Explanation :
A financial institution is responsible for the supply of money to the market through the transfer of funds from investors to the companies in the form of loans, deposits, and investments. Large financial institutions such as JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley can even control the flow of money in an economy. The most common types of financial institutions include commercial banks, investment banks,, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and asset management funds. Other types include credit unions and finance firms. Financial institutions are regulated to control the supply of money in the market and protect consumers.
In a nutshell :
- A financial institution (FI) is a company engaged in the business of dealing with financial and monetary transactions such as deposits, loans, investments, and currency exchange.
- Financial institutions encompass a broad range of business operations within the financial services sector including banks, trust companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and investment dealers.
- Financial institutions can vary by size, scope, and geography.