Spike in Lobbying Expenditure in 2023

Goldman Sachs experienced a significant increase in its lobbying expenditure to 4.69 million USD in 2023, marking the highest annual spend since 2010. This represents almost a 100% increase from the 2.36 million USD spent in 2022, indicating a strategic intensification of its lobbying efforts.

Trends Over Two Decades

Over the last two decades, lobbying expenditure by Goldman Sachs has shown a remarkable uptrend, growing from just 0.50 million USD in 1998 and 2000 to reaching peaks above 4 million USD in 2010, 2011, and 2023. The year-over-year growth illustrates Goldman Sachs's increasing investment in influencing policy and regulation.

Stable Expenditure Phase Between 2016 and 2018

Between 2016 and 2018, Goldman Sachs maintained a relatively stable lobbying expenditure, each year marking around 3.22 to 3.25 million USD. This stability suggests a period of consistent lobbying strategy before the fluctuations in the subsequent years.

Significant Increases Post-2000

A significant surge in lobbying activities began after 2000, with the expenditure increasing from 0.50 million USD in 2000 to 1.10 million USD by 2003. The early 2000s marked a pivotal expansion in Goldman Sachs's lobbying efforts, reflecting an over 100% increase in just three years.

Decrease in Expenditure After the Financial Crisis

Following the financial crisis, Goldman Sachs's lobbying expenditure saw a decrease, dropping from 4.61 million USD in 2010 to 2.83 million USD in 2009. This 38% reduction could be indicative of strategic reallocation of resources or changes in political engagement strategy during economic downturns.

Recovery and Increase Post-Financial Crisis

After the dip in 2009, lobbying expenditure recovered sharply, rising back to 4.61 million USD in 2010. The rapid rebound demonstrates Goldman Sachs's agility in resuming its lobbying efforts post-crisis, underscoring the importance of political engagement in its business strategy.

Comparison of Expenditure Peaks

The peak expenditures in 2010 and 2023, at 4.61 million USD and 4.69 million USD respectively, highlight significant moments of increased lobbying activity. These peaks may correlate with specific legislative or regulatory environments necessitating heightened advocacy efforts.

Lowest and Initial Expenditures

The initial years of the dataset, specifically 1998 and 2000, recorded the lowest lobbying expenditures at 0.50 million USD. These figures mark the baseline from which Goldman Sachs's lobbying activities have grown, providing a stark contrast to the later years' increased expenditures.