Citigroup acknowledged some responsibility for a portfolio of badly underwritten FHA loans that led to a $158.3 million settlement with the government, but the company managed to avoid an admission of wrongdoing. As part of the terms and conditions of the settlement, CitiMortgage “admits, acknowledges and accepts responsibility” for the conduct alleged in the government’s complaint. The FHA sought treble damages and civil penalties from CitiMortgage under the False Claims Act for fraud associated with FHA loans it originated. The default rate for FHA loans originated by Citi in 2006 and 2007 was 47...