Shadow Banking

Definition ∞ Shadow banking encompasses financial activities conducted by non-bank entities that operate outside traditional regulatory oversight. These activities include credit intermediation, lending, and investment services, often resembling those of regulated banks but without the same prudential requirements. While providing alternative financing channels, shadow banking can pose systemic risks due to its lack of transparency and regulatory scrutiny. It represents a significant segment of the financial system, requiring careful monitoring.
Context ∞ The growth of decentralized finance DeFi has prompted discussions in crypto news about its potential parallels with shadow banking. Some regulators express concerns that certain DeFi protocols could replicate shadow banking risks, operating with limited oversight and interconnected leverage. Debates often center on whether decentralized lending platforms and stablecoin issuers require similar regulatory frameworks to traditional financial intermediaries. Understanding the potential for shadow banking characteristics within DeFi is crucial for policymakers assessing systemic financial stability.