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Bank of America Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Bank of America Corporation: History and Operations

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Bank of America Corporation: History and Operations Study Guide

Founding and Early History

The oldest traceable branch of the Bank of America franchise is the Massachusetts Bank, chartered in 1784.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, the Massachusetts Bank, chartered in 1784, is recognized as the oldest traceable branch within the Bank of America franchise, representing the first federally chartered joint-stock owned bank in the United States.

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Amadeo Pietro Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in 1904 to serve the general public, regardless of ethnicity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Amadeo Pietro Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in 1904, its primary significance lay in serving Italian immigrants who faced discrimination, rather than serving the general public irrespective of ethnicity.

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Bank of America Corporation was formed in 1998 through the merger of which two entities?

Answer: NationsBank and Bank of America

Explanation: The formation of Bank of America Corporation in 1998 resulted from the merger between NationsBank and the original Bank of America entity.

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What historical bank, chartered in 1784, is considered the oldest traceable branch of the Bank of America franchise?

Answer: Massachusetts Bank

Explanation: The Massachusetts Bank, chartered in 1784, is considered the oldest traceable branch of the Bank of America franchise.

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Who founded the Bank of Italy in San Francisco in 1904, and why was it significant?

Answer: Amadeo Pietro Giannini; it provided services to Italian immigrants facing discrimination.

Explanation: Amadeo Pietro Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in 1904, and its significance stemmed from providing essential banking services to Italian immigrants who encountered discrimination from other financial institutions.

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Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Growth

The current Bank of America Corporation entity was established in 1998 through the merger of NationsBank and the original Bank of America.

Answer: True

Explanation: The current Bank of America Corporation entity was indeed established in 1998 through the significant merger of NationsBank and the original Bank of America.

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NationsBank acquired BankAmerica for $62 billion, a transaction that was the largest bank acquisition in history at the time.

Answer: True

Explanation: The acquisition of BankAmerica by NationsBank for $62 billion was indeed the largest bank acquisition in history at the time of its completion.

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Bank of America established Merrill Lynch in 2008 and later acquired Bank of America Merrill Lynch (now BofA Securities) in 2009.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statement is inaccurate as Bank of America *acquired* Merrill Lynch in 2008, rather than establishing it. While Bank of America did integrate Merrill Lynch and rename its investment banking arm to Bank of America Merrill Lynch (now BofA Securities), the initial establishment of Merrill Lynch predates this by many decades.

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Banc of America Securities LLC (BAS) operated as Bank of America's investment banking subsidiary from 1998 until its merger with Merrill Lynch in 2008.

Answer: True

Explanation: Banc of America Securities LLC (BAS) functioned as Bank of America's investment banking subsidiary from 1998 until its integration following the merger with Merrill Lynch in 2008.

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The 1998 merger between NationsBank and BankAmerica resulted in the combined entity retaining Bank of America's original stock price history.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the 1998 merger, the combined entity operated under Federal Charter 13044, originally granted to Giannini's Bank of Italy, signifying a continuity of historical lineage, though specific details on retaining NationsBank's stock price history are not explicitly detailed.

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Bank of America expanded its operations outside California in the 1980s primarily through the acquisition of Seafirst Corporation.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1983, Bank of America expanded its presence beyond California by acquiring Seafirst Corporation, thereby establishing operations in new geographic markets.

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Between 2004 and 2007, Bank of America acquired MBNA for $47 billion and FleetBoston Financial for $35 billion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between 2004 and 2007, Bank of America acquired MBNA for $35 billion and FleetBoston Financial for $47 billion, reversing the figures stated in the question.

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Red Oak Merger Corporation was established as a subsidiary to facilitate the merger between Bank of America and Countrywide Financial.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bank of America established Red Oak Merger Corporation as an independent subsidiary specifically to manage the merger with Countrywide Financial, potentially isolating risks.

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The 'Hustle' program involved Countrywide Financial selling high-quality mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Hustle' program, also known as High Speed Swim Lane, involved Countrywide Financial allegedly selling 'toxic mortgages,' not high-quality ones, to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch for approximately $50 billion, receiving significant government bailout funds as part of the deal.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch for approximately $50 billion, and the transaction was facilitated by significant government bailout funds, particularly TARP, due to Merrill Lynch's financial distress.

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In 1998, Bank of America committed $350 billion over ten years to support community development initiatives.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1998, Bank of America made a significant ten-year commitment of $350 billion dedicated to supporting community development initiatives.

