Financial services are a broad category of economic services provided by the finance industry. This category includes businesses such as banks, credit unions, and insurance companies. In short, these businesses provide economic services to individuals and businesses. For example, financial services companies offer loans and credit. These companies also help people make purchases and manage their money.
Banks
Banks provide a number of financial services, including deposits, loans, and financial advice. They also help people and businesses raise funds through the sale of shares and bonds. Their vast network of branches makes it easy for customers to conduct transactions and transfer funds from one account to another.
Investment banks
Investment banks are financial institutions that arrange the exchange and flow of monetary capital. They act as intermediaries between issuers and investors, making markets for capital and regulating the price of financial transactions. They also play a role in the financial system, sometimes using bailiffs to collect money from defaulters.
Credit unions
Credit unions offer the same financial services as traditional banks, but they operate differently. As a result, credit unions can offer better terms and lower fees on a range of financial products. You can choose from local credit unions or national ones, depending on your needs.
Insurance companies
Insurance companies offer a variety of services to individuals and companies. They can protect against death, injury, loss of property, liability, and lawsuits. Some companies also act as brokers, or agents, between clients and insurance companies. A broker represents the insured while an agent represents the insurance carrier. Underwriters assess the risks involved in insuring clients. They also advise investment banks about the risks involved in lending to companies.
LendingTree
LendingTree is a third-party service that helps you find a good loan from different lenders. The service will submit your information to various lenders and contact you to discuss your needs and loan requirements. It also gathers your credit score and other important information for a loan application. It also gets the lenders to compete for your business, which can help you save money on interest rates.