Today's News

WASHINGTON:

THE COMPTROLLER's office is proposing to simplify the capital calculation that determines investment limitations for national banks. Page 2

PROFESSIONAL BANK of Denver took an unusual approach to a Fed notice charging it with operating in an unsafe and unsound manner. It ignored it.

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FINANCE:

THE OCC has issued new examiner guidelines for banks' activities in emerging markets. Douglas E. Harris, deputy comptroller for capital markets, has said compensation packages rewarding high returns may subject banks to unreasonable risk.

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THE FED let six months pass between interest rate cuts this year. That won't happen next year, according to several economists. Indeed, bankers should brace for a string of rate cuts from the central bank to offset a softening economy and diminishing inflation. Back page

COMMUNITY BANKING:

GEORGIA's longtime banking commissioner has weighed in on the state's controversial intrastate branching fight - though grudgingly. He says he now supports full statewide branching.

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CHICAGO'S first Hispanic-owned community bank is expected to receive its charter today and open next week.

MORTGAGES:

A SUIT FILED by borrowers in Atlanta has raised fears among home lenders that they may be held liable for a broker's failure to disclose settlement fees. Page 8

MUTUAL FUNDS that invest in mortgage-backed securities are wrapping up a banner year.

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INVESTMENT PRODUCTS:

MARKETING ONE, a leading provider of brokerage sales support to banks, is downsizing after losing a contract with Wells Fargo.

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CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs:

A MARKETING consultant is urging credit card banks to do much more over the Internet than simply receive applications. Page 12

HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL, issuer of the GM MasterCard, will cobrand a corporate MasterCard with Carlson Wagonlit Travel, one of the world's largest travel agencies. Page 12

TECHNOLOGY:

C.C. PACE SYSTEMS is testing software that interfaces with Freddie Mac's automated underwriting system. Page 15

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