The investment banking firms generally act as the underwriter or agent while acting as an intermediary between the issuer of securities and the investors. The investment bankers take care and handle the distribution of previously issued financial securities and at the same time maintain the market for the securities that are already distributed. The investment banks also provide the private and public corporations with strategic advices on acquisitions, mergers and other types of financial transactions.
The Investment Banking Division in an investment bank, which handles the raising of funds for the corporations both in debt and equity. There are very few banking firms that only offer this service as most of the investment banks are now providing other additional financial services to the clients like fixed income, trading of derivatives, equity securities, commodities and foreign exchange.
Investment Banks and Commercial Banks
The functionality of the investment banks differs from that of the commercial banks. But over the years, as the commercial banks are slowly stepping towards investment banking, the difference has been vanishing.With the rapid use of internet in every corner of the earth, the banking functionalities have become easier. The process of information exchange is now fast and hassle-free. Online investment banking has made the financial transactions easier than before. The online services of investment banks range from conceptualization of investment plans to the execution. Payments can also be made online.
The recent study on the investment banking worldwide has shown that the global investment banking revenue has increased to $52.8 billion in 2005 with a hike of 14% from the previous year. With the growing competition the investment banking industry is at its best time now. USA was the major player in the field of investment banking in 2005 with 51% share of the entire market while Europe with the Middle East and Africa generated 31% and the Asian countries generated 18% of the total market share.
