Whether you’re saving for retirement, buying a new car, or just need some advice on how to make the most of your money, financial services are here to help. You might think of banks, brokers and mortgage lenders when you hear the word “financial services,” but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also a large industry that includes asset management, insurance companies, investment funds and even Wall Street. It isn’t just for individuals, either; it also serves small businesses, large corporations and nonprofits.
Financial services are a vital component of the economy. They impact the world in big ways, from local community banks to multinational corporate giants. They also play an important role in setting the standards and practices that other industries use in their own business activities. The stronger the financial services sector is, the better it is for the world as a whole.
The goal of financial services is to provide a bridge between savers and borrowers. This is done through a variety of ways, from providing depository services like bank accounts and savings accounts to facilitating lending by assessing creditworthiness and offering loans for various purposes. These institutions also redistribute risk by aggregating deposits from many savers to limit the impact of defaults and pooling assets to reduce exposure to certain kinds of loss.
People who need help managing their money may turn to a debt resolution service, which negotiates with creditors to allow you to pay less than what you owe and still keep your credit intact. Or, they might turn to a payment service provider that allows sellers to accept credit and debit cards in exchange for a percentage of the transaction amount. Then there are the wealth management firms that offer investment management and advisory services for high-net-worth individuals and businesses. These entities might manage their clients’ investments through a variety of strategies and vehicles, including mutual funds, private equity, real estate, derivatives and other securities.
Regulatory bodies are another component of the financial services sector, as they oversee and uphold the ethics and transparency of these organizations and ensure their clients’ interests are protected. These are independent agencies that are designated to monitor different aspects of the industry.
Getting into the field of financial services requires hard work and dedication. However, the rewards can be huge for those who are committed to their careers in this sector. It’s not unusual to be surrounded by high-profile personalities on a daily basis, and if you are able to build your network effectively, you can open many doors for yourself in this industry. The pay is not massive, but it can be competitive if you are successful. It is also a highly interconnected industry, and so it’s important to find your niche. You might even find that a job you initially thought was beneath you could become the perfect opportunity to grow your career. In this way, it is very much a case of ‘who you know’ in the City.