The laws aren't there to protect us, they exist to secure entrenched interests.

You’re not wrong. Banks have enough money to do what they want and hide it or pay off.

Average joe has to adhere to the letter of law and what ever corporations throw at them.

In general I agree with you, but I doubt banks lobbied for stricter anti money laundering laws as a measure to stifle competition. They do get pretty much a free pass when they do break them unlike smaller entities though.

We all love to be cynical, but I feel this sort of discussion is pointless. It's not based on facts or any domain knowledge.

Look up "Human History" if you need a source.