CHASE MANHATTAN CORP /DE/
S-3/A, 1998-08-18
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 18, 1998
    
   
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO:                                           REG. NO. 333-56573
    
 
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 To Registration Statement No. 33-64261
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 To Registration Statement No. 33-49965
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 To Registration Statement No. 33-57104
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 To Registration Statement No. 33-47105
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 To Registration Statement No. 33-45228
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 To Registration Statement No. 33-15230
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 To Registration Statement No. 33-13062
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 To Registration Statement No. 2-98344
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 To Registration Statement No. 33-15266
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 To Registration Statement No. 33-20950
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 To Registration Statement No. 33-40485
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 To Registration Statement No. 33-45266
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 To Registration Statement No. 33-58144
    
   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 To Registration Statement No. 33-55295
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
 
   
                                       to
    
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
              (Exact Name of Registrant, as Specified in Charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
                     DELAWARE                                           13-2624428
          (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                  (IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
          INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
                                270 PARK AVENUE
                               NEW YORK, NY 10017
                                 (212) 270-6000
         (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
            AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                                ANTHONY J. HORAN
                              CORPORATE SECRETARY
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
                                270 PARK AVENUE
                               NEW YORK, NY 10017
                                 (212) 270-6000
      (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
                        AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                        COPIES OF ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO:
 
                              NEILA B. RADIN, ESQ.
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
                                270 PARK AVENUE
                               NEW YORK, NY 10017
                                 (212) 270-6000
                            ------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box:  [ ]
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, please check the following box:  [X]
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering:  [ ]
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering:  [ ]
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box:  [ ]
                                                        (continued on next page)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
(continued from previous page)
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       PROPOSED              PROPOSED
                                   AMOUNT              MAXIMUM               MAXIMUM
  TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF           TO BE          OFFERING PRICE PER        AGGREGATE              AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED   REGISTERED(1)(2)   UNIT OR SHARE(2)(3)   OFFERING PRICE(3)(4)     REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                  <C>                  <C>                    <C>
Debt Securities, Debt
  Warrants, Preferred
  Stock, Depositary
  Shares(5), Preferred
  Stock Warrants, Common
  Stock, Common Stock
  Warrants and Currency
  Warrants(6)(7)                     --                   --              $3,000,000,000         $885,000(8)(9)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
(1) If any Debt Securities are issued at an original issue discount, then such
    greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering
    price of $3,000,000,000. In no event will the aggregate initial offering
    price of Debt Securities, Debt Warrants, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares,
    Preferred Stock Warrants, Common Stock, Common Stock Warrants and Currency
    Warrants issued under this Registration Statement and not previously
    registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
    Act"), exceed $3,000,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in one or more
    foreign currencies or composite currencies, including European Currency
    Units.
 
(2) Not specified as to each class of securities to be registered pursuant to
    General Instruction II.D of Form S-3 under the Securities Act.
 
(3) The proposed maximum offering price per unit or share will be determined
    from time to time by the Registrant in connection with, and at the time of,
    the issuance by the Registrant of the securities registered hereunder.
 
(4) Estimated solely for the purposes of computing the registration fee pursuant
    to Rule 457(o) of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange
    Commission under the Securities Act.
 
(5) Such indeterminate number of Depositary Shares to be evidenced by Depositary
    Receipts issued pursuant to a Deposit Agreement. In the event the Registrant
    elects to offer to the public fractional interests in shares of the
    Preferred Stock registered hereunder, Depositary Receipts will be
    distributed to those persons purchasing such fractional interests and such
    shares will be issued to the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement.
 
(6) No separate consideration will be received for any securities registered
    hereunder that are issued in exchange for, or upon conversion of, other
    securities registered hereunder.
 
   
(7) This Amendment also covers an indeterminate amount of Debt Securities and
    Warrants that may be offered by affiliates of the Registrant, including
    Chase Securities Inc., in connection with offers and sales related to
    secondary market transactions in securities that have previously been
    registered by the Registrant or its predecessors pursuant to the
    below-referenced registration statements. Accordingly, this Amendment
    constitutes Amendment No. 1 to the following: Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
    to Registration Statement No. 33-64261, Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-49965, Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-57104, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-47105, Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-45228, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-15230, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-13062, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
    Registration Statement No. 2-98344, Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-15266, Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-20950, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-40485, Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-45266, Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-58144 and Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to
    Registration Statement No. 33-55295.
    
 
   
(8) Pursuant to Rule 429 of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and
    Exchange Commission under the Securities Act, this Amendment contains a
    Prospectus that also relates to the $1,201,882,414 of Debt Securities, Debt
    Warrants, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Preferred Stock Warrants,
    Common Stock, Common Stock Warrants and Currency Warrants registered on the
    Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-64261) (relating to an aggregate
    $3,000,000,000 of debt securities, debt warrants, preferred stock,
    depositary shares, preferred stock warrants, common stock, common stock
    warrants and currency warrants) previously filed by the Registrant and
    declared effective on December 18, 1996 and as to which a filing fee of
    $1,034,483 was paid. This Amendment constitutes Amendment No. 1 to
    Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on
    Form S-3 (No. 33-64261) and such Post-Effective Amendment shall hereafter
    become effective concurrently with the effectiveness of this Registration
    Statement and in accordance with Section 8(c) of the Securities Act.
    
 
   
(9) Previously paid.
    
 
     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective
on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said
Section 8(a), may determine.
<PAGE>   3
 
                                EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
     The second prospectus filed with this Registration Statement is a form of
market maker prospectus intended for use by direct or indirect wholly-owned
subsidiaries of The Chase Manhattan Corporation, including Chase Securities
Inc., in connection with offers and sales related to secondary market
transactions in debt securities, preferred stock and warrants that have been
previously registered by The Chase Manhattan Corporation or its predecessors
under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to the above-referenced registration
statements and in certain debt securities, preferred stock and warrants that are
initially offered and sold by or on behalf of The Chase Manhattan Corporation
after the effective date of this Registration Statement. The market maker
prospectus is in addition to, and not in substitution for, the prospectuses
relating to the above-referenced registration statements currently on file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>   4
 
                             [Chase Manhattan Logo]
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                                PREFERRED STOCK
                               DEPOSITARY SHARES
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                    WARRANTS
 
                            ------------------------
 
   WE WILL PROVIDE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THESE SECURITIES IN SUPPLEMENTS TO THIS
                                  PROSPECTUS.
YOU SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY SUPPLEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST.
 
                            ------------------------
 
     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAVE THESE ORGANIZATIONS DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS
ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                            ------------------------
 
     THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE
MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SEC IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND
IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE
OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                 THIS PROSPECTUS IS DATED                , 1998
<PAGE>   5
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     This summary highlights selected information from this document and may not
contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the terms
of our securities, you should carefully read this document with the attached
prospectus supplement that together give the specific terms of the securities we
are offering. You should also read the documents we have referred you to in
"Where You Can Find More Information About The Company" on page 5 for
information on our company and our financial statements. Certain capitalized
terms used in this summary are defined elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
 
   
     Our company is a registered bank holding company. Through various
subsidiaries, we conduct domestic and international financial services
businesses. At June 30, 1998, we were the largest banking institution in the
United States, with $367 billion in assets and $23 billion in stockholders'
equity.
    
 
     Our principal bank subsidiaries are The Chase Manhattan Bank, headquartered
in New York, Chase Manhattan Bank USA, National Association, headquartered in
Delaware, and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, headquartered in Texas.
Our principal non-bank subsidiary is Chase Securities Inc., which is engaged in
securities underwriting and dealing.
 
     On March 31, 1996, The Chase Manhattan Corporation merged into Chemical
Banking Corporation, which changed its name to "The Chase Manhattan
Corporation." The merger was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Therefore,
the information in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and
the other documents we file with the SEC is stated on a combined basis as if the
merger had been in effect for all periods presented.
 
                          THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
 
   
     This prospectus is part of a registration statement (No. 333-56573) (the
"Registration Statement") that we filed with the SEC utilizing a "shelf"
registration process. Under this shelf process, we may offer from time to time
up to $4,201,882,414 of any of the following securities, either separately or in
units: debt, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock and warrants. This
prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may
offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you with a prospectus
supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and terms of the
securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or
change information contained in this prospectus.
    
 
DEBT SECURITIES
 
     We may offer unsecured general obligations of our company, which may be
senior (the "Senior Securities") or subordinated (the "Subordinated
Securities"). The Senior Securities and the Subordinated Securities are together
referred to in this prospectus as the "Debt Securities". The Senior Securities
will have the same rank as all of our other unsecured, unsubordinated debt. The
Subordinated Securities will be entitled to payment only after payment on our
Senior Indebtedness (as described below). In addition, under certain
circumstances relating to our insolvency or a similar event, the Subordinated
Securities will be entitled to payment only after the payment of claims relating
to Additional Senior Obligations (as described below).
 
