So it is unsurprising that much of the media - and many of you in the comments you leave here and on Twitter - say that it would be little short of a scandal if the bank's senior executives were to receive big pay awards when bonuses and longer-term performance rewards are decided early next month.

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As is common for senior Apple execs these are not options or direct stock awards but restricted stock.

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Senior arts figures take the opportunity to speak out at the awards against government cuts, prompting a response a few days later from Culture Secretary Maria Miller.

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"The awards will act as a unique barometer of consumer confidence and satisfaction online, " said Sandra Alzetta, Senior Vice President at Virtual Visa.

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