To judge by the way politicians and regulators are striving to outdo each other, banker bashing will surely become a recognised sport at the London Olympics by the year 2012.

Chancellor Alistair Darling took an early lead in the contest after declaring plans to raise tax and national insurance rates for individuals earning over £150,000 to 51%. His points tally rose dramatically as tax lawyers confirmed last month that a stream of financial professionals are starting to leave the country.