Big banks boost lobbying spend as policy fights heat up

Key Update

Big U.S. banks increased lobbying spending in 2025 as policy fights intensified across capital rules, fintech/crypto, and consumer affordability issues.

Details

The push reflects banks positioning for regulatory shifts while reacting to growing competition and influence from crypto and fintech lobbying campaigns.

Background

Lobbying often spikes ahead of major rule changes, and overlapping agendas—banking, fintech, crypto—raise the stakes for shaping outcomes.

Why It Matters

These fights affect credit availability, consumer fees, capital cushions, and how new financial competitors are regulated—directly impacting households and markets.