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Presents a speech by American Bankers Association President Daniel R. Smith, given before the 1994 Joint Annual Meeting of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association and Japan-Midwest U.S. Association, dealing with the issue of the role of banks in the economy of the United States. Contributions to United States-Japan cooperation; Trends in the banking system.

Presents speech by the President of the American Bankers Association given before the Economics Club of Detroit, Michigan, dealing with the issue of American banking. Question on the irrelevance of banks in the future; History of the dual system of federal and state banks; Acceleration of banking consolidation; Reduction of work force.

Opinion. Discusses the significant role of retail banks in the society. Americans' reliance on banks as primary providers of financial services; Bank's personal relationships and involvement in communities; Influence of banks in effecting positive change in local communities; Suggestions to make the banks compete in the financial services sector.