Financial services are economic services that are provided by the finance industry. They encompass a variety of different businesses, including banks, credit-card companies, and credit unions. These businesses offer a wide variety of services to their clients. These businesses help consumers and businesses make decisions regarding money. Some of these services are described below.
Investment banks
Investment banks provide a variety of financial services, from equity financing to debt financing. As financial intermediaries, they make markets for capital and match issuers with investors based on specific criteria. They also act as a clearing house for financial transactions, and can even use bailiffs to collect money from defaulting companies.
The financial services industry is globally oriented. The United States and Europe account for most of the industry’s revenue, accounting for 46% of all financial services worldwide in 2009. Europe and Asia each contribute about a third of this total. Globalization has made investment banking an international profession, with financing and investment transactions taking place on a multimarket basis. In emerging markets, the opportunities for investment and underwriting are greatest, and all major investment banks have significant presences there.
Insurance companies
Insurers, like other financial services, provide financial services to consumers, assessing risks and charging a fee to cover them. For example, Bob the Actuary doesn’t know if he will suffer a heart attack this year, but he can estimate the probability of a heart attack based on the probability of heart attacks in a million other people. This type of prediction is made possible by building large pools of data that allow insurers to average out probability.
Insurance companies are also involved in wealth management, where they work with wealthy individuals and families. These firms also offer advisory services. These advisers act as brokers and consultants for their clients. Another major part of the industry involves underwriting insurance. Personal lines insurance underwriters provide personal coverage to individuals and may also provide commercial coverage for businesses. Insurers also provide reinsurance, which protects insurers from catastrophic losses.
Factoring companies
Factoring companies provide a source of working capital to help businesses grow. Essentially, factoring companies provide funds to a company to help them fulfill orders. This service saves a business from the pitfalls of bankruptcy, as it spares it from the need to repay debts. It also offers a source of funding during a business’ restructuring.
The process of factoring starts when a customer places an order with a company. The company uses a credit check to determine if the customer is reputable. Once the credit check is completed, the company completes the order for the approved customer. Once the customer has approved the invoice, the company sells it to a factoring company. The factoring company will then pay the invoice in as little as 24 hours, and handle all aspects of the collection process.
Transaction accounts
Transaction accounts are accounts in which an individual or a business can make frequent payments or withdrawals. They can be funded through direct deposits, mobile transfers, ATM cards, or other methods. These accounts often have low monthly fees and low opening balance requirements. Some institutions may offer free checks, ATM fee refunds, and other benefits to customers.
These accounts have an interest rate, which means that when you use them to withdraw funds, you are earning interest on them. These accounts are also commonly referred to as negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. In order to withdraw the funds from these accounts, you must provide the bank with a seven-day notice.