Remy W. Trafelet, a new partner at Kramer Spellman LP, a small private equity fund, built a reputation at Fidelity Investments by betting on the stocks of large bank. But the boyish-looking 26 year old says small-cap financial stocks will dominate this year. Page 18
WASHINGTON
The Federal Housing Finance Board handed over responsibility for setting the salaries of the 12 Federal Home Loan Bank presidents to their boards of directors. Page 2
The banking industry's long battle to shield itself from liability for environmental cleanups on foreclosed properties may finally be over. Page 2
REGIONAL BANKING
Analysts predict that it won't be long before some of the Northeast's largest savings institutions are caught in a wave of acquisitions. Page 4
COMMUNITY BANKING
A Minnesota community bank is taking advantage of industry consolidation to enter a niche dominated by big institutions: correspondent banking. Page 6
No longer divided over deposit insurance issues, Maryland's banks decided to let the state's thrifts become equal members of the Maryland Bankers Association. Page 6
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
One of the most prominent female executives in the U.S. private banking business is resigning from Bank of Boston. Page 7
John Nuveen, a mutual fund company best known for its tax-free bond offerings, is stepping up a fledgling effort to pitch stock portfolios to bank customers. Page 7
TECHNOLOGY
Telephone banking growing steadily, and the industry is scrambling to meet the quality standards that consumers expect over the phone. Page 11
CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs
Idaho's Home Federal Savings is entering the health insurance business through a new debit card alliance, offering a Visa check card those who have medical savings account programs through their employers. Page 12
CORPORATE FINANCE
Just as banks are pouring resources into providing midsize companies with capital markets access, some experts are sounding cautionary notes. Page 17
MARKET MONITOR
It was a banner year for bank stocks in 1996, with shares at large and small ones outperforming a strong bull market, according to the American Banker bank index. Back page
Bank stocks continued to languish, as positive economic data refueled interest rate anxieties. Back page
