Israeli Bank Sues UBS and Goldman Sachs Seeking a Combined $220 Million

On January 29, Bank Hapoalim B.M., Israel’s largest bank, filed summonses with notice against UBS AG, Goldman Sachs & Co., and their affiliates, in the Supreme Court for the State of New York.  In both actions, Bank Hapoalim alleges that the offering documents for RMBS it purchased contained material misrepresentations and omissions concerning the underwriting standards for the mortgages underlying the securities, the transfer of mortgage loans, the legal validity of the trusts, and the statistical information about the mortgage loans underlying the securities.  Bank Hapoalim asserts causes of action for common-law fraud, fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation, aiding and abetting fraud, declaratory judgment, and rescission against both UBS and Goldman Sachs, and additional claims for violations of the Securities Act of 1933 against Goldman Sachs.  Bank Hapoalim seeks approximately $116 million in damages from UBS and $106 million in damages from Goldman Sachs, inclusive of punitive damages.  UBS Summons with Notice.  Goldman Sachs Summons with Notice.