Credit Suisse is reportedly about to pay the equivalent of around $2.5 (1.8 billion euros) to various US authorities in a long-running tax case. br br The bank – Switzerland’s second largest – would plead guilty to charges that it helped American clients evade US taxes with accounts under false names.br br Financial news media are quoting sources as saying a settlement could come as early as next week with a rare guilty plea by a major bank.br br Analysts expressed surprise at the size of the payout. br br Currently 14 Swiss companies are facing US criminal investigations into tax evasion.