Although financial stability has always been of concern to central banks, it is a relatively new concept in terms of the widespread attention being given to it in recent years. I thought it would be useful to discuss why it has become so important to central banks. Achieving this understanding would also help in explaining some of the behaviour of central banks.
In deciding, we must walk a fine line: We have an obligation to prevent fraud and abusive lending; at the same time, we must tread carefully so as not to suppress responsible lending or eliminate refinancing opportunities for subprime borrowers.