Finance > Finance is the art and the science of managing money. Associates with the process institutions and instruments that facilitate the transfer of money. >The part of finance that deals with decisions as to hoe to rise and use money to maximize the firm value is financial management. Financial management often termed as corporate finance. 1. What are the three different attitudes towards risk? In finance, attitudes towards risk refer to individuals' or investors' different approaches to handling risk and uncertainty in their investment decisions. The three primary attitudes towards risk are: Risk-Averse: These people are cautious and prefer safer investments, even if it means lower potential returns. They want to protect their money. Risk-Neutral: These people are indifferent to risk and focus solely on maximizing potential returns. They don't let risk influence their decisions. Risk-Seeking (risk lover): These people are willing to take on more risk for the chance of higher returns. They are comfortable with uncertainty and potential losses. 2. Who’s the banks’ liability? > Banks' liabilities are the money they owe to their customers and others. They include deposits and borrowings from other sources. Liabilities must be balanced by the bank's assets to ensure it can fulfill its financial obligations. >> Banks' liabilities are the debts and obligations they owe to various parties. These parties include the bank's customers who have deposited money (such as savings or checking accounts), as well as other financial institutions or entities from which the bank has borrowed money. These liabilities need to be balanced by the assets that the bank holds, which typically include loans given out to borrowers and other investments. The goal is to ensure that the bank can meet its financial commitments and remain financially stable. 3. Who are stakeholders? > Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest or "stake" in a company or organization. They can be affected by the company's actions and decisions, and their interests may vary depending on their relationship with the entity. Common stakeholders include: Shareholders/Investors: People who own shares or stocks of the company and expect financial returns (profits or dividends). Employees: Workers and staff who depend on the company for their jobs and livelihood. Customers: People who buy products or services from the company and expect value and quality. Suppliers: Businesses that provide goods or services to the company. Creditors: Entities that have lent money or extended credit to the company. Government: Authorities responsible for regulating the company and ensuring compliance with laws. Local Communities: People living near the company's operations, who may be impacted by its activities. NGOs and Activists: Non-governmental organizations and activists concerned with the company's social and environmental impact. Stakeholders have different interests, and companies often need to balance their needs and expectations to operate successfully and sustainably. 4. Who are stockholders? Stockholders, also known as shareholders, are individuals or entities that own shares or stocks in a company. When you buy a company's stock, you become a stockholder or shareholder of that company. Being a stockholder means you have ownership in the company to the extent of the number of shares you hold. As a stockholder, you have certain rights and benefits: Ownership: You have a partial ownership stake in the company proportional to the number of shares you hold. Dividends: You may receive a share of the company's profits in the form of dividends, typically paid out regularly to shareholders. Voting Rights: In some cases, you may have the right to vote on certain company matters, such as electing the board of directors or approving major decisions. Capital Gains: If the value of the company's stock increases, you can sell your shares at a higher price and make a profit. Stockholders' interests align with the company's performance, and they hope for the company's success and growth to see their investments appreciate in value. BUSINESS ORGANIZATION FROM STARTUP TO MAJOR CORPORATION Business organizations can undergo significant changes and transformations as they grow from a startup to a major corporation. Let's outline the typical stages and characteristics of a business as it progresses: Startup: # This is the initial phase of a business, often founded by one or a few entrepreneurs. # Limited resources and small-scale operations are common. #Focus is on developing a viable product or service, finding customers, and establishing a market presence. # Funding may come from personal savings, loans, or early-stage investors. Small Business: # As the startup gains traction, it may evolve into a small business. # The company starts to hire more employees and expands its customer base. # Business processes become more defined, and initial revenue streams are established. # The business may seek additional funding from angel investors or venture capitalists. Medium-Sized Business: # The company continues to grow, and its operations become more structured. # The customer base expands, and revenue increases. # The business may diversify its product or service offerings and enter new markets. # Funding may come from venture capital firms or private equity. Large Corporation: # At this stage, the company has become a major corporation with a significant market presence. # Operations are well-established, and the company may have multiple locations or international offices. # There is a large workforce and various departments or divisions within the organization. # The Company may be publicly traded on stock exchanges, and ownership is spread among shareholders. # Financing options include issuing bonds or issuing additional stocks. Multinational Corporation (MNC): # Some large corporations expand their operations globally, becoming multinational corporations. # They have a presence in multiple countries and cater to diverse markets. # MNCs face complex challenges related to