Banks and other financial institutions play several important roles. They act as intermediaries between savers and borrowers, facilitating the flow of money and allocation of capital. Banks lower transaction costs and provide loans to businesses and individuals, fueling economic growth. Central banks oversee monetary policy at a national level while commercial banks accept deposits and make loans locally. Financial institutions provide liquidity and a marketplace for money and assets, allowing resources to be invested productively. Bank capital represents the net worth of a bank and includes assets like loans minus liabilities like deposits.