Investment banking firms act as underwriters or agents for companies issuing securities, and advise the company on the issuanceand placement of its stock.

Bank operations that manage a bank's funding position, as well as its holdings of Treasury bills, bonds and preferred and common stock.

Investment banks help companies and governments and their agencies to raise money by issuing and selling securities in the primary market. The sector takes the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 523110. They assist public and private corporations in raising funds in the capital markets (both equity and debt), as well as in providing strategic advisory services for mergers, acquisitions and other types of financial transactions.