"We owe taxpayers a huge debt of gratitude for assisting us at a critical time," Pandit said in Citi's earnings release Monday.

    Of course, Pandit has an easier task than Blankfein in the sense that Citi's governance couldn't get worse than it did in the bubble days. Back then, the firm ended up loaded with toxic investments and prominent board members professed total ignorance.

    Still, Goldman has been all over the map. Blankfein issued a vague apology late last year for the bank's role in the subprime crisis, not long before he infamously told a British newspaper Goldman was doing "God's work."

    And though Goldman has highlighted its support of pay reform measures such as clawbacks and bans on guaranteed bonuses, in one way its corporate governance is behind the times. Blankfein continues to serve as chairman and CEO, even as the trend in recent years has been toward independent board leadership.

    At a time when every decision at the firm is going to come under scrutiny, that conflict doesn't look like a winner in the eyes of the public.

    "The issue for Goldman directors is whether they have been able to control the agenda," said Bloxham. "Directors must be asking, can we do our job?"

    Given Goldman's unsteady response of late, it's hard to believe the answer is yes.