geestah - have the recruiters and networks actually told you there is a specific senior opening for a financial controller position at a bank? or was it more that they would keep your details on file until something suitable came along?
I think that part of the problem is twofold: (1) there may be very few senior controller positions out there in the market (as opposed to say IBD) and (2) most (if not all) of senior controllers would not be looking to make a move this close to the bonus cycle.
A combination of the type of role and the seniority of the role is the hindrance I think.
If you can hang on till Feb next yr i'm sure the more senior guys will leave or relocate and there should be opportunities then. Good luck!