Today's News

WASHINGTON

The Treasury Department proposed delaying part of its nationwide electronic benefits transfer program for up to a year to give banks more timeto prepare. Page 2

COMMUNITY BANKING

acquisition prices have climbed so high that many independent-minded community bankers are using complex evaluation programs before judging whether to sell. Page 6

CORPORATE FINANCE

NationsBank's anticipated $4 billion collateralized loan obligation would be the first large issue of its kind by a U.S.-based bank. Page 7

Gleacher Natwest wrapped up a $420 million junk bond offering for an Australian mineral exploration company. Page 7

REGIONAL BANKING

Walter A. Dods Jr., the ABA president, showed off TV commercials that would anchor the first industrywide campaign in 15 years. The idea is to attract younger and richer customers and spruce up banks' stodgy image. "Older, less educated, lower income-can we build a brighter future in banking with those groups?" Mr. Dods asked. Page 4

MORTGAGES

Fannie Mae's president challenged U.S. mortgage bankers to look abroad for growth. Page 8

A Boston federal court was expected to rule on the fairness of a $10 million settlement of a class action against Ford Motor's mortgage arm over alleged kickbacks to brokers. Page 8

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Quick & Reilly will expand its no-load fund supermarket, adding "hundreds" of funds. Page 10

Fortune magazine has proclaimed that "it may finally be time to take bank-sponsored mutual funds seriously." Page 10

TECHNOLOGY

The National Automated Clearing House Association is considering rules changes that it says can save banks as much as $3 billion by 2000. Page 12

CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs

BankAmerica's merchant processing arm announced its first acquisition deal since going public last year. Page 14

MARKET MONITOR

Most bank stocks fell, but shares of Mercantile Bancorp. in St. Louis rose amid rumors of an imminent takeover. Back page