How did government deregulation affect savings an loans banks?

Government deregulation in the 1980s allowed savings and loan (S&L) banks greater freedom in their investment activities, leading them to engage in riskier ventures. This shift contributed to significant financial instability, as many S&Ls suffered heavy losses from poor investments and real estate speculation. The ensuing crisis resulted in the failure of numerous S&Ls, prompting a costly federal bailout and leading to stricter regulations in subsequent years. Ultimately, deregulation aimed at fostering competition inadvertently exposed the sector to severe risks and economic downturns.