international regulations, cultural differences, and global supply chains. Throughout this journey, the business organization may undergo structural changes, such as adopting new legal structures (e.g., from sole proprietorship to corporation), changes in management, and alterations in ownership. The goal of every business is to grow, adapt to market demands, and create value for its stakeholders. Solo proprietorship A sole proprietorship is a simple business structure where a single individual owns and operates the business. The owner is personally responsible for all aspects of the business and its liabilities. It's easy to set up, offers full control, but doesn't provide liability protection. Income is reported on the owner's personal tax return. It's a common choice for small businesses and startups due to its simplicity. Partnership A partnership is a business where two or more people share ownership, responsibilities, and profits. Partners may have unlimited liability for the business's debts. It's easy to set up, and profits are taxed on partners' individual tax returns. A partnership agreement clarifies roles and responsibilities. Advantage and the disadvantages are roughly some as Solo proprietorship. Corporation A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders) that provides limited liability protection. It is managed by a board of directors, and ownership is through shares. Corporations have perpetual existence and may be subject to double taxation. They are often chosen for growthoriented businesses seeking limited liability and access to capital markets. FINANCE WITHIN THE CORPORATION 5. What is Cash Flow and why do we care about it? Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of a business. We care about it because it shows if the company has enough cash to pay its bills, invest, and grow. Positive cash flow is essential for financial stability and business success. Cash flow refers to the movement of money into and out of a business over a specific period, typically measured monthly, quarterly, or annually. It represents the net amount of cash and cash equivalents generated or used by a company's operating, investing, and financing activities. Cash flow is a crucial financial metric as it provides valuable insights into a company's financial health and its ability to meet its financial obligations. There are three main components of cash flow: Operating Cash Flow: This represents the cash generated or used from a company's core business activities, such as sales and expenses. Positive operating cash flow indicates that the company is generating enough cash from its operations to sustain and grow the business. Investing Cash Flow: This shows the cash flow resulting from a company's investments in assets or divestitures of assets. It includes capital expenditures, acquisitions, and proceeds from selling assets. Positive investing cash flow may indicate that the company is investing in its growth and expansion. Financing Cash Flow: This reflects the cash flow resulting from the company's financing activities, such as issuing or repurchasing stock, borrowing, or repaying loans. Positive financing cash flow could suggest that the company is raising capital or paying off its debts. Why do we care about cash flow? Cash flow is a critical metric for several reasons: Liquidity and Solvency: Positive cash flow ensures that a company has enough cash to meet its short-term obligations, such as paying suppliers, employees, and creditors. It is vital for a company's liquidity and solvency. Business Viability: Sustainable positive cash flow is an essential indicator of a company's long-term viability. It demonstrates that the company's core operations are generating enough cash to support ongoing activities and investments. Investor Confidence: Investors and stakeholders closely monitor a company's cash flow as it provides insights into the company's financial performance and the ability to generate returns on investments. Creditworthiness: Lenders and creditors use cash flow analysis to assess a company's ability to repay loans. A strong cash flow history can improve a company's creditworthiness and borrowing capacity. Capital Budgeting: Cash flow analysis helps in making informed decisions regarding capital investments, expansion plans, and financing options. Profitability vs. Cash Flow: Cash flow is different from profit. A company can be profitable (generate positive net income) but still face cash flow issues if customers delay payments or if there are large upfront expenses. In summary, cash flow is a vital indicator of a company's financial health, its ability to pay its bills, and its potential for growth and investment. For businesses and investors, understanding and managing cash flow is crucial for making informed financial decisions and ensuring the long-term success of the company. What’s Liquidity? Liquidity is the ease of converting an asset into cash quickly without losing its value. It's crucial because it allows for financial flexibility and the ability to meet immediate obligations. Liquid assets are easily accessible and valuable in emergencies or investment opportunities. In financial markets, liquidity refers to active trading and smooth transaction execution. What is free flow of cash? Free cash flow is a financial metric that measures the amount of cash generated by a business after accounting for all necessary capital expenditures and operating expenses. In simpler terms, it represents the cash a company has left over from its operations after paying for its day-to-day expenses and investments in its business. Again if we want to understand it in very easy terms it is like money a company has "left in its pocket" after paying for all its bills and necessary expenses, like salaries and bills. This money is essential because it can be used for various purposes, such as: Investments: The company can use the free cash flow to invest in new projects, expand its operations, or upgrade its equipment. Debt Reduction: If the company has loans or debts, it can use the free cash flow to pay them off, reducing its financial obligations. Shareholder Returns: The Company can choose to reward its shareholders by paying dividends or buying back its own shares. Financial Flexibility: Having a healthy free cash flow provides financial flexibility and a safety net during challenging times. In summary, free cash flow is crucial because it represents the actual cash a company can use to grow the business, reduce debts, reward shareholders, or weather economic uncertainties. It gives insight into the company's financial strength and its ability to generate cash beyond its day-to-day operations. What is accrual and cash basis? Accrual Basis Accounting: Records transactions when they occur, regardless of cash exchange. Provides a comprehensive view of financial health.