Financial services are a broad category of economic services provided by the finance industry. These services encompass many different kinds of businesses including credit unions, banks, and credit-card companies. These businesses provide a variety of products and services to the general public. These include everything from investment banking to tax filing and currency exchange. Let’s look at some of these financial services to get a better understanding of what they do.
Investment banks
Investment banks provide financial services to corporations and institutions, such as lending and making investments. They are often involved in transactions like company mergers and start-up IPOs, and they also serve as financial advisers and brokers for large institutional investors. Banks that provide these services include Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, and Morgan Stanley. Most of these banks also offer over-the-counter community banking.
Discount brokerages
Discount brokerages are a growing trend in the financial services industry. These companies offer a variety of services, including online and physical branch offices, at a low price. The main difference between these types of firms and traditional brokers is that discount brokerages do not offer consulting or research services. However, the lower fees that these companies charge make them an attractive alternative for investors.
Tax filing services
Tax filing services are one of the many financial services that a business can utilize. While it’s easy to fill out your return yourself and file it electronically, it’s also possible to hire a professional to do it for you. Tax filing services are a great option for businesses with employees who aren’t accustomed to filing their own returns. Tax professionals are highly qualified and are available to provide you with advice and assistance on your tax situation.
Currency exchange
A currency exchange is a financial service in which people can buy and sell currencies. It is a legal, licensed business. You can find these services online or in physical locations. These businesses make money by charging customers a fee for their services, and by taking advantage of bid-ask spreads. A bid price is the price the dealer will pay to buy a certain currency, and the ask price is the price the dealer will charge to sell that currency. For example, if Ellen wanted to buy EUR 5,000, she would have to pay the dealer USD 7,000.
Wire transfer services
If you’re looking to transfer money overseas, wire transfer services are an excellent option. They are generally faster than sending cash through the mail. Typically, funds will reach the recipient on the same day or in a few business days. However, international wire transfers are more time-consuming, as the sending bank must go through additional checks to avoid money laundering and fraud. Depending on the currency involved, it can take from one to five business days to complete the transfer.
Insurance
Insurance is a key part of the financial services industry. It provides protection against death, injury, property loss, and liability from lawsuits. Many different types of insurance are offered, and are available in the form of individual policies, commercial policies, or annuities. The insurance industry also includes investment banking, which involves the assessment of risks and the underwriting of client loans.