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What was Bank of America's commitment to community development announced in 1998?

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1998, Bank of America made a significant ten-year commitment of $350 billion dedicated to supporting community development initiatives.

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What was the approximate value of the acquisition when NationsBank purchased BankAmerica, and what historical significance did it hold?

Answer: $62 billion; largest bank acquisition in history at that time.

Explanation: The acquisition of BankAmerica by NationsBank was valued at approximately $62 billion, marking it as the largest bank acquisition in history at the time of its completion.

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Which entities did Bank of America establish in 2008 and 2009 to bolster its wealth management and investment banking operations?

Answer: Merrill Lynch and Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Explanation: To enhance its wealth management and investment banking capabilities, Bank of America established Merrill Lynch in 2008 and subsequently Bank of America Merrill Lynch (now BofA Securities) in 2009.

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Following the 1998 merger, which entity's stock price history did the new Bank of America Corporation retain?

Answer: NationsBank's stock price history

Explanation: Following the 1998 merger, the combined entity operated under Federal Charter 13044, originally granted to Giannini's Bank of Italy, signifying a continuity of historical lineage, though specific details on retaining NationsBank's stock price history are not explicitly detailed.

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Which corporation did Bank of America acquire in 1983 to expand its presence outside California?

Answer: Seafirst Corporation

Explanation: In 1983, Bank of America expanded its presence beyond California by acquiring Seafirst Corporation, thereby establishing operations in new geographic markets.

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Which of these was NOT among the major acquisitions made by Bank of America between 2004 and 2007?

Answer: Countrywide Financial

Explanation: Major acquisitions by Bank of America between 2004 and 2007 included FleetBoston Financial, MBNA, and LaSalle Bank Corporation. Countrywide Financial was acquired later, in 2008.

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What was the purpose of Bank of America creating Red Oak Merger Corporation?

Answer: To facilitate the merger with Countrywide Financial while potentially isolating risks.

Explanation: Bank of America established Red Oak Merger Corporation as an independent subsidiary specifically to manage the merger with Countrywide Financial, potentially isolating risks associated with the transaction.

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The 'Hustle' program, related to Countrywide Financial, involved allegations of selling what type of assets?

Answer: Toxic mortgages

Explanation: The 'Hustle' program, also known as High Speed Swim Lane, involved Countrywide Financial allegedly selling 'toxic mortgages,' not high-quality ones, to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a major acquisition by Bank of America between 2004 and 2007?

Answer: Merrill Lynch

Explanation: Major acquisitions by Bank of America between 2004 and 2007 included FleetBoston Financial, MBNA, and LaSalle Bank Corporation. Merrill Lynch was acquired later, in 2008.

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What was Bank of America's commitment to community development announced in 1998?

Answer: A ten-year commitment of $350 billion

Explanation: In 1998, Bank of America made a significant ten-year commitment of $350 billion dedicated to supporting community development initiatives.

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Business Structure and Services

The primary financial services offered by Bank of America include commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bank of America's core financial services encompass commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking, serving a broad spectrum of clients.

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The Consumer Banking division accounted for the largest portion of Bank of America's total revenue in 2016, representing 38%.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2016, the Consumer Banking division was the largest revenue-generating segment for Bank of America, contributing 38% of the company's total revenue.

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Bank of America's Global Banking division includes Global Corporate Banking, Global Commercial Banking, and Global Investment Banking.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Global Banking division of Bank of America encompasses Global Corporate Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Business Banking, and Global Investment Banking.

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The Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM) division primarily manages the bank's operational infrastructure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM) division is responsible for managing the investment assets of both institutions and individuals, rather than the bank's operational infrastructure.

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The Global Markets division offers services such as trading financial securities and risk management using derivatives to institutional clients.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Global Markets division provides institutional clients with services including financial securities trading, market making, and risk management through the use of derivatives.

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Bank of America's Global Corporate and Investment Banking has its European headquarters in London and Asian headquarters in Tokyo.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bank of America's Global Corporate and Investment Banking has its U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, its European headquarters in Dublin, and its Asian headquarters in Hong Kong and Singapore, not London and Tokyo.

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What services are included within Bank of America's Global Banking division, according to the text?

Answer: True

Explanation: The Global Banking division provides essential banking services to businesses, including investment banking and lending products, encompassing Global Corporate Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Business Banking, and Global Investment Banking.