     The Senior Securities will be issued under an indenture between us and
Bankers Trust Company, as trustee. The Subordinated Securities will be issued
under an indenture between us and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as
trustee. We have summarized certain general features of the Debt Securities from
the indentures. We encourage you to read the indentures (which are exhibits to
the Registration Statement) and our recent periodic and current reports that we
file with the SEC. Directions on how you can get copies of these reports are
provided on page 5.
 
     We are a holding company that conducts substantially all of our operations
through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of the holders of the Debt Securities
will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries
(except to the extent that our company is recognized as a creditor of those
subsidiaries). Claims of creditors of our subsidiaries other than our company
include substantial amounts of long-term debt, deposit liabilities, federal
funds purchased, securities sold under
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
repurchase agreements, commercial paper and other short-term borrowings.
 
GENERAL INDENTURE PROVISIONS THAT APPLY TO SENIOR AND SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
 
     - Neither indenture limits the amount of debt that we may issue or provides
       holders any protection should there be a highly leveraged transaction,
       recapitalization or restructuring involving our company.
 
     - The indentures allow us to merge or consolidate with another company, or
       to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another company. If
       these events occur, the other company will be required to assume our
       responsibilities relating to the Debt Securities, and we will be released
       from all liabilities and obligations.
 
     - The indentures provide that holders of a majority of the total principal
       amount of outstanding Debt Securities of any series may vote to change
       certain of our obligations or certain of your rights concerning the Debt
       Securities of that series. However, to change the amount or timing of
       principal, interest or other payments under the Debt Securities, every
       holder in the series must consent.
 
     - If an Event of Default (as described below) occurs with respect to any
       series of Debt Securities, the trustee or holders of 25% of the
       outstanding principal amount of that series may declare the principal
       amount of the series immediately payable. However, holders of a majority
       of the principal amount may rescind this action.
 
GENERAL INDENTURE PROVISIONS THAT APPLY ONLY TO SENIOR SECURITIES
 
     We have agreed in the indenture relating to the Senior Securities that we
and our subsidiaries will not sell voting stock of The Chase Manhattan Bank, and
that The Chase Manhattan Bank will not issue its voting stock, unless the sale
or issuance is for fair market value and we and our subsidiaries would own at
least 80% of the voting stock of The Chase Manhattan Bank following the sale or
issuance. This covenant would not prevent us from completing a merger,
consolidation or sale of substantially all of our assets. In addition, this
covenant would not prevent the merger or consolidation of The Chase Manhattan
Bank into another domestic bank if our company and its subsidiaries would own at
least 80% of the voting stock of the successor entity after the merger or
consolidation.
 
     If we satisfy certain conditions in the indenture relating to the Senior
Securities, we may discharge that indenture at any time by depositing with the
trustee sufficient funds or government obligations to pay the Senior Securities
when due.
 
     Events of Default.  The indenture relating to the Senior Securities
provides that the following are events of default:
 
     - Interest not paid for 30 days after due date.
     - Principal or premium not paid when due.
     - Sinking fund payment not paid for 5 days after due date.
     - Covenant breach continues for 60 days after notice.
     - Principal payment default on debt (including Senior Securities of other
       series) having an aggregate principal amount of more than $25,000,000 is
       not rescinded within 30 days after notice.
     - Acceleration of more than $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of debt
       (including Senior Securities of other series) is not rescinded within 30
       days after notice.
     - Occurrence of certain bankruptcy or insolvency events.
     - Occurrence of any other event of default specified in the prospectus
       supplement.
 
GENERAL INDENTURE PROVISIONS THAT APPLY ONLY TO SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
 
   
     The Subordinated Securities will be subordinated to all "Senior
Indebtedness", which includes all indebtedness for money borrowed by us, except
indebtedness that is stated to be not superior to, or to have the same rank as,
the Subordinated Securities. At June 30, 1998, approximately $9.7 billion of
Senior Indebtedness was outstanding.
    
 
     In an insolvency of or similar event relating to our company, creditors
holding "Additional Senior Obligations" would also be entitled to full payment
before any amounts could be distributed to holders of the Subordinated
Securities. Additional Senior Obligations include indebtedness for claims under
derivative products, including interest, foreign exchange and commodity
contracts, but excluding claims under Senior Indebtedness or claims under
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
   
obligations having the same rank as, or ranking junior to, the Subordinated
Securities. At June 30, 1998, approximately $2.4 billion of Additional Senior
Obligations were outstanding.
    
 
     Events of Default.  The indenture relating to the Subordinated Securities
provides that the following are events of default:
 
     - Occurrence of certain bankruptcy or insolvency events.
 
     - Occurrence of any other event of default specified in the prospectus
       supplement.
 
PREFERRED STOCK AND DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     We may issue our preferred stock, par value $1 per share in one or more
series (the series being offered are referred to as "Preferred Stock"). We will
determine the dividend, voting, conversion and other rights of the series being
offered and the terms and conditions relating to its offering and sale at the
time of the offer and sale. We may also issue fractional shares of Preferred
Stock that will be represented by Depositary Shares and Depositary Receipts.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     We may issue our common stock, par value $1 per share (the "Common Stock").
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when declared by the
Board of Directors (subject to rights of preferred stock holders). Each holder
of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. The holders of Common Stock
have no preemptive rights or cumulative voting rights.
 
WARRANTS
 
     We may issue warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock
or Common Stock ("Securities Warrants"). We may also issue warrants for the cash
value in U.S. dollars of the right to purchase or sell foreign or composite
currencies ("Currency Warrants"). We may issue warrants independently or
together with other securities.
 
                CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                   AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
 
     The consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and the ratios of
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements are
as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               SIX MONTHS
                                                 ENDED
                                                JUNE 30,           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              ------------   ------------------------------------
                                                  1998       1997    1996    1995    1994    1993
                                                  ----       ----    ----    ----    ----    ----
<S>                                           <C>            <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Earnings to Fixed Charges:
  Excluding Interest on Deposits............      1.78       1.82    1.66    1.90    1.86    1.62
  Including Interest on Deposits............      1.39       1.43    1.32    1.41    1.42    1.31
Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
  Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements:
  Excluding Interest on Deposits............      1.75       1.77    1.60    1.82    1.76    1.52
  Including Interest on Deposits............      1.38       1.41    1.30    1.38    1.38    1.27
</TABLE>
    
 
     For purposes of computing the above ratios, earnings represent net income
from continuing operations plus total taxes based on income and fixed charges.
Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits, include interest expense (other
than on deposits), one-third (the proportion deemed representative of the
interest factor) of rents, net of income from subleases, and capitalized
interest. Fixed charges, including interest on deposits, include all interest
expense, one-third (the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor)
of rents, net of income from subleases, and capitalized interest.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
                               ABOUT THE COMPANY
 
     We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the
SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and
Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public
at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.
 
     The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the
information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and
later information filed with the SEC will update and supersede this information.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings
made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is completed:
 
     (a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997;
   
     (b) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1998
and June 30, 1998;
    
   
     (c) Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 1998, January 28,
1998, March 17, 1998, April 24, 1998, May 20, 1998, June 15, 1998, July 24, 1998
and July 30, 1998;
    
     (d) The descriptions of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock contained in
our Registration Statements filed under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.
 
     You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing to or
telephoning us at the following address:
 
     Office of the Secretary
     The Chase Manhattan Corporation
     270 Park Avenue
     New York, NY 10017
     212-270-4040
 
     YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OR
PROVIDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. WE HAVE AUTHORIZED NO
ONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF
THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT
ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS
ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THE DOCUMENT.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Chase Manhattan Corporation (the "Company", which may be referred to as
"we" or "us") is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956. We were organized as a Delaware corporation in 1968. As of
June 30, 1998, we were the largest banking institution in the United States,
with $367 billion in assets and $23 billion in stockholders' equity.
    
 
     We conduct domestic and international financial services businesses through
various bank and non-bank subsidiaries. Our principal bank subsidiaries are The
Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation (the "Bank"), Chase
Manhattan Bank USA, National Association, headquartered in Delaware ("Chase
USA"), and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, headquartered in Texas
("Chase Texas"). Our principal non-bank subsidiary is Chase Securities Inc.
("CSI"), which is engaged in securities underwriting and dealing activities.
 
     On March 31, 1996, The Chase Manhattan Corporation ("heritage Chase")
merged into Chemical Banking Corporation, which changed its name to "The Chase
Manhattan Corporation." The merger was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.
Therefore, the information in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus
supplement and the other documents we file with the SEC are stated on a combined
basis as if the merger had been in effect for all periods presented.
 
BUSINESS
 
     Our activities are internally organized, for operating purposes, into three
major business franchises. A brief description of these business franchises is
presented below.
 
  Global Banking
 
     Global Banking provides financing, advisory, sales and trading, trade
finance, asset management and private banking services. Clients include
corporations, institutions, governments and wealthy individuals located around
the world. Global Banking operates in more than 50 countries, including major
operations in all key international financial centers. Chase Texas (other than
its consumer and global services businesses) is also included in Global Banking.
 
