According to one commentator, JPMorgan Chase (JPM) should have settled amid its accruing legal fees. So far, the bank has reported an astounding $9.15 billion pre-tax legal expenses for the most recent quarter. Seeking Alpha notes that:
Unconfirmed reports have surfaced that the government is seeking a $20 billion settlement, with more accurate reports putting the number at $11 billion. Yes you called it, JPMorgan could have taken the total amount they paid in legal fees, added $2 billion more and settled. Further, settlements are negotiations between parties, so the company may have had a chance to get off cheaper, around the $9 billion they paid in legal expenses.