Today's News

WASHINGTON

House Banking Chairman Jim Leach said he is optimistic that a version of financial reform legislation acceptable to bankers will be enacted in 1999. Page 2

REGIONAL

BankAmerica plans to sell a significant chunk of its Asian consumer banking business a move that would affect more than 1,000 jobs. Page 4

COMMUNITY

Patterson Bank in Georgia goes all out for Christmas, even setting up an oversize toy train to give children rides on its front lawn. Page 5

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

A St. Louis-area bank founded to lend to businesses is now looking to compete in personal trust administration. Page 6

Mutual fund regulators are raising the thorny issue of fee disclosure again. Page 6

CARDS

Household International's U.K. unit, HFC Bank, has muscled into the top 10 among credit card issuers in Britain. Household of Illinois has teamed with British Gas to issue the "Goldfish" card, which gives rebates that can be applied toward gas and telephone bills. Page 8

After four years as Capital One Financial's senior vice president and chief financial officer, James M. Zinn said he will leave the company Jan. 31. Page 9

MORTGAGES

Attracted by the potential profits in residential construction lending, commercial banks are looking to technology to reduce the risks of the business. Page 7

TECHNOLOGY

Wachovia has traced a major increase in enrollment in Internet banking to a comprehensive marketing campaign launched in April. Page 11

State Street has tapped a six-year veteran, John A. Fiore, to become chief information officer. Page 11

CORPORATE FINANCE

Though the junk bond market has come roaring back to life, it remains an expensive source of credit for many companies. Page 21

As former Citicorp lenders and Salomon Smith Barney try to form a cohesive corporate bank, Citi's syndicated lenders are planning to move in with their Salomon cohorts. Page 21

MARKETS

The new Firstar is starting to look a lot like the old Star Banc. Page 22

With Dresdner Bank on the prowl for a U.S. banking partner, industry observers say J.P. Morgan is the most vulnerable, but hardly the only prospective partner. Back page

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