  Chase Technology Solutions
 
     Chase Technology Solutions combines the Company's global services
businesses, information technology and operations, and electronic commerce
initiatives into a single group. Global services is a leading provider of
information and transaction services globally and includes custody, cash
management, trust and other fiduciary services.
 
  National Consumer Services
 
   
     National Consumer Services included, as of June 30, 1998, the
fourth-largest bank credit card issuer in the U.S., the third-largest originator
and servicer of residential mortgages in the U.S., and a leading provider of
auto financing and other consumer lending products. The Company and its
subsidiaries maintain a leading market share position in the New York
metropolitan tri-state area in serving the financial needs of consumers. We
offer customers convenient access to financial services by telephone, personal
computer and the internet and have the most branches and automated teller
machines in the New York metropolitan tri-state area. National Consumer Services
also has a small international consumer presence.
    
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the net
proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus
and the accompanying prospectus supplement will be used for general corporate
purposes. General corporate purposes may include the repayment of debt,
investments in or extensions of credit to our subsidiaries, redemption of
preferred stock, or the financing of possible acquisitions or business
expansion. The net proceeds may be invested temporarily or applied to repay
short-term debt until they are used for their stated purpose.
    
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
GENERAL
 
     The following description of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth
certain general terms that may apply to the Debt Securities. The particular
terms of any Debt Securities will be described in the
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
prospectus supplement relating to those Debt Securities.
 
     The Debt Securities will be either our senior debt securities (the "Senior
Securities") or our subordinated debt securities (the "Subordinated
Securities"). The Senior Securities will be issued under an Indenture dated as
of December 1, 1989, as amended (the "Senior Indenture"), between us and Bankers
Trust Company, as Trustee. The Subordinated Securities will be issued under an
Indenture dated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and restated as of December 15,
1992, and as further amended (the "Subordinated Indenture"), between us and U.S.
Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee. The Senior Indenture and the
Subordinated Indenture are together called the "Indentures".
 
   
     The following summary of certain provisions of the Indentures is not
complete. You should refer to the Indentures, copies of which are exhibits to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part (Registration
Statement File No. 333-56573; the "Registration Statement"). Section references
below are to the section in the applicable Indenture. Capitalized terms have the
meanings assigned to them in the applicable Indenture. The referenced sections
of the Indentures and the definitions of capitalized terms are incorporated by
reference.
    
 
     Neither Indenture limits the amount of Debt Securities that we may issue.
Each Indenture provides that Debt Securities may be issued up to the principal
amount authorized by us from time to time. The Senior Securities will be
unsecured and will have the same rank as all of our other unsecured and
unsubordinated debt. The Subordinated Securities will be unsecured and will be
subordinated and junior to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below under
"Subordinated Securities -- Subordination"). In addition, under certain
circumstances relating to the dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization of the Company, the Subordinated Securities will be junior to all
Additional Senior Obligations (as defined and to the extent set forth below
under "Subordinated Securities -- Subordination").
 
   
     We are a holding company that conducts substantially all of our operations
through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of the holders of the Debt Securities
will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of our
subsidiaries, except to the extent that the Company may be recognized as a
creditor of those subsidiaries. Claims of creditors of our subsidiaries other
than the Company include substantial amounts of long-term debt, deposit
liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase
agreements, commercial paper and other short-term borrowings.
    
 
     The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more separate series of Senior
Securities and/or Subordinated Securities. The prospectus supplement relating to
the particular series of Debt Securities being offered will specify the
particular amounts, prices and terms of those Debt Securities. These terms may
include:
 
     - the title and type of the Debt Securities;
     - any limit on the aggregate principal amount or aggregate initial offering
       price of the Debt Securities and the amount payable upon acceleration;
     - the purchase price of the Debt Securities;
     - the dates on which the principal of the Debt Securities will be payable;
     - the interest rates (including the interest rates, if any, applicable to
       overdue payments) of the Debt Securities, or the method for determining
       those rates, and the interest payment dates for the Debt Securities;
     - the places where payments may be made on the Debt Securities;
     - any mandatory or optional redemption provisions applicable to the Debt
       Securities;
     - any sinking fund or analogous provisions applicable to the Debt
       Securities;
     - the authorized denominations of the Debt Securities (if other than $1,000
       and integral multiples of $1,000);
     - if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies, including
       European Currency Units ("ECU"), the euro and other composite currencies,
       in which payments on the Debt Securities will be payable (which
       currencies may be different for principal, premium and interest
       payments);
     - any conversion or exchange provisions applicable to the Debt Securities;
     - any Events of Default applicable to the Debt Securities (if not set forth
       in the applicable Indenture); and
     - any other specific terms of the Debt Securities.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
     Some of the Debt Securities may be issued as original issue discount Debt
Securities (the "Original Issue Discount Securities"). Original Issue Discount
Securities bear no interest or bear interest at below-market rates and will be
sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. The prospectus
supplement will also contain any special tax, accounting or other information
relating to Original Issue Discount Securities or relating to certain other
kinds of Debt Securities that may be offered, including Debt Securities linked
to an index or payable in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
 
     The Debt Securities will be issued only in fully registered form without
coupons. The Indentures also provide that Debt Securities of a series may be
issued as permanent global Debt Securities. See "Permanent Global Debt
Securities" below. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange
of Debt Securities, but we may require payment of any taxes or other
governmental charges.
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities will be payable at
the corporate trust office of the Bank in New York City. Transfers or exchanges
of Debt Securities may be made at the same location. Payment of interest on any
Debt Securities may be made at our option by check mailed to the registered
holders of the Debt Securities at their registered addresses. In connection with
any payment on a Debt Security, we may require the holder to certify information
to the Company. In the absence of such certification, we may rely on any legal
presumption to enable us to determine our responsibilities, if any, to deduct or
withhold taxes, assessments or governmental charges from such payment.
 
     Neither Indenture limits our ability to enter into a highly leveraged
transaction or provides special protection to holders of Debt Securities in the
event of such a transaction. In addition, neither Indenture provides special
protection in the event of a sudden and dramatic decline in the credit quality
of the Company resulting from a takeover, recapitalization or similar
restructuring of the Company.
 
   
     We may issue Debt Securities upon the exercise of warrants ("Debt
Warrants") issued with other Debt Securities or upon exchange or conversion of
exchangeable or convertible Debt Securities. The prospectus supplement will
describe the specific terms of any Debt Warrants or of any exchangeable or
convertible securities. It will also describe the specific terms of the Debt
Securities issuable upon the exercise, exchange or conversion of those
securities. See "Description of Securities Warrants" below.
    
 
SENIOR SECURITIES
 
     The Senior Securities will be direct, unsecured general obligations of the
Company, will constitute Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) of the Company,
and will have the same rank as our other Senior Indebtedness.
 
     Limitation on Disposition of Stock of the Bank. The Senior Indenture
contains a covenant by us that, so long as any of the Senior Securities are
outstanding (but subject to our rights in connection with our consolidation or
merger with or into another person or a sale of our assets), neither we nor any
Intermediate Subsidiary (as defined below) will dispose of any shares of Voting
Stock of the Bank (or any securities convertible into, or options, warrants or
rights to purchase shares of Voting Stock of the Bank), except to the Company or
an Intermediate Subsidiary. In addition, the covenant provides that neither we
nor any Intermediate Subsidiary will permit the Bank to issue any shares of its
Voting Stock (or securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to
subscribe for or purchase shares of its Voting Stock), nor will we permit any
Intermediate Subsidiary to cease to be an Intermediate Subsidiary. These
restrictions will not apply if (i) any disposition of Voting Stock of the Bank
(or any securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to purchase
shares of Voting Stock of the Bank) is made for fair market value, as determined
by our Board of Directors of the Company or the Intermediate Subsidiary, and
(ii) after giving effect to the transaction, we and any one or more of our
Intermediate Subsidiaries will collectively own at least 80% of the issued and
outstanding Voting Stock of the Bank (or any successor to the Bank) free and
clear of any security interest. The above covenant also does not restrict the
Bank from being consolidated with or merged into another domestic banking
corporation, if after the merger or consolidation the Company, or its successor,
and any one or more Intermediate Subsidiaries own at least 80% of the Voting
Stock of the resulting bank and no Event of Default, (and no event which, after
notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default), shall have
happened and be continuing. An Intermediate Subsidiary is defined in the Senior
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
Indenture as a Subsidiary (i) that is organized under the laws of any domestic
jurisdiction and (ii) of which all the shares of capital stock, and all
securities convertible into, and options, warrants and rights to purchase shares
of such capital stock, are owned directly by the Company, free and clear of any
security interest. The above covenant does not prevent the Bank from engaging in
a sale of assets to the extent otherwise permitted by the Senior Indenture.
(Section 1006).
 
