Just did 5 years history back in July for a gig i'm currently in, it's normal in regulated financial industries.
Had 5 years on a SC clearance complete with history in 2 different countries for a well known Gov Dept in 2016.
But wait there's more (shows you a set of steak knives) , in 99 in the city, pre dot.boom a 10 year , yes , you read that right a 10 year check on me old good self for a gig at an IB at the place in broad gate circle where they banned the ice rink because everyone was getting pissed on gluvine at lunchtime and coming back pissed with broken bits .........
It's only going to get worse, so ahem, keep records......... its useful.
I so remember the ice-rink and the inebriated office workers (me included) - happy days!