You win the modern financial-regulation game by filing the most motions, attending the most hearings, giving the most money to the most politicians and, above all, by keeping at it, day after day, year after fiscal year, until stealing is legal again.

In this quote, Matt Taibbi, a journalist known for his investigative work on financial corruption and corporate malfeasance, criticizes the state of modern financial regulation. He argues that those who succeed in the financial-regulation game are not necessarily the most ethical or law-abiding but rather those who engage in persistent tactics such as filing numerous motions, attending an excessive number of hearings, and contributing money to politicians to influence policy. Taibbi implies that the game is not about accountability but about maintaining power and influence until illegal actions become legally permissible once again.

Taibbi’s statement highlights how financial institutions and corporations can manipulate the regulatory system to their advantage, often through tactics designed to exert influence over lawmakers and regulators. By continually pushing through legal and regulatory processes, these entities can eventually get away with practices that might otherwise be considered illegal. This idea suggests that the regulatory framework is often ineffective or easily manipulated, and that large players in the financial industry are adept at bending the rules to make unethical practices seem acceptable or even legal.

The origin of this quote comes from Taibbi’s broader critique of the financial system and its failure to hold corporations accountable for their role in economic crises. He has written extensively about the corrupt practices within Wall Street and the influence of money in shaping political decisions. In his work, Taibbi often exposes how financial institutions use legal loopholes, lobbying, and other means to undermine regulatory oversight, which contributes to economic inequality and systemic risks.

Ultimately, Taibbi’s quote speaks to the flaws in the financial regulatory system, emphasizing how persistent influence and financial power can override efforts to enforce laws that are meant to protect the public. His criticism suggests that the system is rigged in favor of the wealthy and powerful, allowing them to continue exploiting the system until their actions are legally sanctioned, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of regulation and accountability.