Today's News

WASHINGTON

The OCC is preparing to issue an advisory letter telling how it will supervise bank insurance sales. Page 3

It's still a hot war between the bank and insurance industries despite the scaling back of a controversial financial modernization bill. Page 2

REGIONAL BANKING

The Bank for International Settlements says worldwide overcapacity is forcing the pace of bank consolidation. Page 4

Wells Fargo acknowledged it will miss a Dec. 31 deadline for closing 120 branches in connection with its First Interstate merger. Page 5

CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs

An open secret at Europay's membership meeting in Seville, Spain, was the strained relations between its executives and those at MasterCard, its 12% owner. Ron H. Williams, just retired as Europay CEO, presumably is steamed about the meeting's other big gossip: MasterCard's talks about supporting Mondex, a smart card system he reviles. Page 18

COMMUNITY BANKING

Most small banks and credit unions face difficulty over a new law requiring payment data be sent electronically to federal contractors. Page 6

Indiana's Irwin Financial is getting out of the CD brokerage business, which it decided no longer fits its strategy. Page 6

MORTGAGES

A significant change in consumer sentiment is behind unexpectedly strong home sales so far this year. Page 8

A two-year rearrangement of business lines by United Cos. appears to be paying off for shareholders in a rising stock price. Page 8

COMPLIANCE

Two small Florida banks found out after spending thousands that community protests aren't just big-bank problems and certainly aren't cheap. Page 12

When the Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group meets Monday, know-your- customer rules will take center stage. Page 13

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Citicorp will waive the sales charge for a month to attract assets quickly to its new family of mutual funds. Page 17

TECHNOLOGY

Maintaining confidence in the payments system becomes more complex as payment mechanisms advance technologically, writes William McDonough. Page 20

FINANCE

Advanta told the SEC it may use the proceeds from up to $1.5 billion of debt issues to acquire credit card and home equity loan portfolios. Back page

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