Big differences remain in BoA-Justice Department settlement talks

Bank Of America Speeds Up Plan For Mass Layoffs
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: People walk by a Bank of America branch in Times Square on September 20, 2012 in New York City. Bank of America Corp. has announced in a document to top management that it intends on getting rid of 16,000 jobs and to close 200 branches as the company continues its cost-cutting strategy. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Photo by Spencer Platt—Getty Images

Negotiations between federal officials and Bank of America to hammer out a settlement over shoddy mortgages in the run-up to the financial crisis are dragging on, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Bank of America (BAC) has reportedly offered $13 billion to settle the suit against it, but the Justice Department apparently wants several billion more. The Journal writes that the offer was made in a meeting requested by the banks lawyers in Washington on Tuesday. The meeting ended with no real progress being made.

Another point of contention is how much of a potential settlement would come in cash versus consumer relief. The $13 billion was a mix, but the Justice Department wants a larger cash penalty.

Two of the bank’s peers recently settled similar suits. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) paid $13 billion, while Citigroup (C) paid $7 billion.