Judge Rules Bank of America Must Face Lawsuit Over Epstein Ties

Bank of New York Mellon wins dismissal of similar claims

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A U.S. judge has ruled that Bank of America must face part of a proposed class action lawsuit accusing it of knowingly aiding Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking by providing banking services to the disgraced late financier. The judge dismissed a similar lawsuit against Bank of New York Mellon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal fallout from Epstein's crimes and the scrutiny banks are facing over their relationships with the convicted sex offender. It raises questions about the financial industry's role in enabling abuse and the responsibility of major banks to vet high-profile clients.

The details

The judge ruled that Epstein's victims may pursue two claims against Bank of America - that it knowingly benefited from Epstein's sex trafficking, and that it obstructed enforcement of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The judge dismissed four other claims, including that Bank of America participated in and aided Epstein's sex trafficking. Bank of New York Mellon won dismissal of all six claims against it.

  • The lawsuits were filed in October.
  • The judge plans to issue an opinion by February 13 explaining his reasoning.
  • A trial for Bank of America is scheduled for May 11.

The players

Bank of America

The second-largest U.S. bank, which must face part of a proposed class action lawsuit over its ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Bank of New York Mellon

The world's largest custodial bank, which won dismissal of a similar lawsuit over its ties to Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced late financier whose sex trafficking activities are at the center of the lawsuits against the banks.

Jane Doe

A Florida woman who filed the lawsuits on behalf of herself and other Epstein accusers.

David Boies

The lawyer representing Jane Doe, who said he looked forward to the Bank of America trial and planned to appeal the BNY decision.

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What they’re saying

“We look forward to a full review of the facts.”

— Bank of America

“BNY had no involvement in Epstein's crimes.”

— Bank of New York Mellon

“I looked forward to the Bank of America trial and planned to appeal the BNY decision.”

— David Boies, Lawyer for Jane Doe

What’s next

The judge plans to issue an opinion by February 13 explaining his reasoning, and a trial for Bank of America is scheduled for May 11.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny banks face over their relationships with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about the financial industry's role in enabling abuse and the responsibility of major banks to vet high-profile clients.