Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nick Goodway: Look out, HSBC's called in the crime-busters

Nick Goodway
Wednesday 30 January 2013 19:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Outlook Bang. Crash. Clunk … the sound of doors being slammed shut at HSBC long after the Mexican cocaine-dealing money launderers have fled.

Just look at the advisers to the newly created and snappily entitled Financial System Vulnerabilities Committee. These include the former head of the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency Bill Hughes, the former head of HMRC Dave Harnett, and former FCO counter-terrorism expert Nick Fishwick. Be afraid, be very afraid.

There are no details of what these top crime-busters will be paid for attending at least four meetings a year. Of course, in relation to last year's record $1.9bn, a few grand a year to such elite advisers is but a mere bagatelle.

And don't forget former US deputy attorney general Jim Comey Jnr, as a new non-executive director. I'm sure he will be worth every penny of his £125,000 fees when it comes to smoothing things with the Feds next time.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in