Today's News

WASHINGTON Community bankers are worried the Justice Department has decided to overturn a policy that lets them offer MasterCard as well as Visa products. Page 2 The Small Business Administration has decided to abandon recently imposed restrictions on its largest loan program. Page 2 COMMUNITY BANKING A Florida thrift and finance company has abandoned plans to buy a bank or thrift in California, finding the prices too steep. Page 6 A struggling Chinese-American-owned bank in California is being recapitalized with $12 million in fresh equity. Page 6 CORPORATE FINANCE J.P. Morgan, in its largest underwriting of equity, has won a spot as co- lead manager for Swiss Telecom's $3 billion to $4 billion privatization. Page 8 KeyCorp plans to open six commercial real estate offices by August to take that business national. Page 8 REGIONAL BANKING BankBoston is ready to make acquisitions and will be looking at capital market and asset-management companies, says CEO Charles Gifford. The bank examined the New York securities firm Oppenheimer & Co. but decided not to pursue a deal. "It was not a good fit," he said. Page 4 INVESTMENT PRODUCTS Where do most wealthy women go for investment advice? To their husbands, according to a study released by U.S. Trust. Page 7 CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs Visa drew on the past and present for inspiration as directors from around the world convened in Hawaii this week. Page 12 A jump in bank card transaction volume, related to a change in its merchant mix, boosted Nova Information Systems' cost of service in the first quarter. Page 13 TECHNOLOGY First Union's home banking program is among six banking-related innovations that are finalists for annual awards given by the Smithsonian museums and ComputerWorld magazine. Page 14 ON-LINE BANKING: Companies wanting to conduct business-to-business commerce over the Internet may benefit from a set of electronic purchasing specifications being tested by American Express. Page 15 MARKET MONITOR Banc One has raised eyebrows among investors by saying that absorbing First USA may cost much more than originally anticipated. Back page A small mortgage company in South Florida is making a big splash on Wall Street, with its share price rising 80% in its first week of trading. Back page