Financial services include a vast range of industries and institutions, from banks to credit unions. This sector is a vital component of our everyday lives and the economy in general, but it can be difficult to understand its scope and the different kinds of careers available. It’s important to know your options before jumping into the industry, especially because it is a highly competitive area with many job opportunities.
Some of the most common areas of financial services are insurance, mortgage, equity and debt financing and investment banking. In addition, financial services can also encompass asset management, brokerage and money market services. The financial services sector is regulated by independent agencies, which help to ensure transparency and consumer protection.
In the past, large banks were the heart of the financial services sector, but as regulation became less strict in the 1970s, they began to lose market share to other sectors like investment funds and securities companies. This gave rise to a number of specialized financial services companies that offer a wide variety of products and services.
One of the main reasons why financial services are so vital to our society is because they provide a safety net for people in times of crisis, improve health and well-being, and encourage savings. When more people are financially healthy, they can make better decisions about their spending and saving habits, which can lead to a stronger economy in the long run. Financial wellbeing is something everyone can benefit from, and that’s why we’re supporting Talk Money Week this year to break the taboo on talking about money.