CHAPTER3TheRoleofFinancialIntermediariesandFinancial.docVIP

CHAPTER 3: The Role of Financial Intermediaries and Financial Markets FOCUS OF THE CHAPTER This chapter provides an analysis of the roles and importance of financial institutions and financial markets, two important parts of the financial system. A broad classification of Canadian financial institutions is presented with an historical overview. Some basic classifications of financial markets are described. The chapter ends with an evaluation of the importance of the financial system to the Canadian economy, and of the future of banks, given recent developments in the financial system. Learning Objectives: Explain what financial intermediaries do Explain a classification of the financial system by type of institution Name the original four pillars of the financial system Provide a classification of the financial system by type of market Describe the financial system in Canada Discuss the effects of technology and deregulation on banks, and whether banks as we know them will survive SECTION SUMMARIES Intermediation A financial intermediary (such as a bank) simultaneously interacts with savers (or lenders) and borrowers and produces a set of services which facilitate the transformation of its liabilities (such as deposits) into assets (such as loans). The function of facilitating liabilities (or assets) into assets (or liabilities) is called intermediation. Through intermediation financial intermediaries allow indirect lending (and borrowing) between savers and borrowers. Direct lending between savers and borrowers is, like barter, inefficient. In order for financial transactions to be completed there must be a double coincidence of wants. People with savings will have a given amount of funds that they will want to lend for a particular time period. They will need to find someone to lend to with matching circumstances, the same approximate amount of funds and the same time period. Direct lending will necessitate a contract of some sort which will ha