If the Royal Bank of Scotland knew what toxic loans the ABN Amro Bank had on their books, they probably wouldn't of wanted the takeover either.

By EEyin Rankin (Glasgow, Scotland) | January 22, 2009 3:52 PM

Its never to late to rectify thinks.
After all ABN AMRO ( Netherlands + abroad can be selectively rebuilt at much lower cost.
Shareholders sold at the pick for EUR 38 a share they can be called in to pay a fraction of it to pay together with the government RBS to get what is necessary back cheaply !!

By Dimitri Anagnostopoulos | January 22, 2009 5:34 PM

What does it know now?
Also, how come it did not know it then?
Is it not their job to know such matters?
May be that is what the inquiry should focus on!!

By r | January 22, 2009 11:42 PM

If a man/woman breaks into your property and takes money from you, you call the police and he/she is prosecuted.

Suppose a man defrauded a group of people, then went to the casino and placed everything on a game of Blackjack. He lost all his money, so he went to the Ministry of Finance and asked them for more money. What do you think they would say?

The next day, the same man goes back to the Ministry and tells them that he has developed a sophisticated computer model, which has extrapolated a whole range of expected probabilities and risks. He believes if the Minisrty gives him money and he applies this model it will result in a win:win scenario. Would you think the Ministry correct in giving him money?

The next day this man is offered a job as CFO of the nation's bank.

By M | January 23, 2009 11:02 AM