     Events of Default.  The Senior Indenture defines an Event of Default with
respect to any series of Senior Securities as any one of the following events:
 
          (i) default in payment of interest on any Senior Security of that
     series and continuance of that default for 30 days;
 
          (ii) default in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on)
     any Senior Security of that series at Maturity;
 
          (iii) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment and
     continuance of that default for 5 days;
 
          (iv) failure by the Company for 60 days after notice to perform any of
     the other covenants or warranties in the Senior Indenture applicable to
     that series;
 
   
          (v)(A) failure by the Company to pay indebtedness for borrowed money,
     including Senior Securities of other series, in an aggregate principal
     amount exceeding $25,000,000, at the date of final maturity or the
     expiration of any applicable grace period or (B) acceleration of the
     maturity of any of the Company's indebtedness for borrowed money, including
     Senior Securities of other series, in an aggregate principal amount
     exceeding $25,000,000, if that failure to pay or acceleration results from
     a default under the instrument giving rise to, or securing, the
     indebtedness for money borrowed and is not rescinded or annulled within 30
     days after due notice, unless the default is contested in good faith by
     appropriate proceedings;
    
 
          (vi) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the
     Company or the Bank; and
 
          (vii) any other Event of Default specified with respect to Senior
     Securities of that series. (Section 501).
 
     If any Event of Default with respect to Senior Securities of any series
occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25%
in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Securities of that series may
declare the principal amount (or, if the Senior Securities of that series are
Original Issue Discount Securities, a specified portion of the principal amount)
of all Senior Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. No
such declaration is required upon certain events of bankruptcy. Subject to
certain conditions, the declaration may be annulled and past defaults (except
uncured payment defaults and certain other specified defaults) may be waived by
the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Securities of that series. (Sections 502 and 513).
 
     The prospectus supplement will describe any particular provisions relating
to the acceleration of the Maturity of a portion of the principal amount of
Original Issue Discount Securities upon an Event of Default.
 
     The Senior Indenture requires the Trustee to, within 90 days after the
occurrence of a default known to it with respect to any outstanding series of
Senior Securities, give the holders of that series notice of the default if
uncured or not waived. However, the Trustee may withhold this notice if it
determines in good faith that the withholding of this notice is in the interest
of those holders, except that the Senior Trustee may not withhold this notice in
the case of a payment default. The above notice shall not be given until 60 days
after the occurrence of a default in the performance of a covenant in the Senior
Indenture other than a covenant to make payment. The term "default" for the
purpose of this provision means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of
time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Senior Securities
of that series. (Section 602).
 
   
     Other than the duty to act with the required standard of care during a
default, the Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers
under the Senior Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of
Senior Securities, unless the holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable
security or indemnity. (Section 603). The Senior Indenture provides that the
holders of a majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Securities of
any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any
    
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
   
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or other power
conferred on the Trustee. However, the Trustee may decline to act if the
direction is contrary to law or the Senior Indenture. (Section 512).
    
 
     The Senior Indenture includes a covenant that the Company will file
annually with the Trustee a certificate of no default, or specifying any default
that exists. (Section 1007).
 
   
     Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.  The Senior Indenture contains a
provision that, if made applicable to any series of Senior Securities, permits
the Company to elect (i) to defease and be discharged from all of our
obligations (subject to limited exceptions) with respect to any series of Senior
Securities then outstanding ("defeasance") and/or (ii) to be released from our
obligations under certain covenants and from the consequences of an event of
default resulting from a breach of those covenants or a cross-default ("covenant
defeasance"). To make either of the above elections, we must deposit in trust
with the Trustee money and/or U.S. Government Obligations which through the
payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide
sufficient money, without reinvestment, to repay in full those Senior
Securities. As a condition to defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver
to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel that the holders of the Senior Securities
will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a
result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance. That opinion, in the case of
defeasance under clause (i) above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling
received by us from the Internal Revenue Service or published as a revenue
ruling or upon a change in applicable Federal income tax law.
    
 
     Under Federal income tax law as of the date of this prospectus, defeasance
would likely be treated as a taxable exchange of Senior Securities for interests
in the defeasance trust. As a result, a holder would recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the holder's cost or other tax basis for the
Senior Securities and the value of the holder's proportionate interest in the
defeasance trust. That holder would thereafter be required to include in income
a proportionate share of the income, gain or loss, as the case may be, of the
defeasance trust. Under Federal income tax law as of the date of this
prospectus, covenant defeasance would ordinarily not be treated as a taxable
exchange of Senior Securities. Purchasers of Senior Securities should consult
their own advisors as to the tax consequences to them of defeasance and covenant
defeasance, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other than the
Federal income tax law.
 
   
     If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a particular
series of Senior Securities, then even if there were a default under the related
covenant, payment of those Senior Securities could not be accelerated. We may
exercise our defeasance option with respect to a particular series of Senior
Securities even if we previously had exercised our covenant defeasance option.
If we exercise our defeasance option, payment of those Senior Securities may not
be accelerated because of any Event of Default. If we exercise our defeasance
option or covenant defeasance option and an acceleration were to occur, the
realizable value at the acceleration date of the money and U.S. Government
Obligations in the defeasance trust could be less than the principal and
interest then due on those Senior Securities. This is because the required
deposit of money and/or U.S. Government obligations in the defeasance trust is
based upon scheduled cash flows rather than market value, which will vary
depending upon interest rates and other factors.
    
 
     Modification of the Senior Indenture.  We and the Trustee may make
modifications and amendments to the Senior Indenture with the consent of the
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each series of
Outstanding Senior Securities affected by the modification or amendment.
However, without the consent of each affected holder, no such modification may
(i) change the Stated Maturity of any Senior Security of any series, (ii) reduce
the principal amount of (or premium, if any, on) any Senior Security, (iii)
reduce the rate of payment of interest on any Senior Security or change certain
other provisions relating to the yield of the Senior Securities, (iv) change the
currency or currencies in which any Senior Security is payable, (v) reduce the
percentage of holders of Outstanding Senior Securities of any series required to
consent to any modification, amendment or waiver under the Senior Indenture, or
(vi) change the provisions in the Senior Indenture that relate to its
modification or amendment. (Section 902).
 
     We and the Trustee may amend the Senior Indenture in certain circumstances
without the consent of the holders of Senior Securities in the event we merge
with another person, to replace the Trustee, to effect modifications that do not
affect any
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
outstanding series of Senior Securities, and for certain other purposes.
 
     Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. We may, without the consent of
the holders of any Senior Securities, consolidate or merge with any other person
or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to another person or
permit another corporation to merge into the Company, provided that: (i) the
successor is a person organized under U.S. law; (ii) the successor person, if
not us, assumes our obligations on the Senior Securities and under the Senior
Indenture; (iii) after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default,
and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event
of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and (iv) certain other
conditions are met. (Section 801).
 
SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
 
   
     The Subordinated Securities will be direct, unsecured general obligations
of the Company. The Subordinated Securities will be subordinate in right of
payment to all Senior Indebtedness and, in certain circumstances described below
relating to our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, to all
Additional Senior Obligations. The Subordinated Indenture does not limit the
amount of debt (including Senior Indebtedness) or Additional Senior Obligations
which we may incur. As of June 30, 1998, Senior Indebtedness and Additional
Senior Obligations (as defined below) of the Company aggregated approximately
$12.1 billion.
    
 
   
     Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the maturity of
the Subordinated Securities will be subject to acceleration only upon our
bankruptcy or reorganization. See "Defaults and Waivers" below.
    
 
     The holders of Subordinated Securities of a series that is specified to be
convertible into Common Stock ("Subordinated Convertible Securities") will be
entitled at certain times specified in the prospectus supplement to convert any
Subordinated Convertible Securities of that series into Common Stock, at the
conversion price set forth in the prospectus supplement.
 
     The holders of Subordinated Securities of any series may be obligated at
maturity, or at any earlier time specified in the prospectus supplement, to
exchange that series of Subordinated Securities for Capital Securities (as
defined below). The terms of any such exchange and of the Capital Securities
that will be issued upon such exchange will be described in the prospectus
supplement. (Article Seventeen). "Capital Securities" may consist of our Common
Stock, perpetual preferred stock or other capital securities of the Company
acceptable to our primary Federal banking regulator. Currently, our primary
Federal banking regulator is the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). Whenever Subordinated Securities are
exchangeable for Capital Securities, we will be obligated to deliver Capital
Securities with a market value equal to the principal amount of those
Subordinated Securities. In addition, we will unconditionally undertake, at our
expense, to sell the Capital Securities in a sale (the "Secondary Offering") on
behalf of any holders who elect to receive cash for the Capital Securities. The
Common Stock is described below under "Description of Common Stock". A general
description of our preferred stock is set forth below under "Description of
Preferred Stock".
 
     Subordination.  The Subordinated Securities will be subordinate in right of
payment to all Senior Indebtedness and, under certain circumstances described
below, to all Additional Senior Obligations.
 
