Are you looking for a loan to buy a car or set up a business? Don't ask someone of the opposite sex, according to a 10-year study which found that male bank staff offer women worse interest rates and repayment terms – and vice versa.The research, by Cass Business School, part of City University London, found that borrowers are charged higher interest rates and receive smaller loans from bank staff of the opposite sex. On average, borrowers paid 0.35% to 0.4% more for a loan, and the repayment period was around 4% shorter, when the decision was taken by someone of the opposite sex.