Bank of America Settles Epstein Victim Claims for $72.5 Million

Bank of America has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by women who accused the bank of facilitating aspects of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse and trafficking network, court records show. The settlement, reached on March 27, 2026, still requires approval from a federal judge before it takes effect.

The proposed class‑action lawsuit, filed in October 2025 by a woman identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe, alleged that Bank of America ignored “a plethora” of suspicious financial transactions tied to Epstein’s criminal operation because it placed profit over regulatory compliance. Plaintiffs said the bank benefited from its links to Epstein by handling transactions and relationships connected to his sex‑trafficking venture.

Bank of America has denied any involvement in sex trafficking or malicious conduct, maintaining that it did not “facilitate” Epstein’s crimes. A spokesperson said that while the bank stands by its legal defenses, the settlement “allows us to put this matter behind us and provides further closure for the plaintiffs.”

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The agreement follows a January ruling by U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff, who determined that the plaintiffs’ claims could proceed, rejecting Bank of America’s efforts to dismiss them outright. Under that ruling, the case could have moved into costly discovery and depositions, including testimony from individuals linked to Epstein’s financial arrangements.

If the settlement is approved, it will mark another major financial institution resolving claims related to Epstein’s criminal network. Earlier lawsuits against JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank resulted in settlements of roughly $290 million and $75 million, respectively, on behalf of Epstein victims.

Victims’ attorneys have described the settlement as a significant development for survivors who endured decades of trauma. However, critics note that civil settlements do not equate to criminal liability and often involve no admission of wrongdoing. The legal fees for the plaintiffs’ counsel could total as much as 30 percent of the payout under court review, which would be approximately $21.8 million.

Judge Rakoff has scheduled a hearing for April 2 to consider final approval of the settlement, after which compensation plans and distribution to eligible claimants may begin. The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of financial institutions’ roles in oversight and reporting obligations tied to suspicious financial activity, particularly in relation to high‑profile criminal enterprises.

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