A financial institution that consolidates funds from multiple individuals and manages investments on their behalf is known as a "mutual fund." These funds are typically overseen by a team of experienced professionals who carefully select a diverse portfolio of securities to maximize returns for their clients. Through the pooling of resources, mutual funds offer individuals access to a wide range of investment opportunities that may not be feasible to pursue individually. This makes them a popular choice for individuals looking to diversify their investment portfolio and achieve their financial goals.