, and credit unions. These companies offer a range of products and services, including banking, insurance, and investment products. However, financial services go beyond these traditional entities.
Financial services also include tax preparation and filing, financial markets, and exchanges. Some of these firms specialize in specific areas, such as currency exchange, wire transfer, and credit card machines and networks. Another important aspect of financial services is payment recovery, which helps consumers get back money they paid to vendors. Some of these firms even help people resolve financial disputes.
While it is possible to perform many financial services by yourself, hiring a professional can be more convenient and cost-effective. Many financial services require a minimum of 16 hours a day, and many people in this industry may find it difficult to achieve work-life balance. This is partly due to the fact that financial services can be subject to regulations that are meant to protect consumers.
In addition to banks and insurance companies, financial services include pension funds, central banks, and asset management firms. These businesses provide a variety of financial products and services, and the interaction between them helps people access their savings in other parts of the economy.