The financial industry provides a wide range of economic services. These include banks, credit-card companies, and credit unions. Each of these organizations offers a unique type of financial service. Financial services are available to both individuals and businesses. In the United States, there are more than two million financial services companies. Whether you need to borrow money or need to invest, the financial services industry is there to help you.
Insurance
Insurance is a subset of financial services that protects individuals and businesses from a variety of risks. These risks include death and injury, property loss, liability and lawsuits. Insurance is a complex field, and it involves a variety of professionals. Some of these professionals are brokers and agents. Brokers work directly with clients, while insurance agents represent insurance carriers. Underwriters assess the risks and rewards of insuring clients. Other types of insurance professionals include reinsurers, who sell insurance to insurers to protect them from catastrophic losses.
Retail banking
A retail bank provides services to individual consumers. They offer checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans. Retail banking companies also offer investment services, such as mutual funds, and can help consumers with retirement planning. Many retail banks offer these services both in-person and online.
Commercial banking
Commercial banking is a branch of banking that serves businesses. Its services and products include accepting deposits, furnishing loans and providing other financial services. Its primary income sources are service fees and the interest that it charges on loans. It also offers a range of other services, such as payment processing and payroll management.
Real estate broker
The role of a real estate broker is to help a person buy or sell a house. The process can be complicated, and brokers are trained to handle sensitive legal issues. These professionals also help people make the right financial decisions and negotiate a successful transaction.
Discount brokerages
A discount brokerage is a company that provides trading services at a discounted price. The primary difference between a discount brokerage and a traditional broker is that a discount brokerage offers limited services and does not provide advisory services. This can make discount brokerages a good alternative for those who are looking for a lower-cost alternative to traditional brokers.