This might have something to do with America's schizophrenic view of banking. The founding fathers were very suspicious of banking. Throughout American histor

This might have something to do with America's schizophrenic view of banking. The founding fathers were very suspicious of banking. Throughout American history tension existed between most of America (up until recently heavily ag and industrial) and the "New York Money Interests". The "New York Money Interests" were represented as early as pre-revolution America( see Alexander Hamilton). The anti-banking interests (epitomized by Thomas Jefferson) were mostly those indebted to the banks (like Jefferson). So I theorized that much of the lack of privacy has to do with populist concern over wealthy colluding with "big money interests" (banks). However, I'm just explaining why I think the law is like it is. I whole-heartedly support more personal privacy especially in financial matters.