Lunchtime Links: It's ok, Goldman will be paying LOTS of tax

In a move that's probably a Goldman PR's dream, it has become known today that Goldman Sachs will be making a substantial contribution to the British Exchequer this year.

According to Financial News, the bank will be paying a total of $1.8bn in UK corporate taxes, enough to pay for several hospitals or multiple duck islands.

Goldman's generosity may go some way to offsetting the probably small tax contribution from BofA Merrill Lynch, given that Merrill's very large losses in 2008 were expected to exempt it from UK corporation tax for many decades to come. It will also be welcome on a day when it emerged that the year to date total UK tax take is down 20% on last year and all the rich people want to live somewhere else. Who knows, it may also make Goldman bankers feel a little more comfortable when it comes to embracing conspicuous consumption.

Goldman's little trading huddles. (DealBook)

Lloyd Blankfein was once a fat smoker. (Time)

French banks might defer up to 66% of bonuses. (Les Echos)

FSA's spot checks on banker contracts. (The Times)

10% pay rise at the FSA. (Telegraph)

Buy Michael Page. (The Times)

Interns and the vending machine challenge. (The Times)

Greed and the other seven deadly sins. (Wilmott)

Banks' share prices may yet double again. (Alphaville)