     The Subordinated Indenture defines "Senior Indebtedness" to mean the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all indebtedness for money
borrowed by us, whether outstanding on the date the Subordinated Indenture
became effective or created, assumed or incurred after that date (including all
indebtedness of another person for money borrowed that we guarantee). However,
Senior Indebtedness does not include (A) Subordinated Securities issued under
the Subordinated Indenture, (B) Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness (as
defined below), (C) Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined below),
(D) Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined below) and (E) other
debt of ours which is expressly stated to have the same rank as the Subordinated
Securities or to rank not senior to the Subordinated Securities (such other debt
is referred to as "Other Subordinated Indebtedness").
 
   
     The Subordinated Indenture defines "Additional Senior Obligations" to mean
all indebtedness of the Company for claims in respect of derivative products,
such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity contracts and
similar arrange-
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
ments, except for Senior Indebtedness and except for obligations which are
expressly stated to have the same rank as or to be junior to the Subordinated
Securities.
 
   
     At June 30, 1998, we had approximately $2.8 billion of Subordinated
Securities issued and outstanding under the Subordinated Indenture and we had
approximately $436 million of Other Subordinated Indebtedness outstanding that
ranked equally with the Subordinated Securities.
    
 
   
     Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness means all outstanding
subordinated indebtedness of the Company issued prior to December 15, 1992
(other than Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness and Assumed Old Chase
Subordinated Indebtedness). At June 30, 1998, we had approximately $1.0 billion
of Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness outstanding.
    
 
   
     Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness means all outstanding subordinated
indebtedness of the Company which was assumed by us as a result of the merger of
Manufacturers Hanover Corporation into the Company on December 31, 1991. At June
30, 1998, we had approximately $150 million of Assumed MHC Subordinated
Indebtedness outstanding.
    
 
   
     Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness means all outstanding
subordinated indebtedness of heritage Chase which was assumed by us as a result
of the merger of heritage Chase into the Company. At June 30, 1998, we had
approximately $3.6 billion of Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness
outstanding.
    
 
     Under the Subordinated Indenture, no payment may be made on the
Subordinated Securities and no exchange for Capital Securities may be made in
the event:
 
     - we have failed to pay all amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and
       interest, if any, due on all Senior Indebtedness; or
 
     - there shall exist any event of default or any event which, with notice or
       lapse of time or both, would become such an event of default on any
       Senior Indebtedness.
 
     In addition, upon our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization: (i) the holders of Senior Indebtedness will be paid the full
amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, before any
payment or distribution is made on the Subordinated Securities, and (ii) if,
after such payments on the Senior Indebtedness have been made, (A) there are
amounts available for payment on the Subordinated Securities and (B) creditors
in respect of Additional Senior Obligations have not received their full
payments, then amounts available for payment on the Subordinated Securities will
first be used to pay in full all such Additional Senior Obligations before any
payment will be made on the Subordinated Securities.
 
     No series of our subordinated securities will be subordinated to any of our
other series of subordinated securities. However, Antecedent Company
Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated only to Senior Indebtedness;
Subordinated Securities and Other Subordinated Indebtedness are subordinated to
Senior Indebtedness and, in certain circumstances relating to our dissolution,
winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, to Additional Senior Obligations;
Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated to Senior Indebtedness,
Additional Senior Obligations and all of our other obligations to our creditors,
except any obligation which is expressly stated to have the same rank as, or to
rank not senior to, the Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness; and Assumed Old
Chase Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated to Senior Indebtedness,
Additional Senior Obligations and all of our other obligations to our creditors,
except any obligation which is expressly stated to have the same rank as, or to
rank junior to, the Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness. As a result of
the differences between the subordination provisions applicable to the
Subordinated Securities, the Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness, the
Other Subordinated Indebtedness, the Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness and
the Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness, in the event of our
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, the holders of
Subordinated Securities and Other Subordinated Indebtedness may receive less,
ratably, than the holders of Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness, but
more, ratably, than the holders of Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness and
Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness.
 
     Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of the Bank.  Except as noted
below, the Subordinated Indenture does not contain a covenant prohibiting us
from selling or otherwise disposing of any shares of, or securities convertible
into, or options, warrants or rights to purchase shares of, voting stock
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
of the Bank. The Subordinated Indenture also does not prohibit the Bank from
issuing any shares of, securities convertible into, or options, warrants or
rights to purchase shares of, its voting stock. However, the Subordinated
Indenture does contain a covenant, which is for the exclusive benefit of holders
of the Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness and which is subject to the
provisions described below under "Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets",
that we will not sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of, or securities
convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to purchase shares of, voting
stock of the Bank, nor will we permit the Bank to issue any shares of,
securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to purchase shares
of, voting stock of the Bank. However, the covenant does not prohibit: (i)
issuances or sales of directors' qualifying shares; (ii) issuances or sales of
shares to us; (iii) sales or other dispositions or issuances for fair market
value, as determined by our Board of Directors, so long as we would continue to
own directly or indirectly not less than 80% of the issued and outstanding
shares of the voting stock of the Bank; (iv) sales or other dispositions or
issuances made in compliance with an order or direction of a court or regulatory
authority of competent jurisdiction; and (v) sales of voting stock by the Bank
to its shareholders if such sales do not reduce the percentage of shares of
voting stock owned by us. (Section 5.07).
 
     Defaults and Waivers.  The Subordinated Indenture defines an Event of
Default with respect to any series of Subordinated Securities as (i) any one of
certain events of bankruptcy or reorganization affecting the Company and (ii)
any other Event of Default specified with respect to Subordinated Securities of
that series. (Section 7.01). If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing
with respect to any outstanding series of Subordinated Securities, the Trustee
or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of that outstanding
series of Subordinated Securities may declare the principal (or, in the case of
original issue discount Subordinated Securities, a specified amount of
principal) of all Subordinated Securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately in cash. Subject to certain conditions, any such declaration may be
annulled, and certain past defaults may be waived, by the holders of not less
than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Securities of
that series. (Section 7.01). The right of the holders of Subordinated Securities
of a series to demand payment in cash upon the occurrence and continuance of an
Event of Default continues to exist so long as the Subordinated Securities of
that series have not been exchanged or converted. Any such right to enforce such
payment in cash would, in the event of the bankruptcy or reorganization of the
Company, be subject to the broad equity powers of a Federal bankruptcy court and
to its determination of the nature and status of the payment claims of the
holders of the Subordinated Securities. Prior to any declaration of
acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
applicable series of Subordinated Securities may waive any past default or Event
of Default, except a payment default. (Section 7.07).
 
     Unless otherwise provided in the terms of a series of Subordinated
Securities, there will be no right of acceleration of the payment of principal
of the Subordinated Securities of that series upon a default in the payment of
principal or interest or a default in the performance of any covenant or
agreement in the Subordinated Securities or the Subordinated Indenture. In the
event of a default in the payment of interest or principal (including a default
in the delivery of any Capital Securities in exchange for Subordinated
Securities) or in the performance of any covenant or agreement in the
Subordinated Securities or the Subordinated Indenture, the Trustee may, subject
to certain limitations and conditions, seek to enforce that payment (or
delivery) or the performance of that covenant or agreement.
 
     The Subordinated Indenture requires the Trustee, within 90 days after the
occurrence of a default with respect to the Subordinated Securities of any
series, to give the holders of that series notice of all uncured defaults known
to it (the term "default" being defined to include the events specified above
without grace periods or notice). However, except in certain cases (involving
the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company, a payment default or a default
in the obligation to deliver Capital Securities in exchange for Subordinated
Securities), the Trustee may withhold the notice if it determines in good faith
that the withholding of the notice is in the interest of those holders. (Section
7.08). We are required to furnish to the Trustee annually an officers'
certificate as to the absence of defaults under the Subordinated Indenture.
(Section 5.06).
 
     Other than the duties of the Trustee to act with the required standard of
care during a default, the
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Subordinated Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the
Subordinated Securities, unless those holders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to that provision for security or
indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Subordinated Securities of any series then outstanding will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to, or exercising any trust or power conferred on, the Trustee with
respect to the Subordinated Securities of that series. (Sections 7.07 and 8.02).
 
     Modification of the Subordinated Indenture. The Subordinated Indenture
contains provisions permitting us and the Trustee to modify the Subordinated
Indenture or the rights of the holders of the Subordinated Securities with the
consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each
outstanding series of the Subordinated Securities affected by the modification.
However, no such modification may, without the consent of each holder of the
Subordinated Security affected by the modification: (i) change the stated
maturity date of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or
interest on, any Subordinated Security; (ii) reduce the principal amount of (or
premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Subordinated Security; (iii) reduce
the portion of the principal amount of an original issue discount Subordinated
Security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof; (iv) reduce any
amount payable upon redemption of any Subordinated Security; (v) change the
place or places where, or the currency in which, any Subordinated Security or
any premium or the interest thereon is payable; (vi) change the definition of
"Market Value"; (vii) impair the right of any holders of Subordinated Securities
of any series to receive on any Exchange Date for Subordinated Securities of
that series Capital Securities with a Market Value equal to that required by the
terms of the Subordinated Securities; (viii) impair the conversion rights (if
any) of any holders; (ix) impair the right of a holder to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Subordinated Security
(including any right of redemption at the option of the holder of that
Subordinated Security) or impair any rights to the delivery of Capital
Securities in exchange for any Subordinated Security or to require the Company
to sell Capital Securities in a Secondary Offering or to require the delivery of
Common Stock, Debt Securities or other property upon conversion of Subordinated
Securities; (x) reduce the above-stated percentage of Subordinated Securities of
any series the consent of the holders of which is necessary to modify or amend
the Subordinated Indenture or reduce the percentage of Subordinated Securities
of any series the holders of which are required to waive any past default or
Event of Default; or (xi) modify the foregoing requirements. (Section 11.02).
 
