Hippocratic Oath for Bankers?

You know how every story has already been told before? I thought I had invented a noteworthy concept this morning when I decided that bankers should have the same obligation as doctors to 'do no harm'. How did we get to the state of play where those responsible for helping us save money and preserve our fortunes are the ones who actually degrade and abuse it?

I came to my Blogger Dashboard all enthused to write a 'socks-knocking-off' piece about how to revolutionise the world, only to discover that some guy got there first, in fact a whole year before me. But still, its a point well made that bears REPEATING! So check the link in my header.

Bankers should swear a Hippocratic oath to not harm their clients finances, and should be held accountable if their poor advice causes financial ruin. I am not expecting the markets to be hung, drawn and quartered every time an investment goes south. But how about some leading bankers stepping up to the plate and returning our faith in the system. Before we all start buying shotguns to protect the money we're hiding under our mattresses?

Ideally a governing body (like the FSA, perhaps, or a newly created more stringent version of it) would ensure that the oath becomes part of a new ethos for banking, trading and money lending. I am so sick of hearing about more ways to get into debt for things that the average human doesn't need, solely because governments rely on us constantly pumping money into the system to keep bad business going. Let's use our heads, not lose 'em!

No-one NEEDS to be a home-owner - but we all need a safe, secure, clean home environment.
No-one NEEDS to own a car - but we all need safe, clean public transport or sensible car-sharing options in rural locations
No-one NEEDS expensive white goods, black goods and luxury items to amuse ourselves and our children - but we all need access to education, healthcare, entertainment and employment.

Can't we teach our kids about being Singular Cake? Taking only what we need? And appreciating life's little luxuries, without needing instant gratification, all the time?

Just a heartfelt plea.