There is a significant problem in the US with essentially extortion of financial companies by various Federal and State agencies. The risk of a conviction for f

There is a significant problem in the US with essentially extortion of financial companies by various Federal and State agencies. The risk of a conviction for financial misconduct is not the financial penalty, it is the consequences which would essentially destroy the company as the regulators would lock them out of markets. Companies may very well be in the wrong and deserve punishing - but all they get are massive fines. Agencies like it because it looks good and money is always handy. Companies don't mind it as it removes risk (share prices often go up in the aftermath) and individuals don't get punished. That last part is the important bit, the individuals at fault here are able to continue to operate in regulated financial services roles, they can continue to be directors of companies etc.