What role do shadow banks play in the financial system and how do they differ from traditional banks?

Shadow banks are non-bank financial institutions that provide services similar to traditional banks, such as lending and investing, but operate outside of the regulatory framework that governs traditional banks. They play a significant role in the financial system by providing alternative sources of funding and liquidity, but their activities can also pose risks due to their lack of oversight and regulation. Shadow banks differ from traditional banks in that they are not subject to the same regulatory requirements, such as capital reserves and deposit insurance, which can make them more vulnerable to financial instability.