This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in performing central banking functions, such as issuing currency (paper money); managing the nation's money supply and international reserves; overseeing payment, clearing and settlement systems; holding deposits that represent the reserves of other banks and institutions; and acting as fiscal agent for the federal government. The institutional arrangements for performing these functions and for conducting monetary policy may differ among the countries. In Canada, these functions are performed by the Bank of Canada, in Mexico by the Bank of Mexico, and in the United States by the Federal Reserve Banks and their branches.

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in lending funds raised from depositors or by issuing debt securities and establishments that facilitate the lending of funds or issuance of credit by engaging in such activities as mortgage and loan brokerage, clearinghouse and reserve services, and cheque-cashing services.

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in putting capital at risk in the process of underwriting securities issues or in making markets for securities and commodities; acting as intermediaries between buyers and sellers of securities; providing securities and commodity exchange services (furnishing space, marketplaces, and often facilities for the purpose of facilitating the buying and selling of stocks, stock options, bonds or commodity contracts); facilitating the marketing of financial contracts; asset management (managing portfolios of securities); and providing investment advice, trust, fiduciary, custody and other investment services.

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in underwriting annuities, insurance policies and reinsurance, and the retailing of insurance and the provision of related services to policy holders. Industries are defined in terms of the type of risk being insured against, such as death, loss of employment due to age or disability, and property damage. Establishments that pool risk invest premiums to build up a portfolio of financial assets to be used against future claims. Contributions and premiums are set on the basis of actuarial calculations of probable payouts based on risk factors from experience tables and expected investment returns on reserves.

This subsector comprises funds, trusts and other financial vehicles organized to hold portfolio assets for the benefit of others, such as unit holders, beneficiaries of pension funds, and investors. These entities earn interest, dividends and other property income, but have little or no employment and no revenue from the sale of services.