The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that TD Bank's money-laundering debacle in the United States is a shock because it is so out of character for Canadian banks. The Globe's Rob Carrick writes that TD now needs to reassure both clients and investors that it can still compete. TD pleaded guilty to charges related to money laundering and agreed to pay more than $3-billion (U.S.) in fines to U.S. authorities. While the financial blow is manageable, the impact on TD's trustworthiness is harder to settle. Some bank customers may be feeling uncomfortable about the bank's lapse and wondering what to do about it. A decline into laggard status among the Big Six would be an acute embarrassment. However, a more competitive TD might decide to offer aggressive interest rate discounts on mortgages or lines of credit, or be willing to offer interest rate bumps on guaranteed investment certificates. There may also be room to deal on some fees and charges. Based on historical precedent, TD is due to increase its quarterly dividend. A dividend hike typically reflects a stable, growing business with additional wealth to pass along to shareholders. TD will very much want to project itself as just that kind of company.