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Which division manages the investment assets of both institutions and individuals, including Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management and U.S. Trust?

Answer: True

Explanation: The Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM) division is responsible for managing the investment assets of both institutional and individual clients, encompassing entities like Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management and U.S. Trust.

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Which of the following are listed as primary financial services offered by Bank of America?

Answer: Commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking

Explanation: The primary financial services offered by Bank of America include commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking.

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What services are included within Bank of America's Global Banking division, according to the text?

Answer: Investment banking and lending products for businesses

Explanation: The Global Banking division provides essential banking services to businesses, including investment banking and lending products, encompassing Global Corporate Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Business Banking, and Global Investment Banking.

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Which division manages the investment assets of both institutions and individuals, including Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management and U.S. Trust?

Answer: Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM)

Explanation: The Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM) division is responsible for managing the investment assets of both institutional and individual clients, encompassing entities like Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management and U.S. Trust.

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Market Standing and Financial Performance

Bank of America ranks as the largest banking institution in the United States by market capitalization.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bank of America is the second-largest banking institution in the United States by market capitalization, ranking behind JPMorgan Chase.

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What percentage of Bank of America's total revenue did the Consumer Banking division represent in 2016?

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2016, the Consumer Banking division constituted 38% of Bank of America's total revenue, making it the largest contributing division.

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How does Bank of America rank globally by market capitalization, according to the provided text?

Answer: Second largest bank

Explanation: According to the provided text, Bank of America ranks as the second-largest bank globally by market capitalization.

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What percentage of Bank of America's total revenue did the Consumer Banking division represent in 2016?

Answer: 38%

Explanation: In 2016, the Consumer Banking division constituted 38% of Bank of America's total revenue, making it the largest contributing division.

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Operations, Leadership, and Infrastructure

Bank of America Corporation's primary headquarters are located in San Francisco, California, with auxiliary headquarters in New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary headquarters of Bank of America Corporation are located in Charlotte, North Carolina, with auxiliary headquarters in Manhattan, New York City, not San Francisco.

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Between 2011 and 2014, Bank of America reduced its workforce by approximately 10,000 employees to save $5 billion annually.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between 2011 and 2014, Bank of America aimed to reduce its workforce by approximately 36,000 employees to achieve annual savings of $5 billion, not 10,000.

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Starting around 2014, Bank of America prioritized expanding its physical branch network while reducing its mobile banking platform.

Answer: False

Explanation: Starting around 2014, Bank of America prioritized the expansion and enhancement of its mobile banking platform, which coincided with a reduction in its physical branch network.

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The DOD Community Bank provides banking services exclusively to Department of Defense employees in Washington D.C.

Answer: False

Explanation: The DOD Community Bank, a partnership between Bank of America and the Department of Defense, serves military personnel at installations globally, not exclusively employees in Washington D.C.

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Since 2015, Bank of America has organically expanded its retail presence into cities like Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Answer: True

Explanation: Since 2015, Bank of America has pursued organic expansion of its retail footprint, establishing branches in cities such as Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul where it previously lacked a significant presence.

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In April 2019, Bank of America announced a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour, aiming for $18.00 by 2021.

Answer: False

Explanation: In April 2019, Bank of America announced an increase in its minimum wage to $17.00 per hour, with a stated goal of reaching $20.00 per hour by 2021, not $15.00 and $18.00.

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Brian Moynihan has served as the Chairman and CEO of Bank of America Corporation since 2010.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brian Moynihan has indeed served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America Corporation since 2010, holding the CEO position for over a decade.

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Since 2015, Bank of America has expanded organically into cities like Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio.

Answer: True

Explanation: Since 2015, Bank of America has strategically expanded its retail footprint organically into various cities, including Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio, as part of its market growth strategy.

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Which of the following cities is mentioned as a location where Bank of America began organically expanding its retail footprint since 2015?

Answer: True

Explanation: Denver is cited as one of the cities where Bank of America initiated organic retail expansion efforts starting in 2015, alongside other markets.

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Who currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America Corporation?

Answer: True

Explanation: Brian Moynihan currently serves as the Chairman of the board and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America Corporation, holding the CEO position since 2010.

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What was the significance of the Bank of America Building at 69 State Street in Albany?

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bank of America Building at 69 State Street in Albany holds significance as the oldest continually operating bank building in the United States.

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According to the source, where are Bank of America Corporation's primary headquarters located?

