WEEKLY REPORT: SMALL BUSINESS
KeyCorp customers seeking government contracts can now get E-mail or a beeper message thanks to the bank when something turns up. Page 13
FUTUREBANKER
Bankers who want to compete with Web brokers are seriously considering offering Internet-based IPO services. The goal, apart from flaunting high- tech flash, is to build image among investors who want in on the ground floor of the next Microsoft or Dell. But is it a good idea? Magazine
WASHINGTON
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CORPORATE FINANCE
Surviving the next economic downturn is expected to be one of the hot topics of discussion when lenders and credit risk professionals meet in San Antonio for Robert Morris Associates' annual fall conference. Page 7
COMMUNITY BANKING
When 600 agricultural lenders meet in Milwaukee for their national conference, talk is likely to range over everything from increasing Farm Credit System competition to trans-genetic crops. Page 9
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
To sell more mutual funds through banks, brokerage firms, and insurance companies, Fidelity Investments created another class of no-load shares in its Advisor family. Page 10
MORTGAGES
Texas voters gave home equity lending a thumbs-up when they supported legislation repealing a century-old ban on such loans. Page 15
TECHNOLOGY
Security First Technologies' decision last week to sell its two-year-old bank subsidiary is a sign that Internet banking is moving past its first stage of development. Page 17
CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs
ProCard introduced an Internet-based commercial credit card management system. Page 24
MARKET MONITOR
Sophisticated investors who have profited from bank stocks for years are saying it's been a great ride, but it's time to get out of the sector. Page 33
Some Advanta bondholders are said to be considering challenging the proposed sale of the company's credit card portfolio to Fleet. Page 40