NATIONAL/GLOBAL STILL REELING from an investigation into a securities fraud, Republic New York again postponed a shareholder meeting to approve its buyout by HSBC Holdings. Page 5 COMMUNITY/REGIONAL
SILICON VALLEY Bancshares reported banner earnings and improved asset quality but startled analysts by revealing that it is operating under a Federal Reserve supervisory order. Page 8
BANKS IN SIX STATES will no longer have to pay to use a logo that brands them "a real community bank." Page 8 INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
LAST WEEK produced the biggest percentage drop in the equity market in 10 years, but bank brokerage executives said they are ready to deal with any customer fallout. Page 10
ALLIANCE CAPITAL has chosen a bank partner to promote its funds in Norway, where most mutual fund sales are through banks. Page 10 MARKETS
SOVEREIGN plans to raise an additional $350 million to fund its deal for 268 branches from Fleet Boston. Jay S. Sidhu, CEO of the Pennsylvania thrift company, had told analysts last month that it would finance the deal with $1.4 billion in common equity and debt. In part, the increase will be used to help capitalize the branches. Back page
THE FAST-GROWING American International Group is likely to buy Japan's Nippon Credit Bank if the price is right, analysts said. Page 22 ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
GLOBESET introduced its latest wrinkle in electronic wallet technology, saying it offers increased security and is easy to use. Page 11 SMART CARDS
HIBERNIA is joining the select club of U.S. banks that are testing the smart card waters, beginning with 30 employees. Page 12
LITRONIC said it has a $500,000 order from the Defense Department for a digital authentication system based on smart cards. Page 12 TECHNOLOGY
BANK OF AMERICA has begun offering corporate customers nationwide the ability to call up images of their checks. Page 13 ON-LINE BANKING
TWO SOFTWARE companies active in the U.S. electronic commerce market have signed contracts with the biggest bank in the world. Page 15
