Tracey McDermott, director of enforcement and financial crime at the FSA is quoted in the Telegraph:
“Despite being aware of the weaknesses in his division and growing problems in the economy, Cummings presided over a culture of aggressive growth without the controls in place to manage the risks associated with that strategy.However, do not shed too many tears for Cummings, Cummings left HBOS in 2009 with a payout of £600K; so he's still £100K up on the deal!
Instead of reacting to the worsening environment, he raised his targets as other banks pulled out of the same markets."