Citibank reached a $100 million settlement with California, New York and 40 other states over its fraudulent conduct involving interest rate manipulation.
In 2012, a working group composed of 42 state Attorneys General started investigating Citibank’s misconduct related to the London Interbank Offered Offered Rate (LIBOR), the benchmark interest rate that affects financial instruments such as corporate and government bonds. It has widespread impact on global markets and consumers.
The Attorneys General alleged that Citibank misrepresented the integrity of the LIBOR benchmark to avoid negative publicity and protect its reputation.
In their investigation, the AGs found that Citibank repeatedly and intentionally made false LIBOR submissions to conceal its true borrowing cost.
As a result of its illegal conduct, the bank made millions of profits. However, government entities, not-for-profit organizations, and many other investors that entered into LIBOR-linked swaps and other financial contracts with the bank suffered losses.
State AGs do not tolerate fraudulent and manipulative conduct
In a statement, New York AG Barbara Underwood, said, “Our office has zero tolerance for fraudulent or manipulative conduct that undermines our financial markets. Financial institutions have a basic responsibility to play by the rules – and we will continue to hold those accountable who don’t.”
