Financial Markets
Financial Markets
UNIT – 1
Financial Intermediaries
Financial intermediaries bridge the gap between savers and borrowers. They play a pivotal role in the
financial system by:
1. Banks: Accept deposits and provide loans, facilitating liquidity and credit flow.
2. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): Provide credit and other financial services but
operate outside traditional banking regulations.
3. Mutual Funds: Pool investments from individuals to invest in diversified portfolios of stocks,
bonds, and other securities.
4. Insurance Companies: Provide risk coverage and act as a source of long-term capital for
industries.
5. Pension Funds: Mobilize savings for post-retirement needs, channelling them into long-term
investments.
By reducing transaction costs and providing a platform for risk-sharing, financial intermediaries ensure
stability and efficiency in the financial system.