Regulatory and Governmental Investigations
The Company received a number of subpoenas and other requests for information from regulators and governmental authorities regarding MBS and other mortgage-related matters, including inquiries, investigations and potential proceedings related to a number of transactions involving the Company’s underwriting and issuance of MBS and its participation in certain CDO and SIV offerings. These inquiries and investigations included, among others: investigations by the RMBS Working Group of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, including the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and state Attorneys General concerning the purchase, securitization and underwriting of mortgage loans and RMBS. The Company provided documents and testimony and continues to cooperate fully with these inquiries and investigations.
The staff of the NYAG advised that they intended to recommend filing an action against the Company as a result of their RMBS investigation. In addition, the staff of a U.S. Attorney’s office advised that they intended to recommend that the DOJ file a civil action against Merrill Lynch related to the securitization of RMBS.
On August 21, 2014, Bank of America announced a comprehensive settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, certain federal agencies, and the states of California, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, and New York. The settlement resolves, among other things, certain federal and state civil claims concerning the Company’s participation in the packaging, origination, marketing, sale, structuring, arrangement, and issuance of RMBS and CDOs. As part of the settlement, Bank of America agreed to make $9.65 billion in payments, $5 billion of which will serve as a penalty under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act. Additionally, Bank of America agreed to provide $7 billion worth of consumer relief, which could include, among other things, principal forgiveness and forbearance, loan modification, and targeted lending, to be completed by August 31, 2018.
Rosen Capital Partners LP & Rosen Capital Institutional LP’s FINRA Arbitration
On May 28, 2008, two former hedge fund clients of Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp. (“MLPCC”), Rosen Capital Partners LP and Rosen Capital Institutional LP (collectively, the “Rosen Funds”), filed a statement of claim asserting claims for breach of contract, fraud, and negligence against MLPCC in connection with alleged losses in the fall of 2008. On July 5, 2011, a FINRA panel awarded the Rosen Funds $64 million pluspre-judgment interest. On December 23, 2011 the California Superior Court granted the Rosen Funds’ motion to confirm the award and on February 15, 2012 entered judgment on the award andpre-judgment interest, an amount that was fully accrued. On February 5, 2013, the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of the California Superior Court.
REGULATORY ACTIONS
Multi-State Auction Rate Securities Settlement
On July 31, 2008, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Securities Division (“MSD”) alleged that the Company violated the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act, which, in part, prohibits unethical or dishonest conduct or practices in the securities business, concerning the sale of ARS to retail and other customers by the Company. Without admitting or denying the allegations, the Company entered into a settlement with the MSD, in which it agreed to certain undertakings, including offering to buy back eligible ARS from eligible investors. The Company agreed to pay the MSD a civil penalty of $1,598,650.90, as part of a $125,000,000 fine that will be allocated at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other states’ discretion to resolve all underlying conduct relating to the sale of ARS. Three states – Connecticut, Utah, and Washington have identified their respective state settlements as constituting a final order based on violations of any laws or regulations that prohibit fraudulent, manipulative, or deceptive conduct. The Company disagrees with their characterizations.Fifty-two (52) of the potential 54 multistate settlements have been completed to date.
Banc of America Investment Services, Inc./Banc of America Securities LLC Auction Rate Securities Settlement
As the result of the merger of Banc of America Investment Services, Inc. (“BAI”) with and into the Company on October 23, 2009 and the merger of BAS with and into the Company on November 1, 2010, the Company assumed the liabilities of BAI and BAS in the following matter: The SEC alleged that BAI and BAS (together, the “Firms”), misled customers regarding the fundamental nature and increasing risks associated with ARS that
152