Story perspectives

Deregulation Push Unlocks $2.5 Trillion Amid Criticism

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leads a significant deregulation effort to reshape post-2008 financial oversight.
Bessent claims deregulation has unlocked $2.5 trillion in lending capacity.
The administration pushes changes to bank-debt and money-laundering rules and promotes banking AI.
Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, warn the pace risks undermining regulatory independence and risk management.
They note the administration's alignment with regulators marks a shift from prior practices.

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Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leads a significant deregulation effort to reshape post-2008 financial oversight.
Bessent claims deregulation has unlocked $2.5 trillion in lending capacity.
The administration pushes changes to bank-debt and money-laundering rules and promotes banking AI.
Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, warn the pace risks undermining regulatory independence and risk management.
They note the administration's alignment with regulators marks a shift from prior practices.