A stock exchange is a regulated marketplace that connects companies raising capital with investors, provides liquidity and price discovery, enforces disclosure and supports financial-sector stability. Major global exchanges include the NYSE, Nasdaq and LSE; in Africa, the JSE and Nigerian Exchange Group are key regional hubs.
Bank consolidation - mergers and acquisitions that create larger banks - can strengthen balance sheets and expand lending, but it often brings short-term job losses and competition concerns. Success depends on regulation, technology, and inclusive policies.
Economics explains how societies allocate scarce resources. Careers in economics span public policy, finance, academia, and tech, and increasingly require quantitative and data science skills.