Today's News

WASHINGTON

contradictory missives from two Democratic lawmakers stand out as the National Credit Union Administration sifts through nearly 400 comment letters on its credit union membership proposal. Page 2

REGIONAL

James W. Lokey has become the latest in a string of Downey Financial CEOs to be shown the door. Page 4

Commonwealth Mortgage Assurance said it would merge with Amerin Guaranty in a deal valued at more than $650 million. Page 4

CORPORATE FINANCE

As Deutsche Bank moves in on one of Donald Trump's lenders, another German bank is financing what may be the New York mogul's most ambitious project to date. Page 5

COMMUNITY

Trust Company of New Jersey said it plans to set up branches in 40 A&P supermarkets. Page 6

MORTGAGE TECHNOLOGY

Companies that provide software and support to mortgage servicers are steadily losing business or showing little growth, as more lenders shift to in-house systems. Page 10

MORTGAGES

A secondary market program that provides loan sellers with an alternative to government-sponsored enterprises is gaining steam. Page 11

CARDS

Honor Technologies, the Florida-based electronic funds transfer network, is raising its interchange fee. Page 13

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

INSURANCE: Bank One has become the first in the nation to be given a state license to share half the risk taken by underwriters of mortgage insurance, up from the previous 25% limit on banks. Page 14

TECHNOLOGY

Neil Godfrey is not very popular with some bankers because his company, E-Funds Corp., threatens revenues from check-processing operations. Page 16

DIGITAL FRONTIERS

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE: America Online's proposed acquisition of Netscape Communications would likely rev up the companies' relationships with financial institutions, experts say. Page 17