Amid all the disconcerting promises from our financial institutions to clean up their act, become more accountable and care for their customers, the Margin is relived to see that one at least has not changed its spots.

AIB this week notified customers of "changes and enhancements" to the fee/charge structure on current accounts. One of the changes is that customers can avail of free banking by keeping the account in credit to the tune of £400 or more throughout each quarter. What it fails to mention is that, at the moment, AIB customers can avail of the same facility with a credit balance of only £100 . . . some enhancement!