The DOJ has reportedly proposed an eye-popping $14 billion settlement with Deutsche Bank to resolve MBS-related probes, though insiders caution that this is likely an outsized opening bid and that the ultimate settlement will likely be much lower – WSJ and Bloomberg
Never good to be the “Lehman Brothers” of much of anything financially related, yet that that’s the comparison some are saddling Hanjin Shipping with as the weeks following its late August bankruptcy have shown the lack of planning in anything related to that declaration or its aftermath – NYTimes
NY AG Eric Schneiderman has opened a probe into Exxon’s accounting practices upon reports that Exxon hasn’t taken any write-downs despite the massive fall in oil prices that has prompted all other major oil producers to adjust the value of their assets (including untapped wells) – WSJ
Breakingviews thinks that the current drama surrounding Wells Fargo may offer financial reform crusaders the opportunity to focus on execs for a change – NYTimes and Bloomberg
CEO Stumpf’s already become a target of at least one investor, by the way – WSJ
While talking Wells shop, the Journal offers some thoughts on what dialing back the cross-selling at the heart of the scandal may mean the rest of the banking industry that’s been obsessed for years with selling customers’ multiple products – WSJ
The Times on the opening of the Smithsonian’s newest addition to the National Mall—the National Museum of African American History and Culture – NYTimes
Have a great weekend.