CASHLESS, NOT BANKLESS

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE TRYING TO MASTER THE TECHNOLOGY THAT COULD RENDER SOME OBSOLETE

After watching everyone from Microsoft to Meca Software gobble up online-banking customers, banks have become eager to prove that they're not headed for extinction. Last week IBM and a group of 15 U.S. and Canadian banking behemoths, including Bank of America, Banc One and Mellon Bank, unveiled a venture that aims to provide a full range of financial services to the banks' 60 million customers at the touch of a telephone button or the click of a mouse. Called Integrion, the partnership will phase in such activities as bill paying, electronic lending and stock and bond trading beginning next year. "If...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!