WASHINGTON
A former senior vice president of U.S. Bancorp filed a $9 million racial discrimination suit against the bank and three white employees. Page 2
Congress is taking longer than expected to appoint negotiators on financial reform legislation, making it doubtful that a compromise will be reached before the August recess. Page 2
Banks operating in multiple states charged about 14% more in monthly account fees last year than single-state banks, the Federal Reserve Board said. Page 2
VIEWPOINTS Page 6
COMMUNITY/REGIONAL
For the second straight year, California lawmakers have postponed a vote on a bill that would create a new state savings bank charter. Page 8
Bank trade groups are urging the Comptroller's Office to redefine "small bank" so that more institutions may qualify for streamlined CRA exams. Page 8
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
Huntington of Ohio is shooting for $1 billion in investment product sales next year. One innovation to meet the ambitious goal is a program that pairs branch employees with licensed brokers who act as sales coaches. Brokerage manager Rob Comfort says sales results this year indicate the goal is reachable. Page 10
The Department of Labor unveiled a guide to 401(k) fees, developed with the ABA, to help plan sponsors understand what they are paying for. Page 11
MORTGAGES
Higher interest rates continue to eat into the home lending business, according to the latest figures, but the housing industry seems undaunted. Page 9
CARDS
COncord, a processing network, said it has been selected as a technical adviser to the Food Marketing Institute on electronic payment strategies. Page 12
DIGITAL FRONTIERS
An Internet payment and electronic commerce company has bought the electronic bill presentment system of Northern Trust for $3.7 million. Page 13
Integral, a developer of risk management software, has released an extensible markup language for capital markets. It is supported by Chase and Sun Microsystems. Page 13
MARKETS
Riggs of Washington, an infrequent issuer of debt, plans to sell $200 million of floating-rate trust-preferred securities today, sources said. Page 22
Bank stocks surged, buoyed by a positive consumer price index report for June and solid earnings announcements. Back page
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