The financial services industry plays a vital intermediary role in the world economy, moving

funds from entities with excess funds to those with a need for funds. It includes firms that are
engaged in activities such as investing, lending, insurance, securities trading and securities
issuance. Its clients are individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations and agencies of
government.
Bank deposits provide the capital for bank loans. The sale of stocks and bonds to investors
supports the operations of businesses and governments. Insurance contracts help to pool and
manage risks.
This is not an exhaustive list, but the financial services industry encompasses companies in one
or more of the following lines of business:
Banking
Insurance
Securities Brokerage (or Financial Advisory Services)
Investment Banking
Securities Trading
Investment Management (or Money Management)
Securities Analysis
Financial Planning
Wall Street