The General Court of the European Union has upheld the European Commission's decision regarding antitrust violations in the market for SSA Bonds.
The investigation found that traders from banks engaged in anti-competitive practices in the secondary market for SSA bonds.
The Commission imposed fines totaling €28.4 million, with Bank of America receiving €12.6 million, Credit Suisse €11.9 million, and Crédit Agricole €3.9 million.
Deutsche Bank was granted immunity due to its cooperation during the investigation.
Crédit Agricole and Credit Suisse appealed the decision, and the General Court partially annulled the decision concerning Crédit Agricole.
The court affirmed the Commission's methodology for calculating the fines, which is based on the trading volume and profit margins of the bonds.
This ruling reinforces the EU's commitment to competitive markets and serves as a warning to other financial entities.