The Diary has always enjoyed a debate with Shearman & Sterling's forthright finance guru Marke Raines, particularly when debating the finer points of the securitisation market.

After one particularly illuminating chat on the pros and cons of trade receivable issues, Raines enquired of your faithful correspondent if he could check any quotes that are attributed to the boy wonder.

The Diary, of course, assured our contact of our discretion. Raines shot back: "I'm not bothered about that, I just want to make sure you take out the swearing."