Answer: Charlotte, North Carolina

Explanation: The primary headquarters of Bank of America Corporation are located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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What was the approximate number of employees Bank of America aimed to reduce between 2011 and 2014 as part of downsizing initiatives?

Answer: 36,000

Explanation: Between 2011 and 2014, Bank of America aimed to reduce its workforce by approximately 36,000 employees as part of significant downsizing initiatives.

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Which strategy did Bank of America focus on starting around 2014, leading to a decrease in physical branches?

Answer: Increasing its mobile banking platform usage

Explanation: Starting around 2014, Bank of America prioritized the growth of its mobile banking platform, which contributed to a reduction in its physical branch network.

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Which of the following cities is mentioned as a location where Bank of America began organically expanding its retail footprint since 2015?

Answer: Denver

Explanation: Denver is cited as one of the cities where Bank of America initiated organic retail expansion efforts starting in 2015, alongside other markets.

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Who currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America Corporation?

Answer: Brian Moynihan

Explanation: Brian Moynihan currently serves as the Chairman of the board and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America Corporation, holding the CEO position since 2010.

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What was the significance of the Bank of America Building at 69 State Street in Albany?

Answer: It is the oldest continually operating bank building in the United States.

Explanation: The Bank of America Building at 69 State Street in Albany holds significance as the oldest continually operating bank building in the United States.

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Corporate Responsibility and Public Controversies

In April 2018, Bank of America announced it would stop financing companies that manufacture military-style weapons like the AR-15.

Answer: True

Explanation: In April 2018, Bank of America declared it would cease financing companies involved in the manufacture of military-style weapons, such as the AR-15 rifle.

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In 2007, Bank of America offered rebates for purchasing electric vehicles and provided incentives for energy-efficient homes.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2007, Bank of America offered incentives for purchasing *hybrid* vehicles, not electric vehicles, and provided rebates for energy-efficient homes, alongside supporting renewable energy projects through an eco-friendly credit card.

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In December 2010, Bank of America began processing payments for WikiLeaks after Julian Assange threatened to release damaging information.

Answer: False

Explanation: In December 2010, Bank of America announced it would cease processing payments to WikiLeaks, citing activities inconsistent with its policies, following Julian Assange's threats.

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In March 2022, filmmaker Ryan Coogler was detained at a Bank of America branch after being mistakenly identified as a bank robber.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, in March 2022, filmmaker Ryan Coogler was detained at a Bank of America branch in Atlanta due to a mistaken identity, being wrongly perceived as a bank robber.

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Reports following the death of an intern in London in 2013 indicated that the intern had worked extremely long hours, typical for the bank.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reports following the 2013 death of an intern in London indicated that the intern had worked exceptionally long hours, reportedly until 6 AM for three consecutive days, a pattern described as typical for the bank's expectations.

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In 2023, Bank of America was accused of terminating customer accounts based on their political views, particularly affecting conservative causes.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2023, Bank of America faced accusations of terminating customer accounts based on political or religious affiliations, with particular attention drawn to alleged impacts on conservative causes and organizations.

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Bank of America faced criticism for allegedly handing over customer information related to January 6, 2021, events without legal compulsion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bank of America encountered criticism and a congressional inquiry for allegedly providing extensive customer data, including location and ATM usage information, pertaining to individuals in Washington D.C. around January 6, 2021, without explicit legal compulsion.

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What controversy arose in December 2010 regarding Bank of America and WikiLeaks?

Answer: True

Explanation: In December 2010, Bank of America announced it would cease processing payments to WikiLeaks, citing activities inconsistent with its policies, following Julian Assange's threats.

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In 2007, Bank of America partnered with Brighter Planet to offer an eco-friendly credit card that supported what?

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2007, Bank of America partnered with Brighter Planet to offer an eco-friendly credit card that supported renewable energy projects, alongside other environmental incentives.

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What controversy arose in December 2010 regarding Bank of America and WikiLeaks?

Answer: Bank of America refused to process payments to WikiLeaks.

Explanation: In December 2010, Bank of America announced it would cease processing payments to WikiLeaks, citing activities inconsistent with its policies, following Julian Assange's threats.

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In 2007, Bank of America partnered with Brighter Planet to offer an eco-friendly credit card that supported what?

Answer: Renewable energy projects

Explanation: In 2007, Bank of America partnered with Brighter Planet to offer an eco-friendly credit card that supported renewable energy projects, alongside other environmental incentives.

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