Today's News

WASHINGTON

Stung by the recession in Southeast Asia, bank revenue from securities trading plunged 52%, to $1.2 billion, in the fourth quarter, the OCC says. Page 2

The banking industry seems to be gaining the upper hand in the lobbying war with credit unions. Page 2

REGIONAL

BankBoston created a position: director of brand identity and creative services. Page 7

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Fleet, which recently bought Quick & Reilly, plans to incorporate Charles Schwab's OneSource mutual fund supermarket in a new wrap account. Page 10

CORPORATE FINANCE

Compensation practices at commercial banks are becoming more like those at investment banks, but gaps persist, KPMG Peat Marwick found. Page 12

SPECIAL REPORT

Though mortgage technology has transformed the servicing business, the originations side remains fragmented. Institutions are automating their lending in diverse ways. Fleet Mortgage combined inside and outside systems, while Washington Mut-ual opted for a proprietary one. Pullout section

MORTGAGES

Countrywide Credit Industries posted unaudited net earnings of $85.1 million-25% more than a year earlier-for its fourth fiscal quarter. Page 14

CARDS

A Colorado company is using mathematical modeling technology for a new purpose: to rate the agencies that collect on bad loans. Page 19

TECHNOLOGY

A Kansas City, Mo.-based manager of mutual funds with $62 billion of assets selected Digex to manage its Internet site. Page 22

MARKETS

Summit Bancorp, one of 1997's hottest bank stocks, cooled a bit after a downgrade by a major admirer. Back page

WEEKLY REPORT: INTERNATIONAL

Norwest Financial has century-old roots in Iowa. But when its CEO looks out his office window, he sees markets stretching across Latin America. Page 8

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