Judge Approves Bank of America's $72.5 Million Epstein Victims Settlement

A federal judge in New York approved a $72.5 million settlement on Thursday between Bank of America and victims of Jeffrey Epstein, resolving a lawsuit that accused the financial institution of facilitating the late financier's sex trafficking operation. The agreement, which the bank disclosed in March, covers approximately 60 to 90 women who were abused or trafficked by Epstein or his associates between June 30, 2008, and July 2019.

U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff called the settlement "fair, reasonable and adequate" during a hearing in Manhattan federal court, clearing the way for distributions to begin. While acknowledging the profound harm caused, Rakoff stated, "No amount of money can ever fully compensate Epstein victims for the harm they've suffered." He added that the case represented a move toward accountability, noting that "some at least modest justice is thereby being accommodated."

The class-action lawsuit, filed in October 2025, alleged that Bank of America ignored numerous red flags in Epstein's transactions for years after he was first charged with sexually abusing minors. The suit claimed the bank showed "absolute loyalty" to Epstein and failed to file required...