When it comes to the financial services industry, many people think of banks, credit card companies and stock brokers. But the sector is much more expansive than that. It includes insurance companies, investment firms, consumer-finance firms, debt-resolution agencies and even some government-sponsored enterprises.
The financial services industry is an essential component of a modern economy. It provides the capital and funding needed for businesses to grow, create jobs and provide more products and services to customers. It also helps individuals save money, invest in the long term and cover unexpected expenses.
These financial services help promote domestic as well as foreign trade. They allow a producer to earn more profits by investing in production and selling their goods or services at higher prices. The finance provided by these institutions enables the producers to buy new machines and equipment, hire additional workers and expand their operations. The financial services industry also ensures that the backward regions are able to get the necessary finances and support from the central or state government to develop at par with the developed regions of the country.
It is the financial services industry that enables the government to meet its short-term as well as long-term funds requirements by raising money through the money market or bond market or the securities market. The financial services industry also enables the government to improve its economic condition by promoting more investments in all sectors of the economy which leads to greater production and more employment opportunities.