The SEC has endured much criticism of its practice of bringing big headline cases and then settling them for cash payments from corporations, without punishing any of the humans involved.

FORBES: Another Judge Rejects No-Admission, No-Denial SEC Settlement

In practice, defining the difference between reasonable criticism and improper influence may prove every bit as difficult as drawing a precise line between perception and reality.

BBC: Perception and reality

Mr Duxbury said he accepted the criticism but also noted the report highlighted some instances of good practice and referred to notable improvements.

BBC: Birmingham City Council child protection 'inadequate'

In recent years criticism of banking secrecy has centred on the risk of money laundering, the practice of disguising funds from illegal sources by passing them through secret accounts until their origins can no longer be traced.

ECONOMIST: Filthy lucre is out, clean lucre is in

People who do not practice and learn new skills never gain a proper sense of proportion or self-criticism.

FORBES: Why Apprenticeships Are the Fastest Way to Acquire Skills

As we exclusively revealed in November 2012 this is on top of criticism by the Independent Police Complaints Commission who found there was a "wanton lack of intrusive enquiries, poor practice and woeful record keeping" within Durham Police's firearms licensing unit.

BBC: Who controlled the use of guns in County Durham?