In due course we will see the outcome of these charges. In the meantime It is worth looking at the trading position of Barclays and RBS. RBS obtained considerable state aid from the UK Government and to date is still showing losses. As at 31st December 2016 RBS declared a loss of £4082mill. This compares with Barclays declaring a Pre Tax Profit of £3230mill for the year ended 31st December 2016.
Without being controversial it is interesting that Fred Goodwin escaped any punishment whatsoever while overseeing a collapse of RBS whilst certain former Barclays officials who managed to keep their Bank afloat without state support face a difficult future.