Financial services encompass the broad range of businesses that provide economic services. They include banks, credit-card companies, and credit unions. Investment banks and insurance companies are part of the financial services industry. Real estate brokers are also part of the industry. Here are some of the different kinds of services provided by these companies. Understanding the types of financial services available can help you choose the right ones for you.
Investment banks
Investment banks are a type of financial institution that provides capital and advice to companies looking to invest in securities. They work on both the buy and sell sides of the investment process. The sell side of the business deals with securities trading and market-making, while the buy side deals with advising companies on their investments. Examples of buy-side entities include mutual funds, life insurance companies, and private equity funds.
Investment banks offer a wide variety of financial services and products. Most major investment banks have substantial amounts of in-house software and have a technology team that is responsible for implementing and maintaining them. Some firms use electronic trading, while others rely on complex algorithms to initiate trades. These institutions also maintain compliance with local and international regulations. They also provide cash management and securities services globally.
Investment banks provide capital raising for governments at all levels, including privatization of government assets. As a result, the industry is increasingly globalized. As globalization progresses, financing has become a multi-market effort to find the lowest cost of capital and maximize return on investment. Emerging markets are currently the fastest-growing areas of investment, and all major investment banks have significant operations in multiple countries.
Insurance companies
Insurance companies are a key component of the financial services industry. They provide a wide range of financial products and services. The growth of developing markets is driving growth for the industry, and these countries account for more than half of the global premium and individual annuity growth. Increasingly, insurers are developing new technology to serve customers more efficiently and effectively, such as artificial intelligence and advanced analytics. These new innovations are helping insurers deliver higher service and transparency levels.
Insurance companies calculate risk and then charge a fee for insuring a client against that risk. For example, Bob the Actuary does not know if he will have a heart attack this year, but he can calculate the probabilities for 1 million other people. By creating a large pool of insureds, insurance companies can average the probabilities and handle the risk more efficiently.
Real estate brokers
A real estate broker needs a variety of financial services, including debt and equity markets transactions, equity and credit derivatives, and foreign exchange. In addition, they may need help with corporate financing and entity-based financing, and may need to provide financial advisory services. For example, a broker can use the banking expertise of J.P. Morgan professionals to handle their debt and equity market transactions, asset management, and financial advisory needs. They can also access proprietary insights for real estate transactions.
Before becoming a real estate broker, an applicant must complete a state-approved educational course. The course must include at least 120 hours of training and a licensing examination. Applicants are allotted two and a half hours to complete the exam. After passing the test, the applicant will receive a real estate broker license, which is valid for two years. The renewal date will be printed on the license. Every two years, brokers will receive reminders from the state to renew their licenses. They will also need to update their personal information.