Bank of America Settles Epstein Victim Lawsuit for $72.5 Million

The bank denies wrongdoing but agrees to pay to resolve claims it aided the late financier's sex-trafficking.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Bank of America Corp. has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed on behalf of Jeffrey Epstein's victims, who claimed the bank aided in the late financier's sex-trafficking activities. The settlement, which still requires court approval, allows the bank to put the matter behind it without admitting any wrongdoing.

Why it matters

This settlement is the latest in a series of high-profile cases against major banks accused of enabling Epstein's criminal enterprise. It highlights the ongoing legal fallout from the Epstein scandal and the pressure on financial institutions to more closely scrutinize their clients' activities.

The details

The lawsuit alleged that Bank of America was used by Epstein's 'co-conspirators, associates and victims' to facilitate his sex-trafficking operation. Specifically, it claimed that Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black used Bank of America accounts to transfer $170 million to Epstein, with no apparent business or lawful purpose. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend who was convicted of sex-trafficking, also reportedly used Bank of America accounts.

  • The lawsuit covered the period from June 30, 2008 to July 6, 2019.
  • The settlement was presented to the court on March 29, 2026.

The players

Bank of America Corp.

A major American multinational investment bank and financial services company.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late American financier who was convicted of sex-trafficking and died in prison in 2019.

Leon Black

The co-founder of private equity firm Apollo Global Management, who was alleged to have used Bank of America accounts to transfer $170 million to Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's former girlfriend who was convicted of sex-trafficking and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

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What they’re saying

“While we stand by our prior statements made in the filings in this case, including that Bank of America did not facilitate sex trafficking crimes, this resolution allows us to put this matter behind us and provides further closure for the plaintiffs.”

— Bill Halldin, Bank Spokesman

“I believe the settlement agreement was the highest number that the plaintiffs could have achieved at the time of resolution.”

— Layn Phillips, Former Federal Judge and Mediator

What’s next

The settlement still requires approval from US District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan.

The takeaway

This settlement is the latest in a series of high-profile cases against major banks accused of enabling Epstein's criminal enterprise, highlighting the ongoing legal fallout from the Epstein scandal and the pressure on financial institutions to more closely scrutinize their clients' activities.