The financial services industry includes the businesses that manage money, including credit unions, banks and credit-card companies, insurance firms, accountancy companies, consumer-finance companies, stock brokerages and investment funds. Financial services are important for people and businesses to have, as they enable them to make and receive payments easily and efficiently.
The industry is highly interconnected, and regulatory bodies exist to oversee different financial institutions’ operations, uphold transparency and ensure clients are treated fairly. These independent agencies are designated to specific industries, and in the case of financial services, include The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Careers in financial services are known for paying very well at the beginning and offering room to move upward based on merit. Many businesses in this field also offer extensive training and mentoring for their employees, so that they can continue to improve their skills and knowledgebase. Additionally, with new tools being introduced to the field seemingly daily, it’s easier for professionals in this sector to stay ahead of the curve and keep their skillset current.