[candiodari]

Actually given the size of these institutions I find the amounts fined staggeringly low. None of these institutions is remotely in danger of losing even one year's profits because of this.

That's how you should judge this. The "highest fine ever" is $700M on a profit of $13400M (after tax) according to their financial report. Or something like $2k for someone making $100k yearly (again calculated as 4% on after tax).

None of these institutions are in any danger of serious consequences. This is a "1% less hookers at the christmas party" punishment.