Who is Chris Cummings, chief defender of allegations that bankers are greedy and selfish?

The City of London badly needs an exponent. Bankers are still deeply unpopular. As of yesterday they stand accused of instability, greed and selfishness by a veteran fund manager who thinks:

The City is made up of many selfish people who are encouraged by management, and management's approach to remuneration, to develop egotistical tendencies.

Step forward Chris Cummings. As new chief executive of TheCityUK Cummings is tasked with convincing the public and world at large that bankers are really nice people engaged in activities of benefit to the wider society.

Who is Cummings? What are the indications that he'll be predisposed to success?

1) A Yorkshireman

Cummings' early origins in Yorkshire are shrouded in mystery. Having started work at 20, it's unlikely he went to university. Instead, he started work for Mercer aged 20.

2) A person with limited respect for authority

According to FTAdvisor, Cummings thought of joining the army, but decided against it on the grounds that he had a 'problem with authority.'

3) A professional runner of professional organisations

Before joining TheCityUK, Cummings spent five years running the Association of Independent Financial Advisors where he 'successfully lobbied the FSA on a number of issues.' He's also held 'senior positions business strategy and development' at the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries.

4) A former management consultant

Cummings spent two years working for PWC as a management consultant.

5) Not an investment banker

Cummings has not worked in investment banking. He has, however, spent a year as marketing director for Sun Bank Plc.

Given that investment banks and investment bankers are in particular need of a makeover, Cummings' apparent lack of understanding of the industry could prove a weakness. Then again, maybe bankers' virtues are best extolled by an outsider originating from far beyond the Home Counties.