Answer:
b. Non-bank financial firms that acted as banks by borrowing and lending in an effort to make a profit.
Explanation:
A shadow banking system can be described as a group of non-bank financial intermediaries that render services that are similar to the services that normal commercial banks render but the members of the group are not subject to normal banking regulations.
In addition, a shadow baking system can also be described as unregulated services rendered by regulated institutions.
Structured investment vehicles (SIVs), limited-purpose finance companies (LPFCs), asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) conduits, and among others are examples of shadow banks.
Based on this explanation, the correct option is b. Non-bank financial firms that acted as banks by borrowing and lending in an effort to make a profit.