The rumours that Hillary Clinton wants to be the next president of the World Bank — whispered about by a bunch of people I know in Washington for the last few weeks – have now gone public thanks to Reuters, and though they’ve also been publicly denied by her camp, I can’t help keeping my fingers crossed. After all, if she did want/get the post, and Christine Lagarde does succeed in her quest to head the IMF, think what this will do to the image of bankers around the world! Certainly more than any of the spin doctoring Goldman et al have tried so far.

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And even more than that: think what it would do for the idea that you can be a woman financier, tough and intelligent, and care about how you look at the same time! In both cases, it would be a transformative situation — and a major opportunity, from a stereotype-smashing, changing-public-opinion point of view.

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After all, to have Clinton and Lagarde — smart, blonde, clearly image-aware – at the top of two global financial institutions would be the ultimate stereotype-smashing communication device; a series of “show, don’t tell” moments.

Ms Lagarde in particular has been unapologetic about her interest in fashion: she is often a fixture at Chanel ready-to-wear shows, and was the number one nominee in a poll I conducted a few years ago for “Best-dressed businesswoman.” Meanwhile, Mrs Clinton’s struggles with hair and wardrobe are pretty well documented, and her current relaxation into a longer-haired, softer, style, complete with practical trouser suits and sparkly evening gowns, indicate a growing self-confidence: she wears what she wants and what works for her.

Together they would put an end to the endless parade of men in dark navy suits that occur whenever the world’s bankers get together, brightening up the photos and embedding an alternative narrative in the public’s mind. In that respect, at least, it’s an opportunity worth someone’s weight in gold. Even at today’s prices.