If there were a reality television series starring European financial celebrities called “I’m a banker, get me out of here”, competition would be intense. But Alessandro Profumo, UniCredit chief executive, would be a survivor. He has led what is now Italy’s largest bank since 1997 and the board has just confirmed his appointment for another three years.

During the financial storm European bank boards broadly prefer continuity. Deutsche Bank, for example, has begged Josef Ackermann to stay on as chief executive for three years beyond his planned retirement next year.