     The Subordinated Indenture permits us and the Trustee to amend the
Subordinated Indenture in certain circumstances without the consent of the
holders of Subordinated Securities in the event of the merger of the Company,
the replacement of the Trustee, to effect modifications which do not affect any
outstanding series of Subordinated Securities and for certain other purposes.
(Section 11.01).
 
     Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. We may not merge or consolidate
with any other corporation or sell or convey all or substantially all of our
assets as an entirety to any other corporation, unless (i) we are the continuing
corporation or the successor corporation expressly assumes the payment of the
principal of (including issuance and delivery of Capital Securities) and
premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities and the
performance and observance of all the covenants and conditions of the
Subordinated Indenture binding upon us, and (ii) we or the successor corporation
shall not, immediately after such merger or consolidation or such sale or
conveyance, be in default in the performance of any such covenant or condition.
(Article Twelve).
 
PERMANENT GLOBAL DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Certain series of the Debt Securities may be issued as permanent global
Debt Securities to be deposited with a depositary with respect to that series.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the following is a
summary of the depository arrangements applicable to Debt Securities issued in
permanent global form and for which The Depositary Trust Company ("DTC") acts as
depositary (the "Global Debt Securities").
 
     Each Global Debt Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, as
depositary, or its nominee and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC.
Except under the limited circumstances described below, Global Debt Securities
are not
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
exchangeable for definitive certificated Debt Securities.
 
     Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Debt Security is limited to
institutions that have accounts with DTC or its nominee ("participants") or
persons that may hold interests through participants. In addition, ownership of
beneficial interests by participants in a Global Debt Security will be evidenced
only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected only
through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee for a Global Debt Security.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Debt Security by persons that hold
through participants will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that
ownership interest within that participant will be effected only through,
records maintained by that participant. DTC has no knowledge of the actual
beneficial owners of the Debt Securities. Beneficial owners will not receive
written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial owners are
expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction,
as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the participants through
which the beneficial owners entered the transaction. The laws of some
jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical
delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability
to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Debt Security.
 
     We have been advised by DTC that upon the issuance of a Global Debt
Security and the deposit of that Global Debt Security with DTC, DTC will
immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
respective principal amounts represented by that Global Debt Security to the
accounts of its participants.
 
   
     Payment of principal of, and interest on, Debt Securities represented by a
Global Debt Security registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee
will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner
and holder of the Global Debt Security representing those Debt Securities. We
have been advised by DTC that upon receipt of any payment of principal of, or
interest on, a Global Debt Security, DTC will immediately credit accounts of
participants on its book-entry registration and transfer system with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal
amount of that Global Debt Security as shown in the records of DTC. Payments by
participants to owners of beneficial interests in a Global Debt Security held
through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the sole
responsibility of those participants, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements that may be in effect from time to time.
    
 
   
     Neither we, the Trustees nor any of our respective agents will be
responsible for any aspect of the records of DTC, any nominee or any participant
relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a permanent
Global Debt Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the
records of DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to such beneficial
interests.
    
 
     A Global Debt Security is exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities
registered in the name of, and a transfer of a Global Debt Security may be
registered to, any person other than DTC or its nominee, only if:
 
   
          (a) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
     depositary for that Global Debt Security or at any time DTC ceases to be
     registered under the Exchange Act;
    
 
          (b) we determine in our discretion that the Global Debt Security shall
     be exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities in registered form; or
 
          (c) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or
     an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute
     an Event of Default under the Debt Securities.
 
   
     Any Global Debt Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding
sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive Debt Securities in
registered form, of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount as the
Global Debt Security, in denominations specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement (if other than $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000). The
definitive Debt Securities will be registered by the registrar in the name or
names instructed by DTC. We expect that these instructions may be based upon
directions received by DTC from its participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in the Global Debt Security. Any principal and interest
will be
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
payable, the transfer of the definitive Debt Securities will be registerable and
the definitive Debt Securities will be exchangeable at the corporate trust
office of the Bank in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, provided
that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check
mailed to the address of the person entitled to that interest payment as of the
record date and as shown on the register for the Debt Securities.
 
   
     Except as provided above, owners of the beneficial interests in a Global
Debt Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debt
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders of Debt
Securities for any purpose under the Indentures. No Global Debt Security shall
be exchangeable except for another Global Debt Security of like denomination and
tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, each
person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Debt Security must rely on the
procedures of DTC and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of
the participant through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any
rights of a holder under the Global Debt Security or the Indentures.
    
 
     The Company understands that, under existing industry practices, in the
event that we request any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial
interest in a Global Debt Security desires to give or take any action that a
holder is entitled to give or take under the Debt Securities or the Indentures,
DTC would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests
to give or take that action, and those participants would authorize beneficial
owners owning through those participants to give or take that action or would
otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
 
   
     DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized
under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking organization" within the
meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code and a "clearing agency" registered under the Exchange Act. DTC was created
to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions among its participants in those securities
through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC's
participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number
of its participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access
to DTC's book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers,
dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules
applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.
    
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEES
 
     We, the Bank and certain other of our subsidiaries maintain deposits with,
and conduct other banking transactions with, the Trustees under each of the
Indentures in the ordinary course of business.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
   
     Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Charter") authorizes our
Board of Directors or a committee of our Board of Directors (the "Board of
Directors") to cause preferred stock to be issued in one or more series, without
stockholder action. The Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to
200,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1 par value per share ("preferred
stock"), and can determine the number of shares of each series, and the rights,
preference and limitations of each series. We may amend the Charter to increase
the number of authorized shares of preferred stock in a manner permitted by the
Charter and the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"). As of the date of
this prospectus, we have seven series of preferred stock outstanding, which are
described below under "Outstanding Preferred Stock".
    
 
   
     Under regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, if the holders of
any series of our preferred stock become entitled to vote for the election of
directors because dividends on that series are in arrears (as described below
under "Voting Rights"), that series may then be deemed a "class of voting
securities." In that case, a holder of 25% or more of the series (or a holder of
5% or more if that holder would also be considered to exercise a "controlling
influence" over the Company) may then be subject to regulation as a bank holding
company in
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
   
accordance with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. In addition, (i) any other
bank holding company may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal
Reserve Board to acquire or retain 5% or more of that series, and (ii) any
person other than a bank holding company may be required to obtain the approval
of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire or retain 10% or more of that series.
    
 
     The particular terms of any series of preferred stock being offered by us
under this shelf registration (the "Preferred Stock") will be described in the
prospectus supplement relating to that series of Preferred Stock. Those terms
may include:
 
     - the number of shares of the series of Preferred Stock being offered;
     - the title and liquidation preference per share of that series of the
       Preferred Stock;
     - the purchase price of the Preferred Stock;
     - the dividend rate (or method for determining such rates);
     - the dates on which dividends will be paid;
     - whether dividends on that series of Preferred Stock will be cumulative or
       noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends shall
       commence to accumulate;
     - any redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to that series of
       Preferred Stock;
     - any conversion provisions applicable to that series of Preferred Stock;
     - whether the Company has elected to offer Depositary Shares with respect
       to that series of Preferred Stock;
     - any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other
       rights and restrictions applicable to that series of Preferred Stock.
 
     If the terms of any series of Preferred Stock being offered differ from the
terms set forth below, those terms will also be disclosed in the prospectus
supplement relating to that series of Preferred Stock. The following summary is
not complete. You should refer to the Certificate of Designations relating to
the series of the Preferred Stock for the complete terms of that Preferred
Stock. That Certificate of Designations will be filed with the SEC promptly
after the offering of the Preferred Stock.
 
   
     The Preferred Stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, in the event we
liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our business, each series of Preferred Stock will
have the same rank as to dividends and distributions as our currently
outstanding preferred stock and each other series of the Preferred Stock we may
issue in the future. The Preferred Stock will have no preemptive rights.
    
