Financial institutions play a crucial role in facilitating the flow of funds between savers and borrowers, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. This flow of funds allows businesses to access capital for investment and expansion, while providing savers with a safe and secure place to store their money.

Financial institutions can contribute to systemic risk through a combination of factors, including excessive lending practices, investing in risky assets, and failing to adequately manage their risks. These factors can lead to a situation where a single institution's failure can trigger a chain reaction of failures throughout the financial system.

Central banks play a critical role in promoting financial stability by setting interest rates, regulating banks and other financial institutions, and providing liquidity to the financial system. These actions help to ensure that the financial system operates smoothly and that financial institutions are able to meet their obligations.

Financial instability can have a significant negative impact on economic growth. It can lead to a decline in investment and economic activity, increase uncertainty and risk aversion among businesses and consumers, and make it more difficult for businesses to access capital. These factors can all contribute to a slowdown in economic growth.

Maintaining financial stability in the 21st century presents a number of challenges, including the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of the global financial system, the rise of new financial technologies, and the growing importance of non-bank financial institutions. These challenges require policymakers and regulators to be vigilant and adaptable in order to ensure the continued stability of the financial system.