Q. We have a good customer who, for reasons we won't go into, wants to modify his account agreement to require two signatures on checks. Must we permit a customer to require two signatures on checks?

Answer: No. There is no law or regulation that says a financial institution must allow a customer to require two signatures on a check. This procedure is simply a courtesy to the customer that can provide the additional security that two signatures offers. An institution may deny a customer´s request for two signatures on checks. If a bank allows customers to require multiple signatures, then the institution is contractually bound to honor this, a duty that has become more difficult today in a time of automated check-processing systems.

Q. Our bank prints the customer's social security number on bank statements as well as on CD maturity notices. Do we have a problem with customer privacy issues if we do this?

Answer: Privacy regulations are directed mainly at information-sharing that is marketing-related. However, a developing concern about identity theft and information security should lead you to review your documentation and determine whether the personal information you print is necessary. Frankly, the account number should be sufficient -- the inclusion of the social security number on these documents probably doesn't serve a vital function and may be better left off.