Financial field is a vast subject, dealing with the economic processes and concepts. It has to do with the methods and processes of making and creating money. Finance is also a broad term for things about the study, development, and management of financial resources and securities. It includes the science of accounting and includes methods, tools, principles, concepts, systems, accountability, ethics, taxation, banking, management information systems, market valuation, risk, securities pricing, quantitative analysis, alternative investment strategies, option valuation, commodity markets, financial markets, international finance, real estate and more.
Banks are part of the financial system; therefore, they are also part of the financial field. They engage in various ways of lending money as well as borrowing it from other financial organizations or individuals. They form the major part of the financing and banking system for corporations, government, and other non-profit organizations. The main functions of banks include the following: lending money, receiving loans, making loans, and collecting payments.
In order to provide better financial services, many banks provide a variety of financial products and options to customers. Among these options are commercial banking services, bank loans, savings accounts, commercial mortgages, securities, corporate taxes, public financial reports, direct deposit, ATM machines, checks, money transfer, checks and debit cards. These financial services vary according to the target customers. For example, some banks cater to small businesses, others to individuals and others to both. A wide range of financial products, policies, and responsibilities are shared between different types of establishments and customers.
Besides providing commercial banking services, banks are able to provide a host of other related services. In the UK, there are several financial centres with branch offices in all major cities. Some of the financial services provided by these banks include: real estate and equities, corporate and private loans, corporate banking, international finance, offshore banking, financial markets, money transfer, mortgage and equities, merchant banking, prepaid Visa cards, and cash advances. Many other financial services are offered by these financial services centres in the UK, including: estate planning, corporate finance, insurance and investment, personal assets management, risk management solutions, securities broking and commercial banking.
In addition to offering commercial banking services, many banks offer credit cards. A large number of UK banks offer a host of credit cards, which can help customers manage their finances. Some of these credit cards include: overdrafts, interest-free credit cards, zero-interest cards, special offers and rewards, travel cards, and student credit cards. These credit cards have a variety of benefits and features, which are tailored according to the needs of the customers. Credit cards, especially the overdraft and zero-interest ones, are quite beneficial to customers, as they help them manage their finances, as well as improve their credit score.
Businesses in the UK are provided with a sound financial base through the UK financial services industry. They also get assistance from such bodies as the Bank of England, the City of London, the FSA (Financial Services Authority), the National Funding Services Corporation, and other bodies, as well. All the above bodies to ensure that the various activities of UK banks and financial institutions are conducted in an orderly manner, which is free from any kind of corruption. Thus, it is essentially beneficial for both the customers and the financial institutions and businesses.