The report said that much of the improper accounting dated back to 2008, was intentional and would have been difficult for auditors to detect.

Or that experts found that 'improper accounting procedures were continuously carried out as a de facto policy of the management'?

The settlement, which awaits court approval, relates to lawsuits by shareholders and others alleging improper accounting for an off-balance-sheet partnership.

It prefers to rely on the ignorance of borrowers or their inability to fund a challenge to its demands, rather than voluntarily relinquish gains obtained through improper accounting methods.