Financial services are the processes through which businesses and consumers obtain economic goods. They include credit cards, debit cards, point of sale (PoS) systems like Master Card and RuPay, global payment networks such as Visa and MasterCard, credit rating agencies, debt resolution companies, and even currency exchange and wire transfer services. Many of these services are regulated by government authorities to protect consumers from fraud and ensure that providers treat customers fairly. The industry also includes insurance, which is regulated to protect policyholders from unforeseen events. Financial services are a vital part of any economy, and their effectiveness depends on the trust between savers and borrowers.
Savers need confidence that their money is safe, and borrowers need assurance that they can get the funds they need when they need them. Providers of financial services help channel cash from savers to borrowers and redistribute risk by pooling the funds of many borrowers, so that banks are not crippled if a few borrowers default on their payments. The intermediation of financial services helps to energize economies and create jobs.
Almost 2 billion people lack access to financial services, leaving them without a bank account, credit card, or other means to store and manage their money. Providing these people with access to financial services will allow them to improve their lives by investing in business activities, increasing household incomes, and reducing the need to sell assets or take on debt to meet basic needs.
Governments regulate the financial services industry to prevent crimes such as fraud, money laundering, insider trading, and other illegal activity. They enforce regulations that require providers to give clear documents, treat their customers fairly, and have procedures for handling complaints. They also require that providers report suspicious activity to authorities and maintain detailed records of their transactions. These rules are intended to help consumers make informed decisions about which financial services to use.
Another type of financial service is asset management, which involves managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients. This can involve buying and selling stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and other securities. It can also involve advising on retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning. Financial institutions offer these services to individual investors as well as corporate clients.
Companies in the financial services industry often encourage employees to continue their education and provide them with opportunities to learn new skills. This can be a great way for young professionals to develop their careers and advance quickly within the industry. Many financial firms are known for promoting employees based on merit, rather than tenure.
In this rapidly evolving field, it is important to stay ahead of the curve by continuing your education and staying on top of the latest trends. You should also consider finding a mentor who can guide you through the intricacies of this dynamic industry. Finally, it is essential to spend ample time preparing for interviews in this field. You should know as much as possible about the company and the position you are applying for, and be ready to answer questions pertaining to your work experience.