The vast world of financial services refers to the services offered by the global financial industry. This global industry includes: 1) financial institutions–banks, insurance companies, credit unions, or credit card issuers; 2) investment-related firms–broker-dealers, stock brokers, and investment funds; 3) consumer finance companies; and government-supported enterprise. In 2011, financial services accounts for about 20 percent of the (U.S.) total capitalization of the broad public market (S&P 500).

The largest financial services firms represent a small percentage of the global financial industry’s market capitalization. The idea of a large U.S. bank failure concerns many investors. Citi, the largest financial services firm, maintains just two to three percent market share in the U.S.

Let’s take a look at the primary components of the financial services industry. As we explore the what of financial services, we’ll discuss the who, why, when, where, and how of financial services, too! source: financialservices.about.com/