The fintech firm raised its 2026 gross profit forecast to $12.63 billion while preparing a large payment to authorities. The preliminary agreement with the US Department of Justice stipulates a payment of approximately 764 million dollars in the event of a violation of the Bank Secrecy Law and deficiencies in the system to combat money laundering. The case is expected to be resolved by dismissing the lawsuit. For the payments business, controlling transactions and complying with financial regulations are just as important as profit growth. The payment is also evident against the background of the quarterly financial results. Unlike development costs, it is related to claims against previous control procedures. For the fourth quarter, Block expects gross profit of $3.32 billion. Growth and legal costs reflect different aspects of the business: increasing turnover does not eliminate regulatory risks. Until the agreement is completed, the payment remains a condition of an initial agreement, and not a completed arrangement with the state. Ξeconomics.