Bank of America to Pay $72.5 Million to Settle Epstein Accusers' Lawsuit

Settlement reached in civil case alleging bank facilitated sex trafficking crimes

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:55am

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Bank of America has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a civil lawsuit brought by women who accused the bank of facilitating their sexual abuse by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The proposed settlement, which requires court approval, would provide financial relief to the plaintiffs and allow the bank to put the matter behind it.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the role of financial institutions in enabling Epstein's alleged sex trafficking crimes. It also underscores the challenges victims face in seeking justice and compensation, even years after Epstein's death.

The details

The lawsuit, filed in October by a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe, accused Bank of America of ignoring suspicious financial transactions related to Epstein despite having information about his crimes. The bank has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it merely provided routine services to people who at the time had no known links to Epstein. However, the lawsuit alleged that the bank knowingly benefited from Epstein's sex trafficking and obstructed enforcement of federal trafficking laws.

  • The proposed settlement was reached in March 2026.
  • A court hearing to consider approving the deal is scheduled for Thursday.

The players

Bank of America

The second-largest U.S. bank, which has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle the civil lawsuit brought by Epstein's accusers.

Jane Doe

The anonymous plaintiff who filed the proposed class-action lawsuit against Bank of America, alleging the bank facilitated Epstein's sex trafficking crimes.

David Boies and Bradley Edwards

Attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Bank of America.

Judge Jed Rakoff

The Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge who will consider approving the settlement between Bank of America and the plaintiffs.

Leon Black

The billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, who was identified in the lawsuit as making payments to Epstein.

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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.”

— Bank of America spokesperson

“This settlement represented the best option for their clients given that many Class Members suffered harm many years ago and are in need of financial relief now.”

— David Boies and Bradley Edwards, Attorneys for the plaintiffs

What’s next

Judge Jed Rakoff is scheduled to hold a court hearing on Thursday to consider approving the $72.5 million settlement between Bank of America and the plaintiffs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the role of financial institutions in enabling Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex trafficking crimes, and the challenges victims face in seeking justice and compensation years after Epstein's death. The settlement provides some closure for the plaintiffs, but the broader issues around corporate accountability and victim restitution remain unresolved.