 
DIVIDEND RIGHTS
 
     Holders of Preferred Stock of each series will be entitled to receive,
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, cash dividends at the rates
and on the dates set forth in the prospectus supplement. Dividend rates may be
fixed or variable or both. Different series of Preferred Stock may be entitled
to dividends at different dividend rates or based upon different methods of
determination. Each dividend will be payable to the holders of record as they
appear on the stock books of the Company (or, if applicable, the records of the
Depositary referred to below under "Depositary Shares") on record dates
determined by the Board of Directors. Dividends on any series of the Preferred
Stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as specified in the prospectus
supplement. If the Board of Directors fails to declare a dividend on any series
of Preferred Stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the right to
receive that dividend will be lost, and we will have no obligation to pay the
dividend for that dividend period, whether or not dividends are declared for any
future dividend period.
 
   
     No full dividends will be declared or paid on any series of Preferred
Stock, unless full dividends for the dividend period commencing after the
immediately preceding dividend payment date (and cumulative dividends still
owing, if any) have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid on all other
series of Preferred Stock which have the same rank as, or rank senior to, that
Preferred Stock. When those dividends are not paid in full, dividends will be
declared pro rata, so that the amount of dividends declared per share on that
series of Preferred Stock and on each other series of preferred stock having the
same rank as, or ranking senior to, that series of Preferred Stock will in all
cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on that
series of Preferred Stock and the other preferred stock bear to each other. In
addition, generally, unless full dividends, including cumulative dividends still
owing, if any, on all outstanding shares of any series of Preferred Stock have
been paid, no dividends will be declared or paid on the Common Stock and
generally we may not redeem or purchase any Common Stock. No interest, or
    
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
sum of money in lieu of interest, will be paid in connection with any dividend
payment or payments which may be in arrears.
 
The amount of dividends payable for each dividend period will be computed by
annualizing the applicable dividend rate and dividing by the number of dividend
periods in a year, except that the amount of dividends payable for the initial
dividend period or any period shorter than a full dividend period shall be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and,
for any period less than a full month, the actual number of days elapsed in the
period.
 
RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION
 
     In the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our affairs, either
voluntarily or involuntarily, the holders of each series of Preferred Stock will
be entitled to receive liquidating distributions in the amount set forth in the
prospectus supplement relating to each series of Preferred Stock, plus an amount
equal to accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, before any distribution of assets
is made to the holders of Common Stock. If the amounts payable with respect to
Preferred Stock of any series and any stock having the same rank as that series
of Preferred Stock are not paid in full, the holders of Preferred Stock and of
such other stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in
proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are
entitled. After the holders of each series of Preferred Stock and any stock
having the same rank as the Preferred Stock are paid in full, they will have no
right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Neither the sale of all or
substantially all our property or business nor a merger or consolidation by us
with any other corporation will be considered a dissolution, liquidation or
winding up by us of our business or affairs.
 
REDEMPTION
 
     Any series of Preferred Stock may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at
our option. In addition, any series of Preferred Stock may be subject to
mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund. The redemption provisions that
may apply to a series of Preferred Stock, including the redemption dates and the
redemption prices for that series, will be set forth in the prospectus
supplement.
 
     If a series of Preferred Stock is subject to mandatory redemption, the
prospectus supplement will specify the year we can begin to redeem shares of the
Preferred Stock, the number of shares of the Preferred Stock we can redeem each
year, and the redemption price per share. We may pay the redemption price in
cash, stock or in cash that we have received specifically from the sale of our
capital stock, as specified in the prospectus supplement. If the redemption
price is to be paid only from the proceeds of the sale of our capital stock, the
terms of the series of Preferred Stock may also provide that, if no such capital
stock is sold or if the amount of cash received is insufficient to pay in full
the redemption price then due, the series of Preferred Stock will automatically
be converted into shares of the applicable capital stock pursuant to conversion
provisions specified in the prospectus supplement.
 
     If fewer than all the outstanding shares of any series of Preferred Stock
are to be redeemed, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, the Board of
Directors will determine the method for selecting the shares to be redeemed,
which may be by lot or pro rata or by any other method determined to be
equitable. From and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on
the shares of Preferred Stock called for redemption and all rights of the
holders of those shares (except the right to receive the redemption price) will
cease.
 
     In the event that full dividends, including accrued but unpaid dividends,
if any, have not been paid on any series of Preferred Stock, we may not redeem
that series in part and we may not purchase or acquire any shares of that series
of Preferred Stock, except by an offer made on the same terms to all holders of
that series of Preferred Stock.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
     The prospectus supplement will state the terms, if any, on which shares of
a series of Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock or
another series of our preferred stock. As described under "Redemption" above,
under certain circumstances, Preferred Stock may be mandatorily converted into
Common Stock or another series of our preferred stock.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
   
     Except as indicated below or in the prospectus supplement, or except as
expressly required by applicable law, the holders of Preferred Stock will not be
entitled to vote. Except as indicated in the prospectus supplement, in the event
we issue full shares of any series of Preferred Stock, each share
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
will be entitled to one vote on matters on which holders of that series of
Preferred Stock are entitled to vote. However, as more fully described below
under "Depositary Shares", if we issue Depositary Shares representing a fraction
of a share of a series of Preferred Stock, each Depositary Share will, in
effect, be entitled to that fraction of a vote, rather than a full vote. Because
each full share of any series of Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote,
the voting power of that series will depend on the number of shares in that
series, and not on the aggregate liquidation preference or initial offering
price of the shares of that series of Preferred Stock.
 
   
     If, at the time of any annual meeting of our stockholders, the equivalent
of six quarterly dividends payable on any series of Preferred Stock is in
default, the number of directors constituting our Board of Directors will be
increased by two and the holders of all outstanding series of preferred stock,
voting together as a single class, will be entitled to elect those additional
two directors at that annual meeting. Each director elected by the holders of
shares of the outstanding preferred stock will continue to serve as director for
the full term for which he or she shall have been elected, even if prior to the
end of that term we have paid in full the amount of dividends that had been in
arrears. For purposes of this paragraph "default" means that accrued and unpaid
dividends on the applicable series shall be equal to or greater than the
equivalent of six quarterly dividends.
    
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the terms of each
series of Preferred Stock will state that the approval of at least two-thirds of
the outstanding shares of preferred stock will be required to (a) create any
class or series of stock having a preference over any outstanding series of
preferred stock or (b) change the provisions of the Charter in a manner that
would adversely affect the voting powers or other rights of the holders of a
series of preferred stock. The terms of the Preferred Stock will also state that
if the amendment will not adversely affect all series of outstanding preferred
stock, then the amendment will only need to be approved by holders of at least
two-thirds of the shares of the series of preferred stock adversely affected.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
 
OUTSTANDING PREFERRED STOCK
 
     As of the date of this prospectus, we have eight series of preferred stock
issued and outstanding, as described in the following table:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  STATED VALUE AND                   OUTSTANDING AT    EARLIEST    RATE IN EFFECT AT
                                  REDEMPTION PRICE                      JUNE 30,      REDEMPTION       JUNE 30,
                                    PER SHARE(a)        SHARES            1998           DATE            1998
                                  ----------------   -------------   --------------   ----------   -----------------
                                                     (IN MILLIONS)   (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                               <C>                <C>             <C>              <C>          <C>
 
10.50% Cumulative...............      $ 25.00             5.6             $140         9/30/1998(b)      10.500%
Adjustable Rate, Series L
  Cumulative....................       100.00             2.0              200         6/30/1999         5.040(c)
Adjustable Rate, Series N
  Cumulative....................        25.00             9.1              228         6/30/1999         5.100(c)
9.76% Cumulative................        25.00             4.0              100         9/30/1999         9.760
10.96% Cumulative...............        25.00             4.0              100         6/30/2000        10.960
10.84% Cumulative...............        25.00             8.0              200         6/30/2001        10.840
Fixed/Adjustable Rate
  Noncumulative.................        50.00             4.0              200         6/30/2003          4.96(d)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(a) Redemption price is price indicated in table, plus accrued but unpaid
    dividends, if any.
   
(b) This series will be redeemed on September 30, 1998.
    
   
(c) Floating rates are based on certain money market rates. The minimum and
    maximum rates are 4.50% and 10.50%, respectively, for each of Adjustable
    Rate, Series L Cumulative Preferred Stock and the Adjustable Rate, Series N
    Cumulative Preferred Stock.
    
   
(d) Dividends on this series for dividend periods commencing on or after July 1,
    2003 will be at a floating rate based on certain money market rates (but
    subject to a minimum rate of 5.46% and a maximum rate of 11.46%). The amount
    of dividends payable may be adjusted, and the stock may be redeemed earlier
    than June 30, 2003 in the event of certain amendments to the Internal
    Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, relating to the dividends received
    deduction.
    
 
     Ranking.  All the outstanding series of preferred stock have the same rank.
All the outstanding series of preferred stock have preference over the Common
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in
the event of our liquidation or dissolution.
 
     Dividends.  Dividends payable on each series of outstanding preferred stock
are payable quarterly, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, on each
March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Dividends on all the
outstanding preferred stock, other than the Fixed/Adjustable Rate Noncumulative
Preferred Stock, are cumulative. If we fail to declare a dividend on the
Fixed/Adjustable Noncumulative Preferred Stock for any dividend period, holders
of that series will have no right to receive a dividend for that dividend
period, whether or not we declare dividends on that series for any future
dividend periods.
 
