But unlike the painful memories of 2008 big banks are holding their own (for now) considering the pressures, and at least some of the reason behind the relative stability has to do with: (brace yourselves) recent regulations.

FORBES: Big Banks May Be Down But Don't Count Them Out

That then is the case for the defence and for now the government is holding firm, but these situations are more often than not determined by political pressures rather than the specific facts.

BBC: Questions over attorney general