financialization

American  

[fi-nan-shuh-luh-zey-shuhn, fahy‐] / fɪˈnæn ʃə ləˈzeɪ ʃən, faɪ‐ /

noun

1. an increase in the role of financial institutions, markets, and executives in a nation’s economy, and its subsequent dominance over the traditional economics of industry and agriculture.

   The forces of modern financialization have become irresistible.

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Other Word Forms

• financialize
  verb (used with or without object)

Etymology

Origin of financialization

First recorded in 1970–75; financial ( def. ) + -ization ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

financialization

He accused the forces of financialization and social media for creating a world where “fame and infamy” were “indistinguishable.”

From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2026

“I think the mainstreaming and financialization of gambling may be one of the most significant developments in financial services in the last decade,” Nadig said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

Investment banking evolved from financing industrial growth to financialization, consistently facing allegations of profiteering.

From Barron's ● Mar. 25, 2026

This financialization of property led to a wave of speculation, evictions and displacements citywide as developers and landlords began to realize they could get more profit from their holdings.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2025

The financialization of tech was necessary, in some ways.

From Slate ● Mar. 18, 2023