# Dodd-Frank 101: What Changed After 2008 Crisis

After the 2008 financial meltdown, the U.S. passed Dodd-Frank in 2010 to prevent another crash. Here's what you need to know:

**Core Moves:**
- Beefed up bank regulation through the Volcker Rule (restricts proprietary trading and derivatives plays)
- Created two watchdogs: Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) monitors "too big to fail" risk; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shields regular folks from predatory lending
- Protected whistleblowers with 10-30% bounties from settlements + 180-day statute of limitations

**Recent Rollbacks:**
- Post-2017, fewer than 10 banks face strictest oversight (down from dozens)
- Small/medium banks got exemptions from stress tests
- Some loan companies dodged disclosure requirements

**The Debate:**
Critics say tighter regs limit market growth and squeeze community banks. Supporters argue it prevents systemic risk. Biggest institutions like JPMorgan still operate under core rules.

**Bottom Line:** Dodd-Frank remains the post-crisis rulebook, though enforcement has loosened for smaller players. If you trade or bank, understand these rules shape your options.