The Times examines the next steps for financial regulatory reform and lobbyists’ attention.

Interest groups have been preparing for months. When the Consumer Bankers Association convened its annual meeting in early June, there was still plenty of time to lobby Congress. But the group’s president, Richard Hunt, told his board that the group should shift its focus to the rule-making process. The board voted to increase the group’s budget and staff.

“Now we hope to have a good give and take with the regulators on the best interests of the consumer and the industry,” said Mr. Hunt.

Shaping regulations is a different game than shaping legislation. Political considerations carry less weight. Instead, regulators crave data that can be used to justify decisions.