1. Of the business activities listed here, which activities can be conducted through U.S.-regulated holding companies today?
a. Data processing companies
b. Office furniture sales
c. Auto and truck leasing companies
d. General life insurance and property-casualty insurance sales
e. Savings and loan associations
f. Mortgage companies
g. General insurance underwriting activities
h. Professional advertising services
i. Underwriting of new common stock issues by nonfinancial corporations
j. Real estate development companies
k. Merchant banks
l. Hedge funds
2. First Security Trust National Bank of Boston is considering making aggressive entry into the People’s Republic of China, possibly filing the necessary documents with the government in Beijing to establish future physical and electronic service facilities. What advantages might such a move bring to the management and shareholders of First Security? What potential drawbacks should be considered by the management and board of directors of this bank?