The chief executive for the Americas sent an email to London saying the programme needed to "evaluate if its returns and strategic benefits are... still commensurate with the potential to cause very serious or even catastrophic reputational damage to the group".

BBC: Standard Chartered shares plunge on laundering charges

He handled his son's drug problem very successfully, and defused matters before they inflicted serious political damage.

BBC: Is Blair a butcher?

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on very serious economic and financial time-bombs, the potential damage from which dwarfs all other concerns.

FORBES: Beware The Financial-Political Complex

While no serious chart damage occurred Wednesday, the gold market was very likely psychologically damaged by the mammoth sell off.

FORBES: Comex Gold Plummets on Profit-Taking, Weak Long Liquidation; No Serious Chart Damage Inflicted

If the U.S. stock indexes push and close below very strong technical support levels at their August lows, then that would produce serious chart damage to the stock indexes and suggest more downside pressure for them in the near term.

FORBES: P.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Comex Gold Hammered Lower on Strong U.S. Dollar, Lower Crude Oil, Margin-Call Selling

"However, perceptions are just as important, and in that regard, serious damage has been done to the idea of Israeli deterrence, which may be very hard to rectify, " he added.

MSN: Analysis: Netanyahu risks overplaying hand in Iran dispute - Business - Stocks & economy | NBC News

"It only became an offence a very short time ago as victims dared speak up about the damage it caused them and people woke up to how serious it was, " she said.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | French test 'chemical castration'