More on StanChart’s latest problem with the US

From NYT Dealbook Standard Chartered Under Investigation

Standard Chartered has been accused of potential wrongdoing by officials at an Indonesian power company in which it is an investor.

The United States Justice Department is looking into the accusations, a person briefed on the matter said. The investigation was related to accusations that officials at the company, MAXpower, had paid bribes to win contracts, according to The Wall Street Journal, which earlier reported the inquiry.

A recording of a conversation with the company’s chief executive, who used to work at Standard Chartered, featured discussions about illicit payments and joking references to soccer balls stuffed with cash, The Journal reports.

The situation is particularly tricky for the bank, which is based in London but does most of its business in Asia, because of the settlement it reached after an investigation into accusations that it had transferred money for countries affected by United States sanctions.

Misconduct could prompt prosecutors to re-evaluate whether to revoke the deferred-prosecution agreement and force the bank to plead guilty.

It’s also a blow to William T. Winters, the chief executive who has been trying to overhaul the bank.

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