Today's News

WASHINGTON

A federal regulator warned bankers to be prepared for potential economic upheavals. Page 2

Fed Governor Roger W. Ferguson Jr. said he does not expect the millennium computer bug to disrupt banks in Europe or Japan. Page 2

REGIONAL

Dime Bancorp, Astoria Financial, and GreenPoint Financial all reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year operating earnings. Page 5

COMMUNITY

An Atlanta-based company plans to introduce bank cards to the unbanked. Page 6

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Huntington Bancshares of Columbus, Ohio, is the latest banking company to use its brand name to promote its mutual funds. Page 8

A NEWchairman and president were appointed for Boston Co., Mellon's high-net-worth and institutional investment subsidiary. Page 9

TECHNOLOGY

The eight U.S. and European banks that formed a digital certification group last fall have hired a CEO, moving them a step closer to opening for business. Their choice, Guy Tallent of Chase, said the global trust organization is weeks away from some significant announcements. Page 12

Thirty-two financial institutions are linking their Web sites to an Internet-based version of Intuit's popular tax preparation software. Page 12

MORTGAGES

Mellon's mortgage division, which was put on the block last week, is expected to fetch more than $1 billion as the giant loan servicers - and maybe some midsize players - skirmish for market position. Page 11

Fannie Mae plans to offer homebuyers two options for reducing mortgage insurance costs. Page 11

CARDS

Groupe Ingenico, a Paris-based manufacturer of terminals for card systems, is hoping to go head-to-head with the U.S. giants in the industry thanks to a pending deal with Groupe Bull. Page 14

CORPORATE FINANCE

Some bankers in syndicated lending are paying for the rough third quarter with smaller or flat yearend compensation packages. Page 25

MARKETS

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a specialist in analysis and investment services for banks, is expanding its research to insurance. Page 26

More than ever, investors are being forced to read between the lines in the earnings reports issued by the biggest banking companies. Back page

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