Which of the following best defines a ‘financial institution’?

A financial institution is best defined as an establishment that provides financial services. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including accepting deposits, providing loans, investment services, and other forms of financial intermediation. Such institutions play a crucial role in the economy by facilitating transactions, providing access to capital, and managing risk.

In the context of the other options, sports betting services, household products, and consumer electronics do not fall under the definition of financial institutions, as they do not primarily engage in financial services. Instead, they focus on retail or service sectors unrelated to the core functions that banks and financial entities perform, such as managing money, providing credit, or investing funds. Therefore, recognizing the broad range of services that financial institutions provide is essential for understanding their role in the economy and distinguishing them from other types of organizations.