Some creditors promptly returned $400 million of the mistakenly wired money, but 10 others refused to return $500 million. Yesterday, unexpectedly, a New York federal judge said the firms could keep the cash, despite acknowledging that the money had been transferred in error. “It’s one thing to mistakenly send money to someone with no entitlement to that payment,” he told DealBook. The decision — which Citi will probably appeal — raises thorny questions about rules versus principles:Since it was a mistake by the bank, why not return the money? This has generated a fascinating debate here at DealBook, and we’d like to hear what you think: Email us at dealbook@nytimes.com.

Source: New York Times February 17, 2021 12:33 UTC