One of my lads was asking  -  all the money wiped off shares, property values, pensions and investments, where is it?

Problems for banks should not have been that difficult to predict, she says with the advantage of hindsight! They have been thwarted at every turn from getting money out of consumers:
No more single premium PPI paying huge commissions – FSA rules have rendered that old chestnut unsaleable by making banks tell the truth about what it costs and what is doesn’t cover.
BACS payments are now instant so there is no three day period for dabbling with client money on the markets.
Free banking is expected without minimum deposit – I wonder how much longer that will last?
Compensation for unreasonable bank charges is being sought left, right and centre.

These are just the main headlines! So with income streams melting away and a ‘credit crunch’ to contend with along with rebellious consumers, banks are struggling. One major investment bank has lost more in the last six months than it made in the last ten years apparently – and we are expected to entrust them with our money! Some finanical institutions are refusing to let go of our investments too. Have they had it good for too long? Are mattresses better places to put your money? Certainly, now more than ever, consumers should get independent advice.