goldman sachs settlement

While Goldman Sachs has settled the SEC's fraud case against it, its dispute with the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission is ongoing. Goldman says it's cooperating, but the FCIC is unconvinced: It's threatening the investment bank with an outside audit of its derivatives business.

Goldman's reputation may have taken a hit within the industry, but what gets most attention in the SEC settlement is the $550 million fine, which is usually dismissed as meaningless to Goldman. The injunction is similar -- potent in a normal world, but less so in Goldman's.

It's hard to say who will get the best of the settlement between Goldman Sachs and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Some provisions may have major, negative impacts for Goldman in the future. However, in the short run, and in the court of public opinion, Goldman clearly wins. Here's why.

The Securities and Exchange Commission reached a record $550 million settlement with investment banking firm Goldman Sachs over fraud claims linked to subprime mortgage investments. Goldman stock surged in late afternoon trading.