In its 2012 performance review, the bank lauded its "reputation-building initiatives, like doing more for our customers, investing in our own people and addressing our broader role in society". Being found culpable in a class action for "misleading and deceptive conduct and [breaking] continuous disclosure provisions of the Corporations Act" would blow a hole in such fine sentiments. Best to settle and move on — especially if no one takes the blame and someone else is paying for it.