FWIW I've worked in global top50 bank on a non-critical team (nothing we did affected real bank balances or transactions) and nothing of the sort you're describ

FWIW I've worked in global top50 bank on a non-critical team (nothing we did affected real bank balances or transactions) and nothing of the sort you're describing was happening there. The rules were followed, even if they were extremely painful for developers. In fact, they were main of the reasons people left the bank - they just wanted to go someplace where their hands aren't tied as much. So, I guess there are good banks and bad banks.