The financial meltdown has hit the world's most prominent gabfest which kicks off in Davos today. Last year's event included Bill Gates, Bono and Queen Noor (pictured above) but this year's guest list looks less salubrious.

As the International Herald Tribune reports, they won't be serving up caviar this year. The number of A-list bankers attending has been cut and many financial institutions have slashed their entertainment budget. American International Group has dropped its top-tier sponsorship and for good reason too. Lloyd Blankfein, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs, is sending his deputy. Merrill Lynch's John Thain was scheduled to make an appearance but he has since resigned from Bank of America, which bought Merrill Lynch. Ben Bernanke won't be there. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his Treasurer Wayne Swan were to attend but they have given that the flick because of the depth of the crisis.

And don't expect to see Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Bono. This is not the time to give yourself a name as a latter day Marie Antoinette.