Today's News

WASHINGTON

Seeking to extend risk management to compliance exams, the Federal Reserve Board has adopted a new program that focuses more resources on banks that violate consumer protection laws. Page 2

REGIONAL BANKING

Washington Mutual's Kerry Killinger says he'll be looking for Florida thrifts next year. "We see tremendous opportunity," he says, "particularly as NationsBank and Barnett merge. We've traditionally done very well when big commercial banks combine." Page 6

COMMUNITY BANKING

An Indiana thrift is trying to send a not-so-subtle message that out-of- towners aren't welcome on its board. Page 8

A South Carolina bank is taking an unusual route to Columbia, the state capital. Instead of branching in or buying a bank or thrift their, First Bancorp. aims to start a new national bank in town. Page 8

TECHNOLOGY

Three months after First Data teamed up with Microsoft in electronic billing, bankers have clarified their thinking about the deal: They are worried. Page 10

J.P. Morgan is streamlining the way data flows through its computer networks, using a technology known as "event explode." Page 12

CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs

First Data Solutions formed a marketing alliance with Dun & Bradstreet, the business information service. Page 14

CORPORATE FINANCE

The $9 billion acquisition of Salomon Brothers by Travelers Group would create a securities titan, but the outlook for the lending strength of the merged institution is less clear, lenders say. Page 19

MORTGAGES

Fleet Mortgage Group, the fifth-largest originator of home loans, is hoping to prove that lenders can make money simply by originating conventional mortgages. Page 21

Housing demand will tumble in the next decade because people in their 20s have been slow to form households, right? Wrong, says a new study; immigrants and minorities will take up the slack. Page 22

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Union Bank of California's new investment chief is overhauling services for wealthy individuals and institutions, with an eye toward bolstering customer loyalty. Page 25

MARKET MONITOR

With so many banks apparently eager to sell out, these days the idea of a hostile takeover bid seems almost quaint - but some experts think that is misleading. Page 33

While most observers are forecasting clear economic sailing, at least one Wall Street economist is warning of a recession ahead. Page 33

WEEKLY REPORT: SMALL BUSINESS

More banks are starting small business investment companies, even after a record-setting year for funding of the venture capital vehicles. Page 16

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