Financial services is a large sector that encompasses everything from banking and investment management to payment and digital finance technology. It includes companies like credit card issuers and processors, banks, investment firms, insurance and pension companies, asset management companies, and the global exchanges that facilitate stock, bond and commodity trades.
While it may seem that the financial services industry is all-encompassing, each company within this sector has a specific role to play. A bank is a depository institution that accepts deposits and provides loans to consumers and businesses. Its lending services include personal and business loans, mortgages, car loans and credit lines. Its deposit products include checking and savings accounts, which earn interest. Financial institutions also manage financial risk by providing insurance policies to individuals and businesses.
In addition, financial services providers help with the growth of a country’s economy by increasing investments in all sectors. This leads to more production, employment, income and demand for goods and services, which in turn boosts prices and profits for the producers. The financial services industry also promotes domestic and foreign trade by providing services such as factoring, forfaiting and hire purchase financing.
The financial services industry is a dynamic and important part of our world. From traditional banking and investment management to emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital economy, 2023 promises to be an exciting year for this sector. It’s a time for financial services leaders to show that profit and purpose are inextricably linked and drive the industry forward toward a more sustainable future.