ASSET OWNERS
These firms must manage their assets and liabilities very carefully.
What are insurance firms?
These firms are usually are measured against a benchmark
What are asset managers?
They match buyers and sellers across asset classes
What are brokers or trading platforms?
This regulator oversees U.S. equity and corporate bond markets.
What is the SEC?
These private family-run entities manage significant wealth
What are family offices or HNWIs?
These firms use leverage and sophisticated strategies like short selling and derivatives.
What are hedge funds?
These institutions engage in market making, underwriting, and advisory service
What are investment banks?
These issuers fund roads, schools, and utilities by issuing municipal bonds.
What are municipalities or local governments?
This type of fund is managed by nonprofit institutions such as Universities
What are endowment funds?
These investment firms specialize in buying ownership stakes in private or unlisted companies.
What are private equity and venture capital firms?
These players influence capital flows by assigning creditworthiness.
What are ratings agencies?
This segment of the U.S. market is the largest by notional value, totaling about $400 trillion.
What are derivatives?
This U.S. pension fund has the largest pool of assets, totaling over $780 billion.
What is the Federal Retirement Thrift?
They may structure investments through non-traditional asset classes such REITs
What are specialist investment firms?
They act as the plumbing of the financial system, handling trade settlement, custody, and collateral services.
What are custodians or clearing firms?
These entities issue bonds to fund international development projects
What are Supranational Organizations?