(Accountants work on accrual basis) Cash Basis Accounting: Records transactions when cash is exchanged. Simple, suitable for small businesses, but may not show full financial picture.(Financial managers who need to make decisions for the company work on cash basis.). Accrual Basis Accounting focuses on when transactions are earned or incurred and provides a more comprehensive view of a company's financial health. Cash Basis Accounting focuses on actual cash movements and is simpler to understand, making it suitable for small businesses and individuals What are the Legal Forms of Business Organizations? >There are several legal forms of business organizations, each with its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. The main forms of business organizations include: Sole Proprietorship: A business owned and operated by a single individual. The owner is personally responsible for all business liabilities. It is the simplest and most common form of business. Partnership: A business owned by two or more individuals who share responsibilities, profits, and liabilities. There are different types of partnerships, including general partnerships and limited partnerships. Corporation: A legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders) that provides limited liability protection. Corporations can issue stock and have perpetual existence. Limited Liability Company (LLC): A hybrid business structure that combines the limited liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility and tax benefits of a partnership. Owners are called members. Cooperative (Co-op): Owned and operated by its members, who might be customers, employees, or suppliers. They work together to achieve common goals and share profits. Nonprofit Organization: Organized for purposes other than making a profit, such as charities, religious organizations, and educational institutions. Joint Venture: A temporary partnership between two or more parties for a specific project or business activity. Franchise: A business model where an individual or group (franchisee) buys the right to operate a business using the branding and support of an existing company (franchisor). Each form of business organization has its legal and tax implications, as well as varying levels of personal liability protection, management structure, and regulatory requirements. The choice of business organization depends on factors such as the number of owners, liability concerns, tax considerations, funding requirements, and the overall business objectives. It's essential to carefully consider these factors and seek professional advice before deciding on the most suitable legal form for a business. What is marginal cost benefit analysis? Marginal cost-benefit analysis is a decision-making tool used to evaluate the additional costs and benefits of taking one more unit of action or producing one more unit of a product. It helps determine if the benefits outweigh the costs and whether the action is worth pursuing. We can say Marginal Cost: This refers to the extra cost incurred by producing one more unit of a product or taking one more action. Marginal Benefit: This represents the additional benefit gained from producing one more unit or taking one more action. By comparing the marginal cost to the marginal benefit, businesses or individuals can assess whether the extra effort or production is worthwhile. If the marginal benefit exceeds the marginal cost, it suggests that taking that additional step or producing more units is a good idea because the benefits outweigh the added expenses. Conversely, if the marginal cost is higher than the marginal benefit, it may be better to avoid that extra action or production. Marginal cost-benefit analysis is a valuable tool for making efficient decisions and optimizing resource allocation, whether in business, government projects, or personal choices. By focusing on the marginal changes, it helps to maximize the overall benefit and avoid unnecessary costs. What’s cost of equity, cost of capital, and cost of debt? >Cost of Equity: The cost of equity is the return expected by shareholders or investors for owning a company's stock. It represents the cost of financing the business with equity and is often calculated using the dividend growth model or the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). Cost of Capital: The cost of capital is the overall rate of return required by investors or creditors to provide funds for a company's operations. It considers both the cost of equity and the cost of debt in proportion to their respective weights in the capital structure. Cost of Debt: The cost of debt is the interest rate or return paid by a company to its creditors or lenders for borrowing money. It is the cost of financing the business with debt, such as loans or bonds. What is cost of money? What are the fundamental factors that affect it and how? Think about international conditions too. >Cost of money refers to the overall cost or rate of return associated with borrowing or investing capital. In other words, it represents the expense or return required to use or lend money. The cost of money is a crucial aspect for both borrowers and investors, as it influences borrowing decisions, investment choices, and economic growth. The fundamental