Financial services are economic services provided by the finance industry, which encompasses a wide range of service sector firms that provide management and financial intermediation. These companies include credit unions, banks, brokerage firms, mortgage lenders and consumer credit-card issuers. They also include the capital markets, which comprise the stock and bond markets and other venues for raising and investing money.
Financial services enable the consumers to acquire different types of consumer goods. They enable individuals to purchase automobiles, houses or other luxury items through hire purchase and leasing schemes. This helps in building up savings and enhancing the standard of living. The tertiary sector grows as a result of these services which is important for the development of a country.
During the 1970s, the lines between various sectors of the financial services industry began to blur. Banks were no longer just about checking and saving accounts; they began to offer investment opportunities like mutual funds and stocks, as well as lending products like mortgages. At the same time, brokers were beginning to offer more and more services beyond buying and selling shares, while credit card companies started offering rewards programs and other benefits for their customers.
Today, the financial services industry is so diverse that it’s difficult to pin down what exactly it includes. Some experts define it as everything from insurance to money management, while others use it to describe the broader range of activities that make up the industry, including credit-card issuers, payment processors and digital banking technology providers.
In addition to providing individual consumers with a variety of services, the financial services industry provides businesses with the capital they need to grow. Its large market and increasing reliance on globalization have created numerous career opportunities for qualified candidates. While a degree is often required for certain positions, those who have strong interpersonal skills are just as likely to flourish in this field.
A career in financial services can be lucrative, with salaries averaging around PS45,000 after a few years on the job. This isn’t as high as some other industries, but it’s still enough to attract people who are interested in working in the financial world. In addition, many jobs in this industry are fairly secure, making them a good choice for people who want to avoid instability.
The industry is evolving quickly, with many traditional institutions now competing with online competitors and other start-ups. This rapid growth is resulting in a number of changes to the way that financial services are delivered, from improving user experiences to reducing costs. The changes are being driven by a growing awareness of the importance of financial literacy amongst consumers, increased competition from non-traditional players and new regulations from governments across the globe. All of these factors are creating a highly competitive and challenging environment for companies operating in the financial services industry. As a result, the demand for skilled employees is expected to increase in the coming years.