One would think that after the Lehman Brothers Mini-bonds incident, things would have changed on the banking floors here. However, if my sister's experience yesterday at a reputable local bank was anything to go by, not much has changed on the ground.

I see dark clouds again.

She went to the bank to deposit my niece's savings in a fixed deposit but was approached by a male banker who tried to convince her to put the money in a "bond" which would supposedly give her a 5% return instead. He told her that there was no lock in period and that the 5% return was better than the 1% which the one year fixed deposit would pay in interest... Waiting for more information? You would be disappointed. Now, how many aunties and uncles would have taken up the offer right there and then? Well, my sister asked questions! Good on ......