Bank of America settles Epstein victims' case for $72.5 million

New filing shows Charlotte bank reached deal to compensate women abused by sex offender

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:04pm

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Bank of America has reached a $72.5 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by a victim of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The victim claimed the bank ignored clear warning signs of his abuse while profiting from his business. The settlement will provide compensation for women that Epstein sexually abused and trafficked between June 2008 and July 2019.

Why it matters

This case highlights the role major financial institutions played in enabling Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operation, even as warning signs were present. The settlement provides some measure of justice and closure for Epstein's victims, though many questions remain about the banking industry's complicity.

The details

The plaintiff in the case against Bank of America, identified as 'BOA Jane Doe,' said she was among the victims after meeting Epstein in Russia. She was abused at least 100 times, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed that Bank of America knew of Epstein's activities but 'chose profits over protecting victims.' Bank of America has denied all liability, wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's trafficking, saying it provided routine banking services.

  • The settlement was reached following mediation and informed a federal judge in New York on March 27, 2026.
  • A hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2026 for U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff to sign off on the settlement before it can be finalized.

The players

BOA Jane Doe

The plaintiff in the case against Bank of America, who said she was among the victims after meeting Epstein in Russia and was abused at least 100 times.

Bank of America

The Charlotte-based bank that reached the $72.5 million settlement in the proposed class-action case.

Sigrid McCawley

The lead counsel for the plaintiff, who called the resolution 'one more step on the road to much-deserved justice' for the women abused by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Jed Rakoff

The U.S. District Judge who needs to sign off on the settlement before it can be finalized.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late sex offender whose sex trafficking operation was enabled by major financial institutions like Bank of America.

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What’s next

If the judge signs off on the case, a fund administrator will be appointed and a dedicated website will be created for the settlement, which will be regularly updated with information and key documents concerning the resolution.

The takeaway

This settlement is an important step in holding major financial institutions accountable for their role in enabling Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operation, even as warning signs were present. While the compensation will be life-changing for many victims, the broader implications of this case highlight the need for stronger oversight and due diligence in the banking industry to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.