Today's News

CORPORATE FINANCE

NationsBanc Montgomery, BankAmerica's investment banking subsidiary, is expanding its coverage of the retailing industry. Page 3

REGIONAL

CCB Financial of Durham, N.C., said it will convert half its 201 traditional branches into high-powered sales centers to boost revenues. Page 5

COMMUNITY

The long-running feud between Utah's banks and credit unions is nearing an end. Page 6

Breaking ranks with Oklahoma's largest banking trade groups, some community banks are pushing to end the state's restrictions on branching. Page 6

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

The new Wells Fargo is shaping its approach to managing private client services by borrowing practices from both its predecessor companies. Page 8

WASHINGTON

The Treasury and insurance industry groups are blasting Senate Banking Committee Chairman Phil Gramm's latest proposal on financial reform. The Treasury labeled the Gramm plan "unacceptable," and Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin's efforts at compromise have been rebuffed. Page 2

CARDS

Providian Financial agreed to purchase GetSmart, an Internet service that matches consumers with loan products, for $33 million in cash. Page 10

First Data has apparently scored a major merchant processing coup by signing Paymentech to an outsourcing contract. Page 10

Europay International renewed the sponsorship agreement that links the MasterCard and Eurocard brands to the European soccer championships. Page 11

TECHNOLOGY

Six of Canada's largest financial institutions are putting their own stamp on the Transpoint electronic bill presentment service in a consortium called e-route. Page 12

With three profitable quarters behind it, Net.Bank is beginning to market itself aggressively in the mainstream media. Page 12

MARKETS

As many as 10 banking companies may be in for a price boost through addition to the S&P 500 stock index, a Wall Street analyst says. Back page

Dutch insurance giant Aegon said it will buy Transamerica of San Francisco for about $9.7 billion. The deal would make Aegon the third- largest life insurance company in the United States. Back page

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