An '''Investment bank''' is a [[financial institution]] that facilitates [[mergers]] & and acquisitions activity between companies and trades [[equity]], derivative & debt securities. Typical securities traded include bonds, shares/stock and futures. Some investment banks also provide financial planning and wealth management services to both individual and institutional clients.
Well-known investment banks include Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and Citigroup. Other well-known brokerage firms include Moelis & Company, Lazard, Piper Jaffray and Deutsche Bank. Investment banks are different from commercial banks in the fact that investment banks don't accept deposits, although some banks such as Citigroup ''do'' provide commercial banking services to both individuals and small businesses. Other services provided may include investment management, merchant banking, insurance and asset management.