Getting into your late 40s can be a dangerous time if you work in private banking.

Crueller HR departments often seem to offer Dignitas as a career option when you approach the Big 50.

If you haven’t got a limpet-like sinecure in senior management, employers can start asking whether you can be replaced by younger—and cheaper – people.

The antidote of course is to have a solid base of clients who are very loyal to you. If the employer still wants to downsize you, can you ho...