I know at least two guys who are getting paid closer to £1000 a day to work in London for a bank. The money is pretty much insane imho, and the guys tells me the 'talent' is just like anywhere else - ie most people are meerly compentent (but still getting paid £500 plus a day). Even graduates with zero experience are taken on at £300 a day or more.

He seems to better than competent, and so has managed to negotiate a much higher rate.