Introduction To FinIntroduction To Financeance
Introduction To FinIntroduction To Financeance
INTRODUCTION TO
FINANCE
WHAT IS FINANCE?
Finance is the study of managing money to create value. It also entails the process of
acquiring funds. The need for funds and money management is essential to public,
government and corporations alike.
Finance plays an important and involved role in overall health of the economy
Companies and individuals alike, are faced with investment and financing decisions,
and having an understanding of finance helps make those decisions
Businesses need to make financial argument, to remain profitable and generate cash,
for funding their projects and managing budgets
AREAS OF FINANCE
Financial Markets
e.g, Banks, Insurance Companies, Credit Unions etc.
Financial Market is a place where the buyers and sellers for the financial instruments
come together and financial transactions take place.
Types Of Financial Markets
Primary Markets: Primary market is one where new financial instruments are
issued for the first time. They provide a standard institutionalized process to raise
money.
Secondary markets: Secondary Market is a place where primary market
instruments, once issued, are bought and sold..
The Different Financial Markets
A financial market is known by the type of financial asset or instrument traded in it.
Capital Markets (Stock and Bond market): deals in long term financial
instrument
Money Market: deals in short term financial instruments. e.g, T-bills,
commercial papers
Corporate Finance
e.g, all types of corporations making financial decisions regarding cash flows
Financial management of corporations
Involves efficient use of financial resources to achieve output
Financial Analysis & Planning: Focuses on identifying what is happening in the firm,
and forecasting the future. Prepares financial blueprint of an organization for its future
operations
Forecasts future under different business situations
Avoids business uncertainty and shocks
Helps in coordinating various business functions
Capital Budgeting: Focuses on how the firm decides what assets to buy or what
investments to make
Refers to investment in long term assets
Affects the growth, profitability and risk of the business in the long run
Large amount of funds are involved with risks involved having irreversible
decisions
Capital Structure: Focuses on how the firm finances its operations. It deals with the
decisions to finance the investment with debt or equity, identifying the optimal levels
so as to remain profitable and have sustainable growth levels
Working Capital Management: Aims to manage existing assets efficiently, focusing
on managing the day to day operations
Investments
e.g, Stock brokerage firms, Investment companies, Insurance companies, Mutual Fund
houses etc.
Financial Services
e.g, Financial Consultants, Auditing firms etc.
Design and delivery of financial advice and products to individuals, business and
government
APPLICATION OF FINANCE
Financial knowledge can be applied across industries. Ability to understand and analyze
financial statements to identify trend or forecast future is highly valued.
Financial knowledge in non-finance companies involve managing financials for day to
day operations, recording transactions and scenario modeling. Logistics financing,
setting pricing strategies or transfer pricing long been used in non-finance companies
require financial skill and knowledge.
Consultants with financial acumen and ability to communicate in financial terminology
are high valued. Corporate roles in finance involve financial planning and business
strategy aimed at maximizing corporate value. Banks and financial services companies
have plethora of roles having front office, middle office and back office exposure, from
sales & trading roles to risk management and corporate treasury to operations and
technology roles