WASHINGTON
Banks should finalize their year-2000 computer testing plans by June 30 and begin testing by Sept. 1, according to new guidance from federal regulators.,Page 3
compliance costs account for about 13% of the average bank's noninterest expenses, according to a Fed study.,Page 3
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
experts are divided over whether the Citicorp-Travelers merger will make life tougher for mutual fund houses that sell through the two firms. Page 4
The merger would make Citicorp a major league team in the brokerage business., Page 5
DIGITAL FRONTIERS
SMART CARDS: With characteristic speed, Verifone named Robin Abrams CEO within two weeks of the retirement announcement of predeccesor Hatim Tyabji. Her law degree and banking background make Ms. Abrams unique among technology company CEOs.,, Page 14
COMMUNITY
Four months after its offer to buy Chicago's North Bancshares was rebuffed, Success Bancshares has taken its case to North's shareholders. Page 7
Silicon Valley Bank of California has opened an office near Chicago to serve emerging technology firms in the Midwest.,Page 7
MORTGAGES
HOME EQUITY: A San Juan Capistrano, Calif., financial adviser is alleging in a lawsuit that Fannie Mae, the AARP, and HUD conspired with lenders to monopolize the reverse mortgage market.,Page 10
CARDS
The two big mergers this week involve four of the giants of bank credit cards, all intent on reclaiming a place in the merchant-acquiring end of the business.,Page 15
MARKETS
stocks of midsize banks maintained their momentum as investors bought shares on merger anticipation for the second straight day.,Back page
Investors snapped up bank bonds with continued relish the day after two mega-size bank mergers were announced.,Back page
