BANKING & FINANCE - Dec. 23, 1995

Thrift Regulator to Ease Rules: The federal regulator of savings and loans is making it easier for thrifts to do business. The Office of Thrift Supervision said it is getting rid of 8% of its regulations and policy statements, and has targeted another 60% for reinvention. Among the rules being abolished is a requirement that thrifts publish annual financial statements in newspapers and make the information available at each branch office. Customers rarely use these statements, because the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insures customers’ accounts up to $100,000. Thrifts still must file financial reports with their regulators.