Today's News

REGIONAL

A study by Fleet and the Radcliffe Public Policy Institute concluded that paying attention to quality-of-life issues can boost productivity. Page 5

COMMUNITY

Ambanc, a $760 million-asset banking company in Vincennes, Ind., has retained an investment bank to attract potential buyers. Page 6

MORTGAGES

HOME EQUITY: General Motors Acceptance's mortgage arm, RFC, hopes to establish secondary markets in countries from the United Kingdom to Japan. Page 8

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Banks could BE on the front lines if investors challenge the SEC's adoption of plain-English prospectuses, a Bank Securities Association official says. Page 10

Bisys Group, a distributor for over 60 bank fund families, wants to expand its fund-services clientele beyond banks. Page 11

CORPORATE FINANCE

BT Wolfensohn's work for Felcor Suites Hotels is the latest example of its real estate merger advisory prowess. Page 12

DIGITAL FRONTIERS

SMART CARDS: Dan A. Cunningham has been named president and chief executive officer of the Smart Card Industry Association. Page 14

CARDS

Visa U.S.A. has introduced a credit card for upscale consumers, its first definitive new product of this type since the gold card. Page 16

TECHNOLOGY

Broadway & Seymour joined a consortium of companies in the customer information systems business. Page 19

MARKETS

More analysts are likely to raise their recommendations and earnings estimates for Capital One Financial as the stock skyrockets. Page 26

Hubco, a Mahwah, N.J.-based banking company, will further its reach in the Northeast with deals to buy two thrifts for more than $400 million. Back page