Financial services are a massive sector that affects everyone in one way or another. It’s often referred to as “everything that touches money,” but what exactly does that mean? Essentially, it includes the banking industry, credit unions and community banks, brokerage firms and even hedge funds. But it also extends to payment companies like Visa and Mastercard, credit-card machines and networks, currency exchanges, and debt resolution services.
It can be confusing to understand what all goes into the financial service industry, and determining which role is right for you will require careful consideration. In general, jobs in financial services provide job security and a good salary. Additionally, roles in this industry offer a great deal of flexibility when it comes to moving around from company to company or location.
In the past, each sector in the financial services industry was more or less confined to its specialty. For example, a bank would only provide checking and savings accounts while a loan association focused solely on providing mortgages and personal loans. But in the 1970s, consumer demand for a wider range of products and services caused these sectors to expand their offerings. Now, it is common for banks to provide credit card services along with investment opportunities through mutual funds and stocks. This expansion has also resulted in the growth of independent financial institutions, such as investment agencies and stock market brokers. These organizations also provide a wide variety of insurance products.