An early indication of the new boss's attitude came with his appointment last year of Hector Sants, former boss of the UK's banking watchdog, the Financial Service Authority, to head the Barclays' compliance department.

BBC: Barclays boss tells staff 'sign up to ethics or leave'

The Financial Ombudsman Service has official powers to sort out disputes between banks and consumers and holds the authority to order a bank to compensate customers in certain circumstances.

BBC: Claims advice for Ulster Bank and RBS group customers

The service, provided by Lake District National Park, was under threat due to financial cuts but the authority said it would start again in December.

BBC: Lakes daily weather service saved by sponsorship