Jim Dever, a bank spokesman, said the bank had so far committed a $500,000 loan for the project.

Nine banks and one building society, accounting for about 95 percent of payments traffic, initially committed to use the service.

Swiss banks had already committed themselves to pay back all reconstructed accounts in full, at present value, after the Volcker report was complete.

The bank has since committed almost $3 billion to development projects in the state, more than in any other.

The bank has committed to doing the same for Kohlberg, Kravis.

As of late yesterday, banks had committed at least $10 million to the program.

An authoritative estimate is expected by the end of this year and the Swiss banks have committed themselves to pay in full.

A banker close to the negotiations said 15 banks had committed to making new loans.

Now, many banks will commit to a current interest rate for up to a year.

The maker of one system is negotiating to install signature verification equipment in banks, although no bank has yet committed itself to purchasing the technology.