If financial executives had been investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent, it might have sent a much needed message -- and beyond just the financial sector itself.

White collar, "banker's stripes" crime has too little attendant risk, and what risk does exist, is too often a financial risk that is dwarfed by the profits and furthermore paid by the institution rather than the individual.

Imagine if you could rob a bank, and when caught, pay 5 or 10% of what you gained and walk away.

Bank robbery would be a growth sector.