US regulators accused of deliberately strangling economy, banks down 84%, public companies tank 25%

Critics, including venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, argue excessive regulations limit competition for smaller banks and public companies, which have dropped from 8,000 to approximately 6,000.

The federal regulatory framework has expanded to over 180,000 pages, prompting calls for reform. Possible cuts to capital requirements are anticipated this summer following pressures from major banks.