WASHINGTON
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as congressional reform efforts move into high gear, creditors released another study to buttress their call for a needs-based bankruptcy system. Page 2
Consumer groups are complaining that deposit insurance is confusing, and they want the government to intervene. Page 3
REGIONAL
For the first time in years, Citicorp is planning to expand its consumer banking presence in Chicago. Page 4
To differentiate itself from the large regional banks that newly dominate Virginia, its home market, Crestar launched a series of TV and print ads. Page 4
MORTGAGES
Mortgage finance may not be rocket science, but Advanta has hired a physicist to be its president as it adjusts to the sale of its credit card unit. Page 7
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
Fleet has embarked on the first full-blown advertising campaign touting its $6.3 billion Galaxy Funds. "This company has wonderful investment performance, but it's been undermarketed," said Gunnar S. Overstrom Jr., a vice chairman. Page 11
INSURANCE: Banks' appetite for quick profits is keeping them from using a commission structure for annuity sales that could have long-term benefits. Page 9
COMMUNITY
Banks in south Georgia are feeling the effects of this winter's disastrous cotton harvest. Page 8
CORPORATE FINANCE
BT Alex. Brown advised Clear Channel Communications on its planned $821 million acquisition of a London outdoor advertising company. Page 12
TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said he sees smart cards as a key element in removing obstacles to electronic commerce. Page 18
Competitors and other observers who found Citicorp's billion-customer target fanciful surely did not hear this executive vice president talk about it. Page 18
MARKETS
Royal Bank of Canada agreed to pay $20 million for Security First Network Bank, the first bank to do business almost exclusively on the Internet. Back page
