Bank of America Settles Epstein Lawsuit for $72.5M

The bank agreed to pay the settlement to victims of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:06pm

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Bank of America has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a federal lawsuit claiming the bank ignored 'obvious red flags' while doing business with Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, enabling Epstein's sex trafficking operation. The lawsuit alleged that Bank of America could have brought law enforcement down on Epstein sooner if it had not adopted a 'see-no-evil' policy. Bank of America is the third bank to settle a lawsuit linked to Epstein, following JPMorgan Chase's $290 million settlement and Deutsche Bank's $75 million settlement.

Why it matters

This settlement highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal fallout surrounding banks' alleged complicity in enabling Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes. It raises questions about corporate accountability and transparency, as one of the world's largest banks avoids a prolonged courtroom battle over its alleged ties to Epstein's criminal enterprise.

The details

The lawsuit claimed that after Epstein's previous bank, JPMorgan Chase, cut ties with him, Bank of America became Epstein's bank and ignored 'numerous red flags' that could have brought law enforcement attention to Epstein's activities sooner. The lead plaintiff, known as Jane Doe, alleged that Epstein sexually abused her on at least 100 occasions between 2011 and 2019, and that Bank of America helped Epstein avoid regulators' scrutiny and provided him with withdrawal and wire services to profit from Epstein and his associates.

  • The lawsuit covers the period from June 30, 2008 to July 6, 2019, when Epstein died in federal jail.
  • Bank of America became Epstein's bank after JPMorgan Chase cut ties with him.

The players

Bank of America

One of the largest banks in the United States, which has agreed to pay a $72.5 million settlement over its alleged role in enabling Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was accused of sex trafficking and died in federal jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Jane Doe

The lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against Bank of America, who alleged that Epstein sexually abused her on at least 100 occasions between 2011 and 2019.

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What they’re saying

“This settlement is one more step on the road to much deserved justice.”

— Sigrid McCawley, Lawyer for the victims

What’s next

The settlement will pay 'all women who were sexually abused or trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, or by any person who is connected to or otherwise associated with Jeffrey Epstein or any Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking venture, between June 30, 2008 and July 6, 2019, inclusive.' Lawyers estimate there are at least 60 women who were victimized by Epstein during that time period.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal and financial fallout for banks that allegedly enabled Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes, even years after his death. It raises questions about corporate accountability and transparency, as large financial institutions continue to settle lawsuits related to their ties to Epstein without any executives facing criminal charges.