Bank Of America Reveals Pending DOJ Civil Charges Against It, Merrill Lynch

Lurking deep in the just filed Bank of America 10-Q (alongside data on its quarterly trading acumen which as usual made a mockery of random statistical probability distribution with just 7 days of losses and profits on 57) is this nugget which shows BAC's litigation expenses may be set to surge once more.

From the 10-Q:
The Corporation has been advised by the staff of the DOJ that it intends to file civil charges against Bank of America entities arising from one or two jumbo prime securitizations. The staff of the SEC has advised that they intend to recommend civil charges concerning one of those securitizations. The staff of the NYAG has advised that they intend to recommend filing an action against Merrill Lynch arising from their RMBS investigation. In addition, the staff of the SEC has advised that it is considering recommending civil charges against Merrill Lynch arising from its CDO investigation. The Corporation has been in active discussions with senior staff of each government entity in connection with the respective investigations and to explain why the threatened civil charges are not appropriate.

Then again, if JPM can get away with energy market manipulation with a mere $410 million "fine", there is no way this will be settled for anything more than $24.95. It also explains the complete lack of reaction to the news in the stock price.

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