• Justice Department investigators in Washington and Manhattan were investigating Signature Bank's (NASDAQ: SBNY) work with crypto clients before regulators seized the bank past weekend.
• The investigators are also investigating whether the company took adequate steps to detect potential money laundering by clients.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission said it is also investigating. "We will investigate and bring enforcement actions if we find violations of the federal securities laws," the SEC chief said.
• Related: Moody's Warns Of 'Rapid Deterioration' In Banking Environment, Evaluates Comerica, Western Alliance And More.
• The bank and its staff haven't been accused of wrongdoing, and the investigation could end without further action. It's unclear when Signature Bank-related probes were opened. Whether it affected state regulators' decision to close the bank on Sunday, Bloomberg reported citing people close to the matter.
• States regulators have said they lost faith in management after the bank failed to provide "reliable and consistent data."
• The FDIC has since started looking for a buyer.
• Financial watchdogs and Justice Department officials have repeatedly warned that firms handling crypto or related cash must be vigilant in identifying customers and ensuring money flows are for legitimate purposes.

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This article Prosecutors, SEC Investigate Signature Bank's Work With Crypto Clients originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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