Financial services are the industries that facilitate banking, investing, credit card transactions, loans, and much more. While some of these sectors were once quite distinct, they’ve come together to blur the lines between them in recent years, which has largely been due to advancements in technology and an increasing number of consumers who are more open to using their own money to invest in new opportunities instead of just saving it.
This makes for an industry that is growing rapidly and has the potential to continue to grow, especially as more and more companies get involved. For example, big tech firms like Amazon and Apple are starting to offer their own credit cards, which will reduce the fees that the card companies and banks charge for every transaction. These fees are currently estimated to be around $90 billion per year, so that is a huge chunk of revenue to lose.
The most common sector of the financial services industry is banking, which includes commercial and retail banks, credit unions, and savings institutions. These organizations primarily focus on direct savings and lending and earn their revenue by charging fees, commissions, and other methods like the spread of interest rates between loans and deposits.
Insurance is another key part of the financial services industry, as it provides people with a way to protect themselves against financial loss. This includes coverage against death or injury (e.g. life or health insurance), as well as against property damage and loss (e.g. homeowner’s or car insurance).
Another important aspect of the financial services industry is advising and consulting businesses. This is where investment and securities firms can be found, as well as private equity funds and venture capital providers who provide funding for startups in exchange for a stake or profit share in the company.
Financial services also help promote domestic and foreign trade through the work of factoring and forfaiting firms. These companies can help a business increase the sale of its products in its home market and/or facilitate exports abroad, which is crucial for many developing countries.
The future looks bright for the financial services industry, and it’s an excellent career choice if you’re interested in working with money and helping others manage their own finances. There are many different routes to take within the industry, so it’s important to consider what kind of job you want and then find a suitable pathway that matches your skill set.
With new tools and techniques being introduced to the field seemingly everyday, there is always something to learn for those who are interested in this area of business. Contact Phyton Talent Advisors today to learn more about the different roles available in the financial services industry! We can help you find the role that’s perfect for you. Our team of expert consultants is ready to match you with the right opportunity! You can also check out our career advice blog for helpful tips and tricks.