Just drove home from visiting a local branch of a National Bank and was reflecting on the difference I experienced between today and approx. 35 years ago.

Let me explain.

About 35 years ago, I knew my bank manager by name and could call him on the phone any time and tell him my needs, whether it be a loan, transfer of funds etc. and it would get done.

I remember one time in particular, when I was waiting to catch a flight for home the day before New Years Eve and had forgotten to withdraw funds for a night out with my wife.

I called him and told him of my problem.

No problem!

He took money out of my account and told me to drop by his house when I got into town.

Problem solved.

Fast Forward to today.

I went to the same local branch (do not know the bank manager from Adam/Eve - seems they change them just like the weather) and needed some help with a small loan I was co-signing for my son - it really was no big deal.

I saw a young lady who proceeded to give me reams and reams of papers to sign. She wanted to know everything about me and my son (not quite down to the colour of my underwear, but just about.)

When I asked why all the paperwork, she informed me that it was the banks system to try and prevent as much fraudulent activity as possible

She then asked me to forward her copies of my two latest tax returns.

At that I told her to forget it and walked out, deciding to loan my son the money myself.

Hope you all see the irony!

Good Luck to all!