Financial Institution

In financial economics, a financial institution is an institution that provides financial services for its clients or members. Probably the most important financial service provided by financial institutions is acting as financial intermediaries. Most financial institutions are regulated by the government.

Broadly speaking, there are three major types of financial institutions:

  1. Depositary Institutions : Deposit-taking institutions that accept and manage deposits and make loans, including banks, building societies, credit unions, trust companies, and mortgage loan companies
  2. Contractual Institutions : Insurance companies and pension funds; and
  3. Investment Institutes : Investment Banks, underwriters, brokerage firms.

Read more about Financial Institution:  Function, Standing Settlement Instructions, Regulation

Famous quotes containing the words financial and/or institution:

    ... aside from the financial aspect, [there] is more: the life of my work. I feel that is all I came into the world for, and have failed dismally if it is not a success.
    Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (1852–1930)

    The post-office appeared a singularly domestic institution here. Ever and anon the stage stopped before some low shop or dwelling, and a wheelwright or shoemaker appeared in his shirt- sleeves and leather apron, with spectacles newly donned, holding up Uncle Sam’s bag, as if it were a slice of home-made cake, for the travelers, while he retailed some piece of gossip to the driver, really as indifferent to the presence of the former as if they were so much baggage.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)