Today's News

REGIONAL BANKING

Shrugging off its defeat in the battle for Great Western, H.F. Ahmanson reported a 68% increase in net income for the second quarter. Page 4

COMMUNITY BANKING

After holding out for years, bankers associations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and Nebraska have voted this year to let thrifts in. Page 6

A Connecticut credit union is betting that its proposed expansion onto an Indian reservation that thrives on gambling will pay off. Page 6

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

KeyCorp and Banc One hired seasoned insurance company executives to help them expand fast in the business. Page 7

National City has put its private client group and its brokerage and investment bank under a new umbrella unit with an emphasis on sales. Page 7

WASHINGTON

Deposit insurance does not give banks a significant government subsidy, the final version of an OCC study concludes. Page 3

Commercial banks are far ahead of other businesses in preparing for the predicted worldwide computer snarls at the turn of the century, experts told a Senate panel. Subcommittee Chairman Robert F. Bennett cautioned that financial institutions must publicize their efforts to soothe customers. Page 2

CORPORATE FINANCE

Chase Securities was expected to price a $750 million private high-yield offering for Iridium LLC, a wireless communications company. Page 8

Continuing to build the syndicated loan arm of its acquisition finance group, Natwest hired a Credit Suisse executive. Page 8

MORTGAGES

Allegations of a realty scam in New Jersey have cast a shadow on the brokered loan business. Page 10

CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs

Five thrifts are responsible for two-thirds of their industry's delinquent credit card accounts, according to a study by Veribanc. Page 12

MARKET MONITOR

Activity was muted on Wall Street as investors took a wait-and-see approach amid a flurry of earnings reports on banks and other market sectors. Back page

First Merchants Acceptance is facing bankruptcy as its lenders cut their connection to subprime auto finance. Back page

William J. Shea, vice chairman, chief financial officer, and treasurer at BankBoston Corp., said he would resign. Back page

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