Finance is the pivot around which a modern economy revolves. The financial system promotes savings by providing a wide variety of financial assets to the general public. Savings collected from the household sector are pooled together and allocated to various sectors of the economy for raising production levels. If the allocation of credit is judicious and socially equitable, it can help achieve the twin objectives of growth and social justice. The present book explains and examines at length the changes which have swept India's financial sector since Independence in 1947, with focus on post-1991 period. The book contains 36 chapters organised into 4 theme parts. Part I, consisting of 6 chapters, deals with the history, reforms and regulation of financial sector in India. Part II, containing 17 chapters, explains and examines the functioning of various types of financial institutions in India. Financial institutions covered include: commercial banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), urban co-operative banks (UCBs), rural co-operative credit institutions, development finance institutions (DFIs), non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), mutual funds, pension funds and insurance organisations. Part III, comprising 9 chapters, is devoted to financial markets in India. It focuses on the reforms measures introduced in money market, government securities market, capital market, corporate debt market and foreign exchange market. It also dwells on payment systems, clearing and settlement infrastructure. Integration of financial markets is also discussed. Part IV, consisting of 4 chapters, covers financial instruments, particularly the emergence of derivative instruments in India. The book is designed to interest a cross-section of readers, viz. teachers and students of economics, commerce, law, public administration, business management, chartered accountancy and company secretaryship. It will also serve the needs of legislators, business executives, entrepreneurs and investors, and others interested in financial sector developments in India.