factors that affect the cost of money include: Interest Rates: Interest rates are a significant component of the cost of money. When interest rates are high, the cost of borrowing increases, making it more expensive for businesses and individuals to take out loans. Conversely, low-interest rates reduce the cost of borrowing and encourage borrowing and investment. Inflation: Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. Higher inflation rates lead to a decrease in the real value of money, which affects lenders and investors. To compensate for the loss in purchasing power, lenders may demand higher interest rates, increasing the cost of borrowing. Economic Conditions: The overall health of the economy impacts the cost of money. During economic growth periods, demand for capital increases, leading to higher interest rates and a higher cost of money. In contrast, during economic downturns, interest rates tend to be lower to stimulate borrowing and spending. Risk Profile: Borrowers' and investors' risk profiles influence the cost of money. Higher-risk borrowers, such as those with weaker credit histories, may face higher interest rates and, thus, a higher cost of borrowing. Similarly, riskier investments may require higher returns to compensate for the uncertainty. Government Policies: Government monetary policies, such as central bank interest rate decisions and currency exchange rate controls, can impact the cost of money in a country. Changes in these policies can directly affect borrowing and investment costs. In the international context and specifically in the context of Bangladesh: Exchange Rates: In countries like Bangladesh, where foreign borrowings and investments play a significant role, exchange rates are crucial. Fluctuations in the exchange rate can affect the cost of money for foreign loans and investments. Political Stability: Political stability or instability can influence investor confidence, affecting the flow of foreign capital and, consequently, the cost of money. Credit Ratings: Bangladesh's sovereign credit rating affects the country's borrowing costs in international markets. Higher credit ratings result in lower borrowing costs for the government and businesses. Inflation and Monetary Policies: Local inflation rates and the country's central bank monetary policies impact the domestic interest rates, which, in turn, influence the cost of money for both domestic and foreign borrowers. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Capital Flows: The level of foreign direct investment and other capital flows into Bangladesh can affect the availability and cost of money in the domestic market. Overall, the cost of money is a complex and dynamic concept that is influenced by a wide range of factors. It has significant implications for investment decisions, economic growth, and the overall financial well-being of individuals, businesses, and countries. Understanding these factors is essential for making informed financial decisions and formulating appropriate monetary policies at both national and international levels. What’s corporate governance? Corporate governance is the system that oversees how a company is managed, ensuring accountability, ethics, and transparency for the benefit of shareholders and stakeholders. Corporate governance is like a set of guidelines and checks in place to make sure companies are run responsibly, fairly, and with the interests of all stakeholders in mind. It helps prevent abuse of power and ensures the company is managed ethically and transparently. This is important to gain trust from investors, customers, and the public, which ultimately contributes to the company's success and sustainability. What’s conflict of interest? A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or entity has competing interests that could potentially influence their ability to make impartial decisions or act in the best interest of another party. In simple terms: A conflict of interest arises when someone has personal interests or relationships that could interfere with their duty to act fairly and honestly for others. It can lead to biased decisions or actions that prioritize personal gain over the welfare of others involved. Conflicts of interest should be disclosed and managed appropriately to maintain trust and integrity in professional or business settings. What’s the Agency Problem? What are the things typically done to minimize it? The agency problem is a situation where the people running a company (managers) might not always make decisions that benefit the owners of the company (shareholders). Instead, they may prioritize their own interests, potentially leading to conflicts and inefficiencies. To minimize the agency problem, several measures can be taken: Aligning Incentives: Design compensation packages for managers that tie their rewards and bonuses to the company's long-term performance and shareholder value. This aligns their interests with the owners and encourages actions that promote company growth and profitability. Monitoring and Oversight: Implement robust monitoring and oversight mechanisms to track managerial actions and decisions. This includes the board of directors, independent auditors, and external consultants who can provide unbiased assessments. Transparent Reporting: Ensure transparent and accurate financial reporting, providing shareholders with timely and reliable information about the company's performance. Transparency reduces information asymmetry and helps build trust. Board Independence: Have an independent board of directors that can make unbiased decisions, including evaluating management performance and making executive compensation decisions. Shareholder Activism: Encourage active engagement by shareholders to voice concerns, ask questions, and hold management accountable for their actions. Stakeholder Engagement: Consider the interests of other stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and the community, to create a more balanced and sustainable decisionmaking process. Ethical Standards: Establish and enforce