Financial services are an essential part of any economy, promoting saving, credit and investment options that facilitate production and increase demand for goods. They also boost goodwill and encourage diversification of activities.
Depending on the needs of consumers, financial services may be provided by banks, lending companies, or non-bank lenders. These providers typically offer mortgage loans, investment products involving real estate or cryptocurrency, and other products in addition to traditional banking functions.
The financial services industry is a key contributor to the global economy, with an estimated $US82 trillion in total revenue and employs more than 10 million people worldwide. The industry is constantly evolving and incorporating tech-driven business solutions to better serve consumers.
Banks are the main providers of financial services, offering a wide variety of lending options and products ranging from checking accounts to money transfers. These firms also underwrite public and private sectors’ debt and equity and advise on mergers and acquisitions.
Insurance is another important part of the financial services sector, providing a variety of protections and investment products. These include life insurance, health insurance, and property and casualty insurance.
In the United States, the financial services industry is a $US1 trillion industry that provides jobs to eight million people and is expected to grow by an average of 8 percent by 2030. It includes many different jobs, such as those in accounting and bookkeeping, financial planning, and business management.
The financial services industry has a customer-centric focus, with the financial institutions continually in touch with their customers to understand their specific needs and design products that meet those needs. This allows the firms to develop and deliver innovative, high-quality financial services that enhance the image of their brand and generate profits.