Final Paper Morgan Jameson JS-145 Sec 61 Professor Woods July 1, 2024. The Stipulated Final Judgment in the case of The People of the State of California v. Wells Fargo Bank highlights significant issues within Wells Fargo. Initiated by the Los Angeles City Attorney, the legal action uncovered pervasive systemic issues, most notably the unauthorized opening of deposit and credit card accounts without customer consent. This breach of trust resulted in financial harm and fees imposed on numerous unsuspecting customers, highlighting the profound ethical lapses within the bank. Wells Fargo's crimes underscore the imperative for rigorous oversight to uphold legal standards. The scandal not only revealed the severe consequences of failing to enforce proper regulations, but also …show more content…
At Wells Fargo, employees faced aggressive sales targets and incentives, mirroring the high commissions and culture of greed depicted at Stratton Oakmont in "The Wolf of Wall Street." Similarly, mortgage brokers in "The Big Short" were driven by profits from selling high-risk loans and securities, reflecting broader systemic issues in the financial industry. This relentless pursuit of financial gain created environments where unethical behavior could thrive, as employees prioritized personal and organizational profit over ethical considerations. Systemic flaws were evident across all cases. Wells Fargo prioritized sales and profits over ethical conduct, fostering a culture where fraudulent practices could flourish. Stratton Oakmont operated in an environment of unchecked greed and excess, while "The Big Short" exposed widespread recklessness in the financial system, contributing to a global crisis. These systemic issues highlight the deep-rooted problems within financial institutions that allow such wrongdoing to occur and persist, often with devastating consequences for individuals and the broader