WASHINGTON
A former SEC commissioner is recommending a different approach for regulating financial services firms. Page 4
REGIONAL
The close of the Norwest-Wells Fargo merger will be only the beginning of the real test for executives from the two banks: the creation and integration of a unified banking and financial services organization. Page 6
COMMUNITY
Thirteen Northwestern banks raised $5 million for a development fund to increase commercial space along a corridor linking Washington and Idaho. Page 7
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
PNC Bank Corp. said it will give 401(k) plan clients on-line access to their accounts by early next year. Page 9
MORTGAGES
Amresco took a $51 million charge in the third quarter reflecting its sale of home equity loans and a commercial mortgage portfolio reevaluation. Page 13
SPECIAL REPORT
The fourth annual supplement on the business of selling insurance through banks spotlights an often ignored player - the customer. Many marketing programs are still focused on products. Articles look at customer life cycles and the related product needs. Pullout section
CORPORATE FINANCE
The extended volatility in the high-yield bond market has taken many institutional investors by surprise. Page 17
TECHNOLOGY
Good infrastructure will permit complete integration of the Bank of America and NationsBank systems in two years, the merged companies' technology chief predicted. Page 20
CARDS
Bracing for a rough patch in the credit cycle, Providian Financial jettisoned more than 500,000 unprofitable credit card accounts. Page 29
MARKET MONITOR
ANALYSTS expect more job reductions at J.P. Morgan after its move to cut 80 of its emerging-markets employees. Page 37