Today's News

REGIONAL

Amid a swirl of systems conversions, branch sales, and competitive pressures, First Union is putting thefinishing touches on its integration of the former CoreStates Financial. Page 4

INTERNATIONAL Page 5

COMMUNITY Page 6

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Banks must make a serious entry into the asset management business by acquiring mutual fundcompanies, write Rainer Famulla and Michael Schultzof Andersen Consulting. Page 8

An executive vice president at Independent Financial Marketing Group has left the full-timeposition to serve as a consultant to the New Yorkthird- party marketer. Page 8

WASHINGTON

On the eve of the Senate Banking Committee vote on financial services reform legislation, a pro-bankcompromise emerged that committee members areseriously considering, lobbyists said. Page 2

Thrifts earned a record $2.1 billion in the second quarter, up 12% from the first quarter and 24% more than a year earlier, an Office of Thrift Supervision report found. "It's been a good year," said OTS director Ellen Seidman. She ratedthe industry's overall health at "more than an eight" on a zero-to-10 scale. Page 2

CARDS

Wireless credit card terminals are getting mixed reviews from the merchants who buy them. Page 9

MORTGAGES Page 10

DIGITAL FRONTIERS

ONLINE BANKING: The Integrion on-line banking consortium has passed a milestone: One of its owners has signed up for its electronic bill payment and presentment system. Page 11

Facing the common question of how to make Web site visitors return, North Dallas Bank and Trust turned to Ignite Sales' MoneyMatch program. Page 11

TECHNOLOGY

NACHA is getting tougher as an enforcer. It will for the first time impose financial penalties for misuse or noncompliance. Page 12

CORPORATE FINANCE Page 21

MARKETS

THE EQUAL Employment Opportunity Commission said it found reason to believe that Freddie Macdiscriminated against black employees. Page 22

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