When does capitalism become predatory? - Taipei Times

Bloomberg Opinion columnist Gautam Mukunda examines how modern capitalism has evolved into predatory practices that harm customers while pursuing short-term profits.

Mukunda argues that many companies now engage in "predatory capitalism," deliberately creating frustrating experiences to maximize profits at customers' expense. He traces this shift to the financialization of the economy, where businesses prioritize beating market expectations over genuine customer service. From insurance companies creating bureaucratic nightmares to online gambling platforms targeting vulnerable individuals, these practices erode public trust in corporate leadership and capitalism itself.

• Problem spans multiple industries including healthcare, insurance, and online gambling, with companies exploiting vulnerable populations like seniors and problem gamblers
• Public confidence in big business has dropped dramatically from 30% in 1990 to just 16% in recent years
• Corporate focus on short-term shareholder value creates pressure to squeeze existing customers rather than innovate for new ones
• Solutions include rejecting shareholder primacy, supporting beneficial regulations, and adopting stewardship mindsets over predatory approaches