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

Which Is Higher, Your Food Bill or Your Tax Bill?

How high is your tax bill? Would you say you spend more on taxes than you do on food? What about clothing and shelter; do you spend more on them than you do on your taxes? The answer might surprise you. That’s because in actuality you probably spend more on your taxes every year than…

The Skinny on Tax-Deferred Retirement Accounts

Just about anyone could benefit from a tax-differed retirement account. These accounts, most commonly known as 401Ks or IRAs, are a great way to save for retirement and in many cases save on taxes. The real question is when do you plan on cashing out that retirement fund? While you will always see immediate savings…

Now Is the Time to Fix California’s Messed up Tax Code

The California tax code is about as healthy as the federal tax code. In other words, it needs a lot of work. Of course, there are many interested parties that are all hard at work trying to create plans that will help improve the state’s economy and tax revenue while helping those from the lower…

Ben Stein Tax the rich

Why Taxing the Rich to Help the Poor Doesn’t Work

How many of you remember the Comedy Central game show: “Win Ben Stein’s Money?” The host, Mr. Stein, would challenge his opponents in answering trivia questions and actually give away his own money to those who beat him. That show has long been off the air, but the game show host, turned conservative commentator is…