HSBC settlement

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http://www.whptv.com/business/story/...aMIQUgeFg.cspx

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/outrageous-hsbc-settlement-proves-the-drug-war-is-a-joke-20121213

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57558618/drug-cartels-bank-hsbc-to-see-no-arrests/

HSBC avoided a legal battle that could further savage its reputation and undermine confidence in the global banking system by agreeing Tuesday to pay $1.9 billion to settle a U.S. money-laundering probe.
Europe's largest bank by market value will pay the biggest penalty ever imposed on a bank after facing accusations it transferred funds through the U.S. from Mexican drug cartels and on behalf of nations such as Iran that are under international sanctions.

The second article, which is just an opinion, got me wondering: what would happen if there was no settlement? A trial? What would happen during those trials? What positive things would come out of it?