Many of Freeman's investors are now pursuing a multi-million pound compensation claim from the FSA. The regulatory body has also been accused of being negligent in its monitoring of Northern Rock, the financial institution which ran into trouble last year.

The risks posed to bankers and traders are not confined to Britain.

In early March, US businessman Bernard Madoff, former NASDAQ stock exchange chairman accused of running a massive Ponzi scheme that cost billion-dollar losses for investors, had to wear a bullet proof vest as he arrived at a New York court.

Madoff's attire and the increased protection surrounding other traders and bankers is an indication of mounting anger that may be difficult to restrain given the countless people that have been affected, directly and indirectly.

Worry before G20

As the G20 London summit approaches, a number of protests are expected in the city. Many will voice their anger at the government and bankers who they see have caused the current economic crisis.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with global bank leaders earlier this week in London to discuss reform of the regulatory system and governance of financial services.

The British public are increasingly furious about the lack of governance of embattled financial institutions, as billions of pounds of taxpayers' money has been spent to bail them out.

Long term social unrest may also become a graver concern for the authorities as unemployment rises and more people suffer from financial difficulties.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2009)