WASHINGTON Back-Door Approach To New Bank Powers? The Senate Banking Committee chairman, Alfonse M. D'Amato, has laid the tracks for what one bank lobbyist called "the coming train wreck." With the introduction of a bill to eliminate the thrift charter, the rancorous debate that consumed the House Banking Committee in the past few months will move to the Senate. Sen. D'Amato conceded the bill is a "starting point," listing more than a dozen major issues to be worked out. November 20 18268 In August, when the FDIC cut premiums by 84% to an average of 4.4 cents, it cited the Bank Insurance Fund's historical losses. But this month, when premiums were cut to less than half a cent, there was less talk of history and more about the 1.25% reserve ratio set by law. Graphic: 1x3 mac, p. 1 November 21 18507 The past few years' easing of lending standards "has virtually ceased," the Fed found. Banks have tightened guidelines for commercial real estate and residential mortgage lending and are less willing to make new consumer loans, according to a quarterly survey of loan officers. November 22 18556 REGIONAL BANKING Two Bankers Succumb To Another Kind of Risk Robberies aren't the only mortal dangers for bankers. Two Banc One employees, their infant daughter, and a visitor were killed Nov. 19 in their Columbus, Ohio, home. One of the slain was a customer-service rep whose sexual-harassment complaint led to the firing 14 months ago of the man now accused in the slayings. November 22 18561 First Interstate formally rejected Wells Fargo's latest, sweetened bid, while leaving an impression that the takeover battle was far from over. The target's chairman said it would have been open to a deal if a slightly higher price had been offered. Meanwhile, the bank reaffirmed its resolve to merge instead with Minneapolis' First Bank System. November 21 18513 First Bank System said Wells Fargo "overstated cost savings and understated revenue losses" that would follow if Wells won the bidding war for First Interstate. First Bank also took out full-page ads warning that a Wells buyout would "could be a disaster for California," since more than 10,000 Californians could lose their jobs. November 20 18278 COMMUNITY BANKING Nonbank Lenders Seen Making Country Inroads In farm lending, the traditional rural bank has lost market share in the past five years. Equipment manufacturers and the Farm Credit System, offering convenience and competitive rates, have made dramatic strides. Graphic: p.1 poster, agriculture bankers report card November 20 18254 Overcapitalized thrifts across the country are hoping to follow the lead of a Cincinnati institution. Enterprise Federal Bancorp cut its excess capital by handing out a taxe-free dividend of almost $3 per share. The IRS is expected to release terms of its go-ahead in December. November 21 18514 Poised to take advantage of a strong economy and an infusion of high- tech money, Oregon's community banks could be on the verge of an unprecedented period of growth. November 22 18552 Fear of the unknown and a rapidly changing marketplace are driving community bank directors back to classrooms and seminars in record numbers. The demand for training is spawning a cottage industry of consultants, according to the American Association of Bank Directors. November 22 18542 CREDIT UNIONS Members Say Offerings FallShort of Their Needs Even among their own members, credit unions have an image problem. Many take a dim view of the institutions' management skills, range of offerings, and convenience. Graphic: 2x4 mac, p. 20 November 20 18258 A sweeping review of the Credit Union National Association will reportedly proceed even without its instigator. Officials who fired trade group president Ralph Swoboda were said to have seen the project as a threat to their power. November 20 18279 The board of the National Credit Union Administration has tentatively approved a regulation that would force credit unions to take a long, hard look at potential risk before making investments. November 20 18261 CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs Cobranding Coup for Household International Household International, which rose to credit card prominence through alliances with General Motors and other cobranding partners, has bought U.S. West Communications' credit card portfolio from U.S. Bancorp of Portland, Ore. November 22 18539 If the experience in Arlington County, Va. is any indicator, Visa and MasterCard have their work cut out for them in getting local governments to accept their cards for tax payment without trying to impose surcharges. November 21 18496 American Express signed a letter of intent with MCI Communications to offer student identification cards to colleges and universities across the country. November 20 18274 INVESTMENT PRODUCTS Marketing 401(k) Plans To Tiny Businesses Stepping in where many other banks have refused to tread, the Bank of California has begun offering a 401(k) plan to businesses with as few as five employees. Graphic: 1x3 mac, p. 6 November 21 18495
