Today's News

WASHINGTON

The disagreements that led to the dismissal of a Federal Housing Finance Board member continue to roil the Home Loan Bank System. Page 3

REGIONAL

Colonial BancGroup of Alabama agreed to buy CNB Holding, Daytona Beach, Fla., for $28.5 million in stock. Page 5

COMMUNITY

In its latest attack on the Farm Credit System, the ABA is financing a newsletter designed to fight what it calls "unfair competition." Page 6

Home Port Bancorp of Nantucket, Mass., said it has uncovered a check- kiting scheme that could cost it more than $500,000 this quarter. Page 6

CORPORATE FINANCE

About $3.5 billion of junk-bond issues were priced last week, and $99.4 million flowed into high-yield mutual funds. Page 9

MARKET MONITOR

A TEAM of high-profile M&A specialists, including Richard J. Barrett, who headed the financial institutions group, is leaving UBS Securities for Donaldson, Lufkin &Jenrette. DLJanalyst Thomas K. Brown is leaving the firm amid talk that UBSanalyst Thomas H. Hanley may replace him. Page 39

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Sanwa Bank California plans to enter the 401(k) business via its fledgling proprietary Eureka fund family. Page 10

MORTGAGES

Investment bankers say several small to midsize mortgage originators are looking to sell even though the originations are booming. Page 18

CARDS

Veribanc said serious delinquencies on bank credit cards have hit an all-time high-2.13% of credit card outstandings in last year's fourth quarter. Page 20

TECHNOLOGY

Hypercom, still in the glow of its November initial public offering, has found it necessary to issue a profit alert. Page 24

Viewpoints

With the reform bill scheduled for a floor vote in the House on Tuesday, two CEOs on opposite sides of the issue present their cases. Page 11

WEEKLY REPORT: SMALL BUSINESS

Provident in Cincinnati plans to beef up its small-business offerings with a money market account, debit and ATM cards, and a daily fax service. Page 14