The Co-op Bank
Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 7:20 pm
This story fits into the "if you wrote a novel with this plot it would get thrown out for being unbelievable" category.
The Co-op Bank is allegedly the leading ethical bank in the UK. In 2009 the Reverend Paul Flowers, a Methodist Minister was appointed as Chairman of the Co-op, a couple of years after the global finance collapse.
A Methodist minister for decades, just the sort of bloke you want to run your local, friendly, ethical bank you would have thought. Oh no, oh no.
Apparently what has since transpired is:
1. The only banking experience Flowers had had prior to being made chairman of the Co-op was when he worked in a bank for 4 years after leaving school 40 years ago. He studied part of his Institute of Banking certificate before concentrating more on matters spiritual.
2. After he resigned/ was shoved from the Co-op in May, it appeared there was a 1.5bn black hole in the bank.
3. Flowers, interviewed by the Finance Committee recently appeared to believe that the total assets of the Co-op were ?3bn when in fact, it was ?37bn.
4. The Rev. was videoed allegedly buying crystal meth and coke in the last week or so.
5. The FSA are responsible for ensuring the "fit and proper person" for bank staff is effectively monitored.
In 2010 Ed Miliband appointed Flowers to the Labour party's Finance and Industry Board!
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. There isn't any hope, is there?
The Co-op Bank is allegedly the leading ethical bank in the UK. In 2009 the Reverend Paul Flowers, a Methodist Minister was appointed as Chairman of the Co-op, a couple of years after the global finance collapse.
A Methodist minister for decades, just the sort of bloke you want to run your local, friendly, ethical bank you would have thought. Oh no, oh no.
Apparently what has since transpired is:
1. The only banking experience Flowers had had prior to being made chairman of the Co-op was when he worked in a bank for 4 years after leaving school 40 years ago. He studied part of his Institute of Banking certificate before concentrating more on matters spiritual.
2. After he resigned/ was shoved from the Co-op in May, it appeared there was a 1.5bn black hole in the bank.
3. Flowers, interviewed by the Finance Committee recently appeared to believe that the total assets of the Co-op were ?3bn when in fact, it was ?37bn.
4. The Rev. was videoed allegedly buying crystal meth and coke in the last week or so.
5. The FSA are responsible for ensuring the "fit and proper person" for bank staff is effectively monitored.
In 2010 Ed Miliband appointed Flowers to the Labour party's Finance and Industry Board!
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. There isn't any hope, is there?