When viewed broadly, financial services include everything that has to do with money, including savings and investing, debt, and even the lending of funds. However, there are two very distinct types of products that are part of this industry: Financial goods, such as mortgages, insurance policies, and investment banking services; and financial services, such as payment systems and credit card companies.
Financial services are crucial to the world economy, as they help people invest their money in the goods and services that they need, such as cars and houses, as well as provide the means for businesses to expand and innovate by raising capital through loans and investments. The strength of this sector is also a reflection of the overall health of the world and national economies, as when it thrives, so too does the rest of the economic ecosystem.
There are a number of different career options within this broad industry. Some of the most exciting are those that focus on personal finance, including credit unions, investment banks, and consumer-facing companies like Rocket Money. Many positions in this sector are highly competitive, but they also offer great perks and opportunities to advance quickly. Often, these firms are known for promoting from within based on merit, and they are also very likely to encourage ongoing professional development as new tools and methods are introduced. These career opportunities tend to come with a lot of stress, as it is not uncommon for employees in this field to work long hours and be under high pressure.