SEC Penalizes Deutsche Bank for Questionable Accounting Issues

Accounting mistakes can happen to anyone, whether you’re self-employed, have a small business with just a few employees, or you run a major corporation. However, even when mistakes happen, the consequences can be damaging. When those mistakes, or irregularities, involve large organizations like corporations, banks and financial institutions the consequences can be severe.

Recently, the U.S, Securities and Exchange Commission decided to fine Deutsche Bank for financial accounts that were reportedly misstated as the most recent financial crisis in 2008 and 2009 was reaching its peak. According to reports, U.S. officials stated that the bank undervalued the risk on its books by incorrectly accounting for so-called gap risk as they pertained to LSS trades. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission fined the bank $55 million for the alleged improprieties.

Deutsche Bank claimed that it used such procedures because there were no reliable models available at the time to properly measure gap risk. The problem with understating gap risk is that it could make it seem that the bank’s books were actually stronger than they really were. The $55 million fine finally brings to a close a prolonged investigation into the valuation of complex derivatives.

Accounting policies and practices are very important for anyone, but especially public corporations that are under the watchful eye of the Securities and Exchange Commission. At GROCO we can help your company or financial institution, large or small, with all of its accounting needs. Just contact us for assistance by clicking here, or call us at 1-877-CPA-2006.

Posted in

Are High Taxes the Real Reason Why Wealthy People Move?

  Despite several reports that many of the wealthiest people in America are fleeing to other more tax-friendly states, a new report suggests that might not be the case. Of course, there have been some recent cases where these exact circumstances have occurred so there is precedence in this matter. However, it appears that not…

How Will Taxes Affect Your Success in Retirement?

Are you at that point in your career where the number of years you’ve already worked greatly outnumber the years you have left to put in? If retirement is just around the corner for you, or even still out on the horizon a bit, you should be using this time to get ready for taxes.…

Could L.A. Millionaires Be Facing Another Tax?

Everyone can agree that being homeless is terrible. No matter what the circumstances are that bring an individual to this predicament, it’s unfortunate that anyone has to be without a place to call home. Cities all over the country deal with the homeless in different ways, including California. The Golden State is considering taking its…

Do Risk Takers Make Good Leaders?

  There are countless stories of leaders in the business world that have taken great risks in order to become successful. The fact is there is risk in almost any professional decision a person makes. Some choices carry much great risker than others, but risk is part of every decision we make. While you often…