Financial services are the various offerings within the finance industry-encompassing everything from money management and insurance to payments and digital banking technology. With a broad scope, financial services are crucial to the economy and have evolved into an interconnected web of entities from credit card issuers and processors to legacy banks and emerging challengers. As the world continues to digitise, tech companies that were once confined to their own segments are now taking up more space in the financial services ecosystem as they seek new ways to grow revenue and customer loyalty.
The success of any economic system depends on the stability and strength of its financial sector. Without financial services, people might find it difficult to borrow and spend, which would slow down growth. In the worst case, a weak financial sector could lead to a financial crisis that can cause unemployment, depression, and recession.
When an economy is strong, the financial services sector boosts consumer confidence and purchasing power, which in turn helps small businesses and large corporations alike. In addition, a healthy financial sector usually leads to lower borrowing rates and higher market liquidity, which in turn can help alleviate problems that might arise during economic downturns.
A strong and robust financial services industry also allows the government to invest in projects and provide tax breaks to stimulate growth and employment opportunities for citizens. These initiatives often help the country reach its financial goals, which is a vital step to global competitiveness.
As the world becomes more digital, traditional banks are losing ground to new players that are offering “banking-as-a-service,” which is changing the way consumers use and think about financial products and services. Companies such as Apple and Amazon have been entering the field of finance by launching their own credit cards or digital payment solutions, cutting into a $90 billion annual source of revenue for bank card issuers and networks.
In addition to being an important part of the economy, financial services are crucial for a person’s personal well-being. Consumers rely on financial services providers to offer advice and guidance, as well as products such as savings accounts and credit cards. They also depend on these services to help them manage risk and achieve their financial goals, such as purchasing a home or car, building an emergency fund, or saving for retirement.
If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of others and help them succeed, consider a career in the financial services industry. There are many opportunities in this field to choose from, and a variety of educational qualifications are necessary depending on your chosen path. The best way to determine which career paths are right for you is to keep researching and don’t hesitate to contact Pocketbook Agency to help connect you with the right role.