Bankers have regulators over a barrel – but reform is in their own self-interest

The financial services industry has never had a reputation for saintliness. But its recent behaviour suggests that it is taking arrogance, cynicism and breathtaking selfishness to new levels.

The financial services industry has never exactly basked in a reputation for saintliness. But its behaviour over the last few weeks suggests that, in this financial crisis, it is taking arrogance, cynicism and breathtaking selfishness to new, and previously unimaginable, levels.

The banking system may still just about be financially solvent. But on recent evidence, it is morally and intellectually bankrupt. Unless the City and Wall Street wake up to the growing public revulsion at their response to the calamity they have unleashed, they should prepare themselves for an almighty backlash that will sweep away many of the freedoms that they have abused for so long.

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Simon Nixon

Simon is the chief leader writer and columnist at The Times and previous to that, he was at The Wall Street Journal for 9 years as the chief European commentator. Simon also wrote for Reuters Breakingviews as the Executive Editor earlier in his career. Simon covers personal finance topics such as property, the economy and other areas for example stockmarkets and funds.