Barclays, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup are among 16 financial firms that have copped heavy fines from U.S. regulators

The firms have been fined 1.8 billion dollars together after staff were caught talking about deals on their personal devices.

It found that staff were discussing business matters like debt and equity deals with clients and other third-parties.

It’s believed they used text messages or Whats-App, in a scandal that’s one of the biggest caught by U.S. regulators.

Federal rules require these businesses to protect their business communications.

But authorities believe the companies ability to oversee financial markets, and comply with rules was compromised.