The European Union has announced plans for a new levy on banks, to ensure that future banking failures are not at the cost of taxpayers.
EU internal markets commissioner Michel Barnier says levies - which could be based on profits and bonuses - would be paid into a fund designed to protect financial stability and not to bail out banks.
The BBC reports the plans still have to be approved by EU finance ministers, heads of state and the G20 who will meet at a summit in Brussels next month.
A draft law would be proposed in early 2011 for approval by the European Parliament.
