http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/30/investing/bnp-paribas-sanctions-fine/

French bank BNP Paribas is braced for a record fine of almost $9 billion for breaching U.S. sanctions, according to media reports.

The punishment for helping clients dodge sanctions on Iran, Sudan and Cuba will also include a temporary ban on BNP Paribas (BNPQF) clearing payments in dollars, starting in January, the Financial Times reported Monday.

"I want to say it clearly here: we will receive a heavy penalty," BNP Chief Executive Officer Jean-Laurent Bonnafe was quoted as saying by Reuters in an internal email to staff. BNP Paribas declined to comment.

U.S. authorities are expected to reveal details of the settlement later Monday, concluding a long-running criminal investigation.
The settlement between the bank and prosecutors had been expected for months. Shares in the bank edged about 0.5% higher in Paris, having fallen more than 12% so far this year in anticipation.

BNP Paribas had previously set aside $1.1 billion to cover the costs of any penalties arising from the U.S. investigation, but warned in late April that the fines could far exceed that amount.