ICAF Financial Services Industry Study

Abstract : The U.S. financial services industry plays the leading role in providing the capital that fuels the world's largest economy. The industry includes those firms that provide financial services to organizations or individuals, the government agencies that regulate the industry, and the markets that facilitate the exchange of financial assets. Market confidence, continuous competitive innovation, and risk distribution characterize the industry in the U.S. and promote efficiency. Outside the U.S., excessive government involvement, corruption, and immature financial systems are prevalent and have prevented many overseas financial services sectors from achieving the same efficiency as the U.S.