PUNISHMENT

Citi to Settle With SEC for $75M

After judge approves deal.

Only in the warped world of Wall Street settlements would $75 million not be considered a hefty punishment. But a federal judge—who earlier argued, "$75 million is not going to deter anyone"—said Friday that she would ultimately approve the sum as the settlement between the SEC and Citigroup, as long as it came with serious revision of the bank’s disclosure policies. Without that promise, she said the fine would do little to send a message to other banks about the need for transparency. The SEC’s suit was based on a claim that Citigroup had failed to tell investors they were holding some $40 billion in subprime-mortgage assets in 2007. “We are pleased with today's hearing and will comply with the judge's request,” Citigroup said in a statement.