Washington Outlook: CAPITAL WRAPUP

BANK REFORM HOLDUP

Bankers' hopes of winning legislation to gain more access to the securities business are dimming. Although GOP leaders have introduced bills to repeal Depression-era laws separating commercial and investment banking, opponents are working hard to ambush the legislation. One example: Insurance agents are seeking a Senate amendment to retain state laws that bar banks from insurance sales. Such a provision would undercut bank support and kill reform.BY OWEN ULLMANN