a strong code of ethics and corporate governance principles to promote responsible behavior and discourage conflicts of interest. By implementing these measures, companies can help reduce the agency problem and ensure that managerial actions are aligned with the long-term interests of the shareholders and the overall well-being of the organization. What are Compensation Plans? >Compensation plans are ways companies decide how to pay their employees. These plans aim to attract and retain talented workers by offering fair and competitive rewards, such as salaries, bonuses, stock options, benefits, and other incentives. The goal is to ensure that employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Compensation plans can vary based on factors like job role, performance, and industry standards. What is Capital Structure? What are the factors that affect Capital Structure? > Capital Structure: Capital structure refers to the composition of a company's long-term financing sources, including debt, equity, and other financial instruments. It represents how a company finances its operations and investments by combining different types of capital. Capital structure is like the financial makeup of a company. It shows how the company is funded—whether it relies more on debt (loans, bonds) or equity (stockholders' investments) to run its business. Factors Affecting Capital Structure: Several factors influence a company's capital structure decisions, including: Business Risk: Companies with higher business risk may choose to rely more on equity financing to reduce the financial burden of debt payments in uncertain times. Tax Considerations: Debt interest payments are taxdeductible, making debt financing attractive from a tax perspective. This can influence a company to use more debt in its capital structure. Cost of Capital: The availability and cost of debt and equity financing influence the company's choice of capital structure. Lower interest rates may encourage more borrowing. Industry Norms: Capital structure decisions often consider industry-specific norms and practices. Some industries might rely more on debt financing, while others may prefer equity financing. Company Size and Growth: Smaller companies or startups may rely more on equity financing due to limited access to debt markets. Larger, more established companies may use a mix of both debt and equity. Market Conditions: Favorable market conditions can impact the cost and availability of debt and equity financing, affecting capital structure choices. Flexibility and Control: Equity financing allows for more ownership control, while debt financing may involve fewer shareholder dilutions. The company's management preferences can influence the choice. Credit Rating: A company's credit rating affects its ability to raise debt financing at favorable terms. Dividend Policy: A company's dividend policy can influence how much is retained for reinvestment, affecting the need for external financing. Regulatory Environment: Government regulations and restrictions on debt or equity issuances can impact capital structure decisions. In summary, capital structure decisions are essential for a company's financial health and growth. The optimal capital structure seeks to balance the advantages and disadvantages of debt and equity financing while considering the company's risk tolerance, market conditions, and long-term goals. What’s Capital Structure decision? >Capital structure decision is about figuring out how a company will raise money to run its business. It's about finding the right mix of borrowing (debt) and getting investments (equity) to ensure financial stability and cost-effectiveness. What is Weighted Average of Cost of Capital (WACC)? What are the factors that affect it? >The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is a financial metric that calculates the average cost of financing for a company. It takes into account the cost of both debt and equity capital, weighted by their respective proportions in the company's capital structure. WACC is like the overall average cost of money for a company. It considers how much it pays to borrow money (debt) and what it gives to investors (equity), based on how much of each type of funding it uses. Factors Affecting WACC: Debt Cost: The interest rate a company pays on its debt affects its debt cost. Lower interest rates mean lower debt cost. Equity Cost: The return expected by shareholders influences the equity cost. Higher return expectations lead to higher equity cost. Company Risk Profile: Companies with higher risk may require higher returns to attract investors, leading to higher WACC. Market Conditions: Changes in interest rates and market conditions can affect the cost of debt and equity, influencing WACC. Capital Structure: The proportion of debt and equity used to finance the company impacts WACC. A higher proportion of debt leads to a lower WACC due to the tax deductibility of interest payments. Tax Rate: A lower tax rate benefits the WACC calculation as interest expense is tax-deductible. Cost of Preferred Stock: If a company has preferred stock, its cost is considered in the WACC calculation. Cost of Retained Earnings: The opportunity cost of using retained earnings instead of paying dividends is also included in WACC. By considering these factors, companies can calculate their WACC, which is an essential tool for evaluating investment projects and making financial decisions. It helps companies determine if a potential investment will generate returns higher than the cost of capital, thus creating value for shareholders. What are the limitations of Profit Maximization as the primary goal of a firm? >Limitations of Profit Maximization as the primary goal of a firm include: Short-Term Focus: Focusing solely on short-term profit maximization may lead to neglecting long-term sustainability and growth strategies. Ignoring Risk: Pursuing profit at all costs may lead to ignoring potential risks and not considering the overall risk-return tradeoff. Quality Sacrifice: The emphasis on maximizing profits