Financial services is a broad industry that encompasses a variety of different business models and functions, including credit cards, bank accounts, insurance, payment processing, and more. This industry is a vital component of the economy and provides important economic services for individuals and businesses.
The first and most obvious category is banking, where banks, credit unions, savings institutions, and other financial entities make loans to people, collect deposits from consumers, and offer deposit and loan accounts. These entities also earn revenue through fees and commissions, as well as by the spread between interest rates charged to depositors and those paid to borrowers.
Other financial services include investment and wealth management firms, asset managers, hedge funds, pension plans, mutual funds, and more. Many of these sectors are closely related, so an individual working in one sector may be asked to manage or handle a particular product in another.
A person who works in the financial services field is likely to be highly specialized in a few areas. For example, a mortgage banker may have to deal with a wide range of issues regarding real estate, while an insurance agent must be familiar with all types of policies and the laws surrounding them.
Whether you choose to work in the financial services sector or another area of business, it’s always important to stay up-to-date on new technologies and industry changes. This can help you remain competitive and advance within your company as new skillsets are introduced.