WASHINGTON
Community activists filed a protest against State Farm's bid for a thrift charter, accusing the insurance giant of discrimination. Page 3
REGIONAL BANKING
Bank prices have gotten so high that M&A executives at some very acquisitive banks are predicting a slowdown. Banc One's William P. Boardman says it's hard to see how acquisitions can work at such price levels. Still, he predicts at least one big one by yearend - probably in the Midwest. Page 4
Citicorp's putting all its advertising with a single agency is part of a long-term effort to strengthen the brand. Page 5
COMMUNITY BANKING
A marketing consultant in Tennessee is promoting an ad campaign around the theme "A Real Community Bank," and 13 state banking groups have given it their blessing. Page 6
In the age of acquisitions, community banks are finding it easy to snatch executives - and their expertise - away from competitors. Page 6
MORTGAGES
Lenders are gearing up for a November go-ahead from Texas voters to make home equity loans in the state. Closing costs would be limited to 3%, discouraging lending through brokers. Page 18
North American Mortgage has put its loan servicing operation on the market. The home lender is preparing to be bought by Dime Bancorp. Page 19
CORPORATE FINANCE
J.P. Morgan's rank among the top five syndicated lenders may rise or fall, but to its executives that movement is inconsequential. What counts over the long term is its blue-chip client list. Page 20
Credit Suisse First Boston is expected to bring to market this month $1.9 billion of loans to support CalEnergy's planned hostile takeover of New York State Electric and Gas. Page 20
CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs
CARD FRONTIERS: Netscape Communications has rallied support for a technical standard that could accelerate the use of smart cards as portable and secure personal-identification devices. Page 21
TECHNOLOGY
KPMG Peat Marwick is the second of the Big Six accounting and consulting firms to enter into an alliance with Microsoft. Page 23
MARKET MONITOR
Derivatives are being used to pep up the card securities market. Investment banks have been adding rate swaps to fixed-rate securities issued by Citicorp, Chase, First USA, and MBNA. Page 30
