BusinessAugust 20, 2026

financialization

fy-NAN-shuh-luh-ZAY-shun

Definition

The process by which financial services, capital markets, and financial motives gain increasing influence over the economy, corporate policy, and household behavior.

Etymology

Derived from the English word 'financial,' which traces back to the Old French 'finance' meaning 'settlement of a debt' or 'ransom,' combined with the suffix '-ization' to denote a process or state of becoming.

In the news

Mr. Rattner identifies the 'financialization' of the economy as a major structural shift that has contributed to current social unrest and changes in how wealth is distributed.

Reading the Global Economic Tea Leaves

Read the full article ↗

The East Hampton Star

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