Today's News

President Clinton is expected to sign it this week. No ceremony is planned. Page 2

JUST 17% of the nation's 50 largest banks with Web sites have privacy policies that meet FTC principles, according to a survey by regulators. Page 3

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON and Bank of America are hoping to create a market for private debt placements by technology companies. Page 5

AS OTHERS EXIT the factoring business, Bank of America is adamant about keeping the service on its menu. Page 6

AN OHIO banking company that says it was the victim of fraud has been sued by a shareholder. Page 7

TEXAS VOTERS said "yes" to reverse mortgages, but HUD has yet to say it will insure them. Page 8

SCHLUMBERGER's smart card applications have extended to parking meters and gambling casinos. The card producer also is bringing out a wireless pay phone that is said to be especially suitable for emerging markets. Page 14

INVESCO is planning to add 10 broker-sold funds to its lineup. Page 10

A MASSACHUSETTS thrift has added a twist to its on-line banking strategy: micro branches reminiscent of the old Fotomat kiosks. Page 11

DEUTSCHE BANK plans to consolidate its automated clearing house processing systems in 10 European countries into a single system. Page 12

AN INTERNET research firm says search engines are losing popularity among veteran Web surfers, which could spell trouble for portal advertisers. Page 15

THE RECOVERY of bank stocks in recent weeks reflects optimism that the economy is headed for a "soft landing" but some say the rally is misleading. Page 22

MOST BANK STOCKS fell on Tuesday as investors fretted over internal accounting controls in the nation's top banks. Back page