might compromise product or service quality to reduce costs. Lack of Stakeholder Consideration: Profit maximization may not prioritize the interests of other stakeholders, such as employees, customers, or the community. Environmental and Social Impact: It might overlook the impact on the environment or society in the pursuit of higher profits. Ethical Concerns: Profit maximization without ethical considerations can lead to unethical practices and damage a company's reputation. Market Volatility: Relying solely on profit maximization can make a firm vulnerable to market fluctuations and economic downturns. Overall, profit maximization as the sole goal might not align with broader corporate responsibilities and long-term sustainability objectives. Many companies now consider a broader set of goals, such as stakeholder value, social responsibility, and environmental impact, to create a more balanced and sustainable approach to business. What’s the intrinsic value of a firm? >The intrinsic value of a firm is the real or fundamental worth of the company based on its financials and potential. It is different from the current market price and is used by investors to assess if a stock is undervalued or overvalued. What are financial securities? Do you understand the three different types of it – debt, equity and derivative securities? >Financial securities are tradable instruments that represent financial value and can be bought or sold in financial markets. These securities allow individuals, businesses, and governments to raise capital and investors to invest their money. Debt Securities: Represent loans made to borrowers. Examples include bonds and fixed-income instruments. Equity Securities: Represent ownership in a company. Examples include stocks or shares. Derivative Securities: Derive their value from an underlying asset or financial instrument. Examples include options and futures contracts. What is Money Market and Capital Market? Money Market: The money market is a short-term financial market where financial instruments with high liquidity and short maturities are traded. It deals with instruments like Treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper. Capital Market: The capital market is a long-term financial market where companies and governments raise funds by issuing and trading long-term financial instruments like stocks and bonds. It supports long-term investment and economic growth. Who’s a Bondholder and who’s a Stockholder? Bondholder: A bondholder is an individual or entity that holds or owns bonds issued by a company or government. As a bondholder, they are creditors to the issuer and entitled to receive periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount at maturity. Stockholder: A stockholder, also known as a shareholder, is an individual or entity that owns shares of a company's stock. As a stockholder, they have ownership rights in the company and may participate in the company's profits through dividends and potential capital appreciation. When a company issues a security, who can provide the capital? When a company issues a security, the capital can be provided by various entities, including: Individual Investors: Individual investors can buy the company's securities, such as stocks or bonds, through brokerage accounts. Institutional Investors: Large institutions like mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds can invest in the company's securities on behalf of their clients or members. Banks and Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial institutions can purchase securities as part of their investment portfolio or offer them to their clients. Government Agencies: In some cases, government agencies or sovereign wealth funds may invest in the company's securities. Foreign Investors: Investors from other countries may buy the company's securities as part of their investment strategy. Overall, the company aims to attract a diverse range of investors to provide the capital needed to finance its operations and growth through the issuance of securities in the financial markets. Basic idea about financial intermediaries Financial intermediaries are institutions or entities that act as middlemen between savers and borrowers in the financial system. They play a crucial role in channeling funds from those who have excess money (savers) to those who need it to finance their activities (borrowers). Savers: Individuals, households, or businesses with extra money that they want to invest or save for future needs. Borrowers: Individuals, businesses, or governments seeking funds to invest in projects, expand operations, or meet financial obligations. Financial intermediaries perform the following functions: Accepting Deposits: They gather funds from savers through various deposit products, like savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Providing Loans: They use the collected funds to provide loans and credit to borrowers for various purposes. Risk Management: They help manage risks by diversifying their portfolios and performing credit analysis on borrowers. Maturity Transformation: They match the short-term liabilities from deposits with longer-term assets like loans. Financial Intermediation: They facilitate the efficient allocation of funds, directing money to where it's needed most. Examples of financial intermediaries include commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, investment banks, mutual funds, and pension funds. These institutions play a vital role in the functioning of the financial system, promoting economic growth, and providing financial services to the public. Who may be the financial intermediaries between a saver and a borrower during a transfer of capital? >Financial intermediaries act as intermediaries between savers (lenders) and borrowers during the transfer of capital. They facilitate the flow of funds from those who have excess capital (savers) to those who need capital (borrowers). Examples of financial intermediaries include banks, credit unions, mutual funds, insurance companies, and pension funds.