While the last year hasn't exactly been uneventful when it comes to the banking and finance sector, the last couple of weeks has seen even more economic turmoil around the globe. Call it what you like - credit crunch, squeeze, even (shhh!) recession - it seems to be getting worse...
Across the pond the problems just keep growing, with the US government taking control of mortgage 'giants' Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, bailing out insurer AIG, and leaving investment bank Lehman Brothers to collapse into insolvency.
Here in the UK the banks and building societies have been dealing with Lehman Brothers' fallout; Barclays in particular picking up some of the American firm's assets to bolster its international standing.
The biggest news, however, came on Thursday when Lloyds TSB was allowed to defy the established rules on commercial competition and rolled up HBOS like a big ball of financial Blu-Tac. By adding the companies under the Halifax Bank of Scotland umbrella to those it already runs, the super-bank now deals with a reported third of the UK's banking customers. Which, in the current climate, may not be such a good thing...
Here at bdaily we were wondering how our readers felt about the new uber-bank. Have you become a surprise customer of Lloyds TSB? Are you with another bank, and worried about the impact on your savings?
This week's Friday Poll asks: How do you feel about the new Lloyds Trustee Savings Bank Halifax Bank Of Scotland megabank?
I was with HBOS, so I'm glad my money's safe
I think ignoring the competition rules sets a dangerous precedent
I think it was the most responsible option
I don't care what they do, as long as my savings are secure
I've kept my money under the mattress since Northern Rock cracked
Feel free to let us know exactly what you think of the new superbank - just leave your comments at bdaily.info. If you want some more background on the issue, the BBC has put together one of their comprehensive breakdowns.
The Government in it's infinite wisdom has seen fit to pump £billions of taxpayers money into a financial system which brought these problems upon itslef, but wouldn't stump up £25 million to save Rover Cars, which would have been much cheaper and probably saved more jobs per £ spent.
