Niall Ferguson, in his book "The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World," emphasizes the crucial role banks play in the economy. He argues that savers need to trust banks as safe repositories for their funds. Only when individuals are confident that their money is secure can financial resources be effectively moved from those who save to those who invest and innovate. This trust facilitates the flow of capital, which is vital for economic growth and development.

The passage highlights the importance of financial institutions in creating a productive economy. Reliable banking allows for the transformation of idle savings into productive investments, ultimately supporting industrious individuals and businesses. Without this essential mechanism, the potential for economic advancement is significantly hindered, underscoring the interdependence between savers, banks, and borrowers in the financial ecosystem.