WASHINGTON
Great Western Financial has been wrestling for 13 months to get the OCC to rule on its applications for two new bank charters. How much progress has the agency made? Not much, says the bank. Page 2
While some regard the Supreme Court ruling in the Barnett Banks case to be the last word on the banking-insurance debate, others contend that the decision will only ignite further discussion. Page 3
REGIONAL BANKING
Regulators may be concerned about the risks related to foreign exchange trading at large banks, but analysts say small and medium-size institutions are more likely to get into trouble. Page 5
TECHNOLOGY
A new study predicts that the number of North American banks with sites on the Internet's World Wide Web will more than triple, hitting about 900 by the end of 1997. Some 285 banks said they already have their own Web sites. By the 2000, the study says at least 500 banks will be offering advanced home banking services over the Net. Page 16
With its chairman planning to retire in June, the Brussels-based Swift bank communication network is shuffling several top-level executives. Page 16
COMMUNITY BANKING
At least one analyst is predicting that Cole Taylor Financial Group - which has been hamstrung by internal feuds - will more than likely be acquired by a large bank holding company. Page 6
Come July 1, Virginia hopes to make itself more appealing to out-of- state banks by dropping all restrictions on out-of-state directors at state-chartered banks. Page 6
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
Trade group endorsements can make it easier for banks to locate a brokerage partners, but they have no bearing on whether the bank and broker are compatible. Page 8
A top Securities and Exchange Commission official expects that a rule establishing more simplified mutual fund prospectuses could be in place within a year. Page 9
MORTGAGES
Barnett Banks has shifted its mortgage program into a new consumer lending unit and has named a highly regarded business banker as its boss. Page 10
CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs
In an effort to diversify, National Commerce of Memphis has completed the acquisition of a firm that provides fuel cards and processing services to the trucking industry. Page 14
FINANCE
U.S. corporations are more worried about the credit risk of their derivatives counterparties more than any other issue, according to a newly released survey. Back page
