Today's News

WASHINGTON

Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin rejected community group demands that any financial reform bill extend the CRA to securities and insurance firms. Page 2

COMMUNITY

The financial reform debate in Washington is reverberating in Wisconsin, where banks and thrifts have joined forces to lobby for a new state charter. Page 6

In the battle between executives and employees over what is appropriate work attire, some bankers have found a charitable compromise. Page 6

CORPORATE FINANCE

While REITs have found liquidity in the investment-grade market, other realty companies have had no trouble funding themselves in the junk bond market. Page 7

REGIONAL

CITICORP, though regarded as a standard-setter in global branding, still has a long way to go, said William I. Campbell, executive vice president. He said a "cultural shift" is needed in the way Citibank employees around the world relate to customers and the way those customers respond to the brand. Page 4

MORTGAGES

Fannie Mae is approaching the halfway point in its effort to provide $1 trillion in affordable housing financing by the end of the century. Page 9

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

AIM Capital Management, Houston, went on the road to publicize to brokers its international and global mutual funds. Page 10

CARDS

A New Orleans conference was a milestonefor the Electronic Transactions Association, a trade group for merchant-acquiring middlemen. Page 12

TECHNOLOGY

Accrue Software is shipping an enhanced version of its analytical software that helps corporations analyze the effectiveness of their Web sites. Page 15

MARKETS

As acquisition prices hit record levels, bankers say they are reemphasizing internal growth as a way to boost earnings. Back page

Chase and Continental Airlines signed an eight-year contract for a cobranded credit card. Back page

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