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What is financial intermediation and how to optimize it?

Written by London Consulting Group | Nov 18, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Financial intermediation plays a crucial role in the economic system as it provides advantages to both those with excess funds and those in need of funds. Through this mechanism, the savings of individuals can be transformed into essential resources for investment.

In simpler words, it is a way to generate employment and at the same time support the economic progress of a society. 

In this article, we will learn what financial intermediation is and how it can be optimized.

What is financial intermediation?

It is a process in which a group of institutions receive money from companies, individuals, or industries and must subsequently grant it in the form of loans to those who are seeking economic resources to carry out their activities or acquire goods or services.

Credit is generally used for both investment and expansion, as well as to counteract moments of economic fragility. This system of financial intermediation is only possible because of the trust and transparency that exists between depositors and economic stability.

Likewise, the financial institutions that provide this type of system, such as banks and Credit Unions, among others, have great advantages for the national financial system, such as the reliability of operations.

Finally, this process helps to facilitate the economic development of a country, since it is aimed at small businesses as well as large industries.

Types of financial intermediation

There are two main types of intermediation in the financial system: direct and indirect.

Direct financial intermediation

This takes place when investors deposit money into various institutions responsible for collecting funds to provide loans to borrowers. The connection established can be facilitated through various methods and instruments.

This type of intermediation involves a sector in which there are usually companies that require resources to start financing operations.

Direct financial intermediation occurs when investors deposit their funds into various institutions, which then collect these funds to provide loans to the agents in need.

Indirect financial intermediation

Indirect financial intermediation occurs when savers choose to buy some securities, such as shares, through the use of the Stock Exchange.

In this scenario, the industries that need resources through these securities offer the option for new people or companies to join the capital stock, becoming shareholders. 

How the financial intermediation process works

To better understand how this process works, we can use a simple example.

Imagine that a company deposits a certain amount of money in the bank, and the bank manages the asset to provide security to the organization, which can access this amount as soon as it is needed.

However another industry requires capital to be able to start its operations, so it decides to lend the money to cover its needs. This company must pay back the money it received plus an additional percentage established by law, which ensures a profit for the bank.

In this way, thousands of organizations or individuals deposit and apply for loans. Therefore, the financial institution has the resources to deliver its deposits to the first company when required and at the same time grant credit to other companies. 

Data analysis to facilitate financial intermediation

As an element that promotes greater access to the credit market, many companies join the financial intermediation process, vital to maintaining a country's economy.

However, due to the amount of assets, it becomes a little complicated to make a clear and complete follow-up of each of the financial movements. Having an integral solution for the analysis and reading of the data is essential.

How to optimize an intermediation for industries?

London Consulting Group offers a first-level solution to cover this problem: Analytics, Data and BI aim to drive digital transformation and make effective data-driven decisions.

All the information can help improve the strategies of an industry or know when it is more prudent to venture into the financial intermediation market, always having clarity regarding the risks and the profit that can be obtained.

Loans granted are used to encourage consumption and investment, impacting several sectors of the economy.

Learn more information with one of London Consulting Group's experts to learn how data analysis can change the way you do business.