Investment Banking

The term "Investment Banking" is occasionally misconceived as investment in the field of banking. Investment banking is actually a banking function, which commercial banks apply to help their clients acquire funds and generate wealth through prudent investment of their resources. In addition, investment bankers of commercial banks also offer advice to companies about business transactions they might engage in.
With the advice of investment bankers, an institution can generate funds in two different ways. It may draw on public funds through the capital market by selling its stock. Alternatively, it may seek out venture capitalists or private equity to become stakeholders in the company. Investment banking firms also engage in financial consulting and offer advice to companies on how to handle acquisitions and mergers. They also notify their client companies on when to make public offerings and how best to manage the assets. The function of mergers and acquisitions come under the corporate finance function of an investment bank.
The functions of investment banking often overlap that of a private brokerage. The line between investment banking and various other forms of banking has vague in recent years. Deregulation banking has helped banks take on more financial issues related to their clients than ever before. With the advent of mega-banks, which operate at different levels, the function of investment banking has expanded to covering virtually every area of an individual or company's wealth management process.
There are various other functions that an investment bank performs, sales being an important part of its offerings. Sales people representing investment banks actually take the role of the classic institutional salesperson. Brokers develop relationships with investors for selling stock and offer stock advice. Traders facilitate buying and selling of stock and help clients carry out any other business transactions. Research analysts follow the performance of stocks or fixed income securities and suggest clients on the right time to buy and sell stocks.