This document defines and describes various types of financial institutions. It begins by defining financial institutions as agents that provide financial services and are regulated by governments. It then lists and explains common types of financial institutions like banks, insurance companies, investment companies, and mutual funds. The document goes on to further define and describe central banks, commercial banks, investment banks, savings banks, microfinance banks, Islamic banks, and specialized banks. It concludes by discussing non-banking financial companies, investment companies, leasing companies, insurance companies, brokerage houses, and misleading financial analysis.