REGIONAL BANKING
CoreStates Financial broke ranks with the other banks caught in an allegedly fraudulent loan participation by suing Signet Banking, the lead bank in the $324 million syndication, to recover its losses. Page 4
COMMUNITY BANKING
Bankers' banks - the late 1980s alternative to traditional correspondent banks - are no longer growing at the hot paces set during the 1980s, but industry observers say that's merely an indication they have matured. Page 6
California's Valley Independent Bank is hoping the third time's a charm in its quest to acquire its closest rival - Bank of the Desert, which is situated 100 miles away. Page 6
WASHINGTON
Congress gave banking a gift when it spurned President Clinton's last-minute plea on behalf of the thrift fund bailout bill. But lobbyists aren't kicking back to enjoy their victory just yet. Congress is now assembing 1997 budget legislation and the White House is expected to mount a full-court press to include the thrift bill in it. Page 2
In passing the 1996 budget bill, lawmakers dealt banking a blow by removing a provision limiting the amount of direct lending to students by the government. Page 3
MORTGAGES
Freddie Mac has added services to its electronic network that allows lenders to quickly verify employment and annual salaries for mortgage applicants. Page 8
CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs
National City lost a top executive and smart card expert over disagreements about the bank's focus on magnetic stripe cards. Page 11
Trans Union won a round against the FTC in a fight over the right to sell mailing lists. An appeals court ruled the FTC would have to go to court to enforce its 1994 ban on credit bureaus making such sales. Page 12
TECHNOLOGY
California-based Treasury Services and a Japanese investment banking firm have devised a software product to help analyze and manage derivatives risk. Page 13
FINANCE
Salt Lake City's Zions Bancorp. stock appears to be on the rise again, boosted by an impressive first-quarter earnings report and optimism about the Utah economy. Back page
Less than a year after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Texas' FirstCity Financial is preparing to sell $100 million worth of performing real estate loans. Back page
