It has been a big year. It'll be hard to top that one but I look forward to more excitement in the world of financial services in 2010. I'd like to thank Citi for their very predictable share performance throughout the past year or so and nice to see those Tarp funds magically reappearing. Better get the rest of them sorted before the jig is up.

Congratulations to Santander on their predicted performance. There is no guarantee that next year won't bring a few new surprises.

I see a storm coming for mobile transaction providers which mightn't effect everyone, although quite a few might vanish as a result. It shouldn't put everyone off the whole mobile idea though.

I see the internet is still just as insecure, kinda like online banking, your identity and privacy - an illusion. Don't worry it'll be governments to the rescue - they have tax issues and will soon start to care exactly who gets all the money they'll be printing to stop us drowning.

Thank goodness those pesky 30 year mortgages have all but disappeared - how would we tactfully refuse to lend on all those waterfronts? If my understanding is correct then the warming thing is beyond the ability of the current economic system so there'll be some adjustments sooner than you think. Might be a good time to stock up that cabin on the high ground.

On the Bumometrics - DNA front - "discrepancies between technological advances and their mathematical interpretation had meant the system needed to be reviewed." - That is another way of saying the numbers quoted and the assumptions were rubbish - it seems it isn't what it was cracked up to be after all (and that is without criminals or police cooking up or substituting others' dna at crime scenes.)  Look for a total collapse in DNA identity and evidence next year. What snake oil will those security and identity theft experts cook up for us next? I can't wait for the saffron coloured browser bar - that seems like it would be really secure.

I won't be writing anything until the New Year so if you see anything from me it'll be a phantom, kinda like the reverse of some the posts I actually have written which disappeared. I noticed a glitch in the system today where it showed I'd commented on something I hadn't so perhaps it is a good time to change my password and make an exit.

I hope the bonus issue doesn't cast too much of a shadow over anyone's  Christmas festivities. I'll look forward to being just as much of a smart-ass next year and will try to be right as usual.

I wish all finextra readers a very merry Christmas if you celebrate it and if not - the enjoy the holiday (from the Christians).

Best regards

Dean