A new breed rising. (cover story)

Reports on the performance of Asian banking institutions after recovering from the Asian currency crisis. Restructuring, mergers and recapitalization in the industry; Consolidation of banks to create bigger companies; Acquisitions of banks by foreign investors. INSETS: Burgers, fries and yen, by Murakami Mutsuko.;You call this autonomy?' by Tim Healy and Tom McCawley.;Tale of Thai banks,' by Julian Gearing.;Enter the niche player,' by Arjuna Ranawana.