Introduction
The field of finance and investor services offers a wide range of job opportunities for individuals interested in the financial industry. From investment banking to wealth management, there are various roles available to suit different skill sets and career aspirations. In this article, we will explore the number of jobs available in finance and investor services and delve into the different sectors within this industry.
Finance Sector
The finance sector encompasses a broad range of job opportunities, including investment banking, corporate finance, commercial banking, and financial planning. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2020, there were approximately 2.8 million jobs in the finance sector in the United States alone. This number is expected to grow as the demand for financial services continues to increase.
Investment Banking: Investment banking is a prominent sector within finance that deals with raising capital for companies, mergers and acquisitions, and providing financial advisory services. Investment banks employ professionals such as analysts, associates, and managing directors. While the exact number of jobs in investment banking is not readily available, it is a highly competitive field with opportunities concentrated in major financial hubs like New York, London, and Hong Kong.
Corporate Finance: Corporate finance professionals work within organizations, managing financial decisions and strategies. This includes roles such as financial analysts, treasury managers, and chief financial officers (CFOs). The number of jobs in corporate finance varies depending on the size and industry of the company. Large corporations may have dedicated finance departments with numerous positions, while smaller companies may have fewer opportunities.
Commercial Banking: Commercial banks provide a range of financial services to individuals and businesses. These services include loans, credit cards, and deposit accounts. Commercial banks employ a significant number of professionals in roles such as loan officers, branch managers, and customer service representatives. The BLS reports that there were approximately 1.2 million jobs in commercial banking in the United States in 2020.
Financial Planning: Financial planning involves helping individuals and families manage their finances, plan for retirement, and achieve their financial goals. Financial planners, also known as financial advisors, work closely with clients to develop personalized financial strategies. The number of jobs in financial planning is influenced by factors such as the demand for financial advice and the size of the population needing these services. As of 2020, there were around 249,400 personal financial advisors in the United States, according to the BLS.
Investor Services Sector
Investor services encompass various roles that support investment management, including asset management, wealth management, and securities services.
Asset Management: Asset management involves managing investment portfolios on behalf of individuals, institutions, and corporations. Asset management firms employ professionals such as portfolio managers, research analysts, and client relationship managers. The number of jobs in asset management is influenced by factors such as market conditions and the size of the assets under management. According to the Investment Company Institute, as of 2019, there were over 800,000 people employed in the asset management industry in the United States.
Wealth Management: Wealth management focuses on providing personalized financial advice and services to high-net-worth individuals and families. Wealth management firms employ professionals such as wealth managers, financial planners, and investment advisors. The number of jobs in wealth management is influenced by the demand for these specialized services. The BLS reports that there were approximately 249,400 personal financial advisors in the United States in 2020, many of whom work in wealth management.
Securities Services: Securities services involve activities such as custody, clearing, and settlement of financial transactions. These services are typically provided by banks and financial institutions. The number of jobs in securities services varies depending on the size and scope of the institution. Large global banks may employ thousands of professionals in securities services, while smaller institutions may have fewer opportunities.
Conclusion
The finance and investor services industry offers a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors. From investment banking to wealth management, individuals interested in finance can find roles that align with their skills and career goals. The number of jobs available in each sector varies depending on factors such as market conditions, industry trends, and the size of the institution. As the demand for financial services continues to grow, the number of job opportunities in finance and investor services is expected to increase.
References
– Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov
– Investment Company Institute: www.ici.org