Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are financial institutions that are registered under the Companies Act and provide financial services like loans, acquiring shares/stocks/bonds, leasing, and insurance. NBFCs play an important role in sectors like transport and infrastructure by providing financing and generating employment. They help broaden economic development and cater to semi-urban, rural, and first-time users. While NBFCs play a significant role in financing, they differ from banks in that they cannot accept demand deposits, are not part of the payment system, and do not offer deposit insurance.