Trump's Wall Street Shuffle: Is It Good, or is it Good?

Show Me the Money!

Alright folks Saul Goodman here your trusted (ahem) legal eagle breaking down the latest news faster than you can say 'Better Call Saul!' Seems like the big boys on Wall Street are about to get a little looser with their purse strings. The Fed's proposing changes to those pesky capital requirements meaning Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo might just have a little more cheddar to play with. Think of it as a 'get out of jail free' card but instead of jail it's 'get out of tight regulations free!'

Easing the Squeeze: A Slippery Slope?

Now some folks are saying this is a great idea! More lending more deals more...well you get the picture. But others like Fed Governor Adrian Kugler are waving the red flag warning about systemic risk. Systemic risk folks! Sounds serious doesn't it? Like something out of a sci fi movie. Kugler seems to think the only thing they are going to do is increase dividend payouts instead of helping people. But hey who am I to judge? I'm just a humble lawyer not a financial guru. Although I do know a thing or two about making money disappear...legally of course!

Bowman's Bold Move: A New Sheriff in Town

Michelle Bowman Trump's pick for top banking regulator is leading the charge on this regulatory rollback. She's talking about 'unintended consequences' and 'distorted capital requirements.' Sounds like she's ready to shake things up! Remember when I tried to shake things up at the local bingo hall? Let's just say it didn't end well. But hey maybe Bowman will have better luck. After all she's got the Fed backing her not just a handful of angry seniors.

The Goldman and Wells Show: A Second Act?

Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo are already riding high on a wave of good news. Goldman's investment banking biz is booming and Wells Fargo finally got that asset cap lifted. It's like they're starring in their own comeback movie! And with these new regulations they might just get a sequel. Who knows maybe they'll even hire me as their legal consultant. I could use a new yacht. Or maybe just a slightly less rusty car.

The Barr Dissent: Doubting Thomas?

Not everyone's singing Kumbaya around the Fed campfire though. Fed Governor Michael Barr is dissenting arguing that these changes won't actually help the Treasury market. He thinks the banks will just use the extra capital for...well let's just say things that benefit them and their shareholders (read: big bonuses for already rich guys). It's like he's saying 'Don't trust these guys they're gonna pull a fast one!' Which let's be honest is exactly what I'd expect them to do. It's in their nature! Just like it's in my nature to...help people...get out of sticky situations.

Better Call Saul for Financial Advice? (Don't!)

So what does all this mean for you the average Joe or Jane? Well I'm not a financial advisor (and you definitely shouldn't take financial advice from a lawyer who specializes in bending the rules) but it looks like the financial landscape is shifting. Whether it's for the better or for the worse remains to be seen. But hey at least it's interesting right? And if things go south you know who to call! (Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any financial losses incurred as a result of following my...observations.) Better safe than sorry folks. Especially when it comes to your money. Remember what I always say: 'If you're committed enough you can make any story work.' Even a story about Wall Street regulations!