Scott Adams (Dilbert) has a blog and on it he recently wrote about banks.  I found myself nodding when I read the following:

As a general rule, you can usually assume that someone is trying to screw someone else whenever you find these two elements working together:

1. Complexity
2. Money

Complexity is how evil schemes are hidden from the public. Complexity is what caused so many people to get mortgages they couldn't afford. Complexity is how hedge funds hide their treachery. Complexity is how the derivatives debacle was possible. Complexity is how your financial manager can get away with charging you for doing nothing. Complexity is why you don't know if you can get a better deal with another phone carrier.