The decision could increase pressure on state legislatures to keep banks from moving operations to friendlier states.

He said, however, that Congress will eventually dismantle the legal wall keeping commercial banks out of this arena.

As for the securities dealers, they have spent millions on legal fees and court actions to keep banks out of their business.

A main purpose of the talks is to remove barriers that keep banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions from doing business in foreign countries.

The old system that kept banks within state lines, and out of other financial businesses, may have been inefficient.

Italy tried to keep foreign banks from buying Italian ones, but had to give in after scandal erupted.

The rest is out on loan to earn the interest that keeps banks in business.

This had the effect of keeping private banks as small partnerships.

In fact, it would effectively keep banks from competing against securities and insurance firms.

The move dealt a blow to insurers' efforts to keep banks out of their business.