Deutsche Bank AG, Germany’s largest bank, took on Jeffrey Epstein as a client in 2013 — two years after JPMorgan Chase ended its banking relationship with him following his 2008 sex offender conviction. The relationship lasted until 2018 and resulted in a $150 million consent order from the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS).
The Onboarding Decision
Deutsche Bank’s decision to take on Epstein was examined extensively by regulators. The bank’s files showed that relationship bankers knew about his 2008 conviction and sex offender status at the time of onboarding. They nonetheless proceeded, apparently valuing the fee revenue from managing his substantial accounts.
The Accounts
Epstein maintained multiple accounts at Deutsche Bank across different divisions and purposes. Transaction patterns included:
- Large cash movements at volumes and frequencies that compliance staff flagged as potentially suspicious
- Payments to unnamed counterparties described in vague or incomplete terms
- Periodic transfers to accounts controlled by co-conspirators and associates
Compliance Flags Ignored
Internal compliance staff at Deutsche Bank flagged the Epstein accounts multiple times. The flags were reviewed and typically resolved in favor of maintaining the relationship — a pattern regulators described as systemic failure rather than individual error.
The DFS Consent Order
In July 2020, the New York Department of Financial Services issued a consent order to Deutsche Bank in connection with its Epstein relationship and other anti-money laundering failures. The consent order required Deutsche Bank to pay $150 million in penalties — the largest portion related to the Epstein accounts.
The DFS found that Deutsche Bank “failed to properly monitor account activity conducted on behalf of the registered sex offender.”
Civil Settlement
Separately from the DFS regulatory action, Deutsche Bank settled a civil suit brought by the U.S. Virgin Islands related to Epstein’s trafficking activities for $75 million in November 2023.
Total Costs
Combined, the regulatory fine and civil settlement cost Deutsche Bank approximately $225 million related to the Epstein relationship.