   
     Rights Upon Liquidation; Redemption.  In the event of our liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up, the holders of each outstanding series of preferred
stock will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions, in the amount set
forth opposite such series in the table above, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends, if any, before any distribution of our assets is made to the holders
of our Common Stock. Each of the outstanding series of preferred stock is
redeemable at our option at a redemption price equal to the redemption price set
forth opposite that series in the table above, plus accrued but unpaid
dividends, if any. In addition, the shares of the Fixed/Adjustable Rate
Noncumulative Preferred Stock may be redeemed earlier than June 30, 2003 in the
event of certain amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
relating to the dividends received deduction.
    
 
   
     Voting Rights.  All currently outstanding series of preferred stock provide
that if, at the time of any annual meeting of our stockholders, the equivalent
of six quarterly dividends payable on any series of outstanding preferred stock
is in default, the number of directors constituting our Board of Directors will
be increased by two and the holders of all the outstanding preferred stock,
voting together as a single class, will be entitled to elect those additional
two directors at that annual meeting. Each director elected by the holders of
shares of the
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
   
outstanding preferred stock will continue to serve as director for the full term
for which he or she shall have been elected, even if prior to the end of that
term we have paid in full the amount of dividends that had been in arrears. For
purposes of this paragraph, "default" means that accrued and unpaid dividends on
the applicable series shall be equal to or greater than the equivalent of six
quarterly dividends.
    
 
   
     Each series of the outstanding preferred stock other than the 10.96%
Cumulative Preferred Stock and Adjustable Rate, Series L Cumulative Preferred
Stock provides (and, unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement,
each series of Preferred Stock issued after the date of this prospectus will
provide) that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
shares of all outstanding series of preferred stock, voting together as a single
class without regard to series, will be required to:
    
 
     - create any class or series of stock having a preference over any
       outstanding series of preferred stock; or
 
     - alter or change the provisions of our Charter in a manner that would
       adversely affect the voting powers or other rights of the holders of a
       series of preferred stock.
 
   
     The 10.96% Cumulative Preferred Stock and Adjustable Rate, Series L
Cumulative Preferred Stock each provide as follows:
    
 
     - the consent of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares
       of the particular series, voting as a separate class, is required for any
       amendment of the Charter that would adversely affect the powers,
       preferences, privileges or rights of that series; and
 
     - the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of
       that series and each other series of preferred stock having the same
       rank, voting together as a single class without regard to series, is
       required to create, authorize, issue, or reclassify any stock into, any
       additional class or series of stock ranking prior to that series as to
       dividends or upon liquidation, or any other security or obligation
       convertible into or exercisable for any such prior-ranking stock.
 
     Miscellaneous.  No series of outstanding preferred stock is convertible
into shares of our Common Stock or other of our securities. No series of
outstanding preferred stock is subject to preemptive rights.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
     ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. will be the transfer agent,
registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the Preferred Stock and any
Depositary Shares (see the description of Depositary Shares below). The
registrar for the Preferred Stock will send notices to the holders of the
Preferred Stock of any meetings at which such holders will have the right to
elect directors or to vote on any other matter.
 
DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     General.  We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of
Preferred Stock, rather than full shares of Preferred Stock. If we do, we will
issue to the public receipts for Depositary Shares, and each of these Depositary
Shares will represent a fraction (to be set forth in the prospectus supplement)
of a share of a particular series of Preferred Stock.
 
   
     The shares of any series of Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary
Shares will be deposited under a Deposit Agreement (the "Deposit Agreement")
between us and a bank or trust company selected by us (the "Depositary"). The
Depositary will have its principal office in the United States and a combined
capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. Subject to the terms of the Deposit
Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Share will be entitled, in proportion to
the applicable fractional interest in shares of Preferred Stock underlying that
Depositary Share, to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock
underlying that Depositary Share. Those rights include dividend, voting,
redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.
    
 
     The Depositary Shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued
pursuant to the Deposit Agreement ("Depositary Receipts"). Depositary Receipts
will be issued to those persons who purchase the fractional interests in the
Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares, in accordance with the terms
of the offering. Copies of the forms of Deposit Agreement and Depositary Receipt
are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement. The following summary of
the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary Shares and the Depositary Receipts is not
complete. You should refer to the forms of the Deposit Agreement and Depositary
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
Receipts that are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement.
 
     Dividends and Other Distributions.  The Depositary will distribute all cash
dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the Preferred Stock
to the record holders of Depositary Shares relating to that Preferred Stock in
proportion to the number of Depositary Shares owned by those holders.
 
     If there is a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record holders of Depositary Shares
that are entitled to receive the distribution, unless the Depositary determines
that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this occurs, the Depositary
may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from
the sale to the applicable holders.
 
     Redemption of Depositary Shares.  If a series of Preferred Stock underlying
the Depositary Shares is subject to redemption, the Depositary Shares will be
redeemed from the proceeds received by the Depositary resulting from the
redemption, in whole or in part, of that series of Preferred Stock held by the
Depositary. The redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to the
applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to
that series of the Preferred Stock. Whenever we redeem shares of Preferred Stock
that are held by the Depositary, the Depositary will redeem, as of the same
redemption date, the number of Depositary Shares representing the shares of
Preferred Stock so redeemed. If fewer than all the Depositary Shares are to be
redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro
rata as determined by the Depositary.
 
     After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares called for
redemption will no longer be outstanding, and all rights of the holders of those
Depositary Shares will cease, except the right to receive any money, securities,
or other property upon surrender to the Depositary of the Depositary Receipts
evidencing those Depositary Shares.
 
     Voting the Preferred Stock.  Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which
the holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail
the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the
Depositary Shares underlying that Preferred Stock. Each record holder of those
Depositary Shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record
date for the Preferred Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to
the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of the Preferred
Stock underlying that holder's Depositary Shares. The Depositary will try, as
far as practicable, to vote the number of shares of Preferred Stock underlying
those Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree
to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to
enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will not vote the shares of
Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the
holders of Depositary Shares underlying the Preferred Stock.
 
     Amendment and Termination of the Depositary Agreement.  The form of
Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any provision of the
Deposit Agreement may be amended at any time by agreement between us and the
Depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the
rights of the holders of Depositary Shares will not be effective unless the
amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the
Depositary Shares then outstanding. The Deposit Agreement may be terminated by
us or by the Depositary only if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares have been
redeemed or (ii) there has been a final distribution of the underlying Preferred
Stock in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and the
Preferred Stock has been distributed to the holders of Depositary Receipts.
 
     Charges of Depositary.  We will pay all transfer and other taxes and
governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary
arrangements. We will also pay charges of the Depositary in connection with the
initial deposit of the Preferred Stock and any redemption of the Preferred
Stock. Holders of Depositary Receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes
and governmental charges and such other charges, including a fee for the
withdrawal of shares of Preferred Stock upon surrender of Depositary Receipts,
as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts.
 
     Resignation and Removal of Depositary.  The Depositary may resign at any
time by delivering a notice to us of its election to do so. We may remove the
Depositary at any time. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon
the appointment of a successor Depositary and its acceptance of its appointment.
The successor Depositary must be ap-
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
pointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal
and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United
States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
 
   
     Miscellaneous.  The Depositary will forward to holders of Depository
Receipts all reports and communications from us that we deliver to the
Depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the Preferred
Stock.
    
 
     Neither we nor the Depositary will be liable if either of us is prevented
or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing our
respective obligations under the Deposit Agreement. Our obligations and those of
the Depositary will be limited to the performance in good faith of our
respective duties under the Deposit Agreement. Neither we nor the Depositary
will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any
Depositary Shares or Preferred Stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished.
We and the Depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or
upon information provided by persons presenting Preferred Stock for deposit,
holders of Depositary Receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on
documents believed to be genuine.
 
PERMANENT GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
     Certain series of the Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares may be issued as
permanent global securities to be deposited with a depositary with respect to
that series. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the
following is a summary of the depositary arrangements applicable to Preferred
Stock or Depositary Receipts issued in permanent global form and for which DTC
acts as the depositary ("Global Preferred Securities").
 
     Each Global Preferred Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC
or its nominee and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Except under the
limited circumstances described below, Global Preferred Securities are not
exchangeable for definitive certificated Preferred Stock or Depositary Receipts.
 
     Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security is limited
to institutions that have accounts with DTC or its nominee ("participants") or
persons that may hold interests through participants. In addition, ownership of
beneficial interests by participants in a Global Preferred Security will be
evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee for a Global Preferred
Security. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security by
persons that hold through participants will be evidenced only by, and the
transfer of that ownership interest within that participant will be effected
only through, records maintained by that participant. DTC has no knowledge of
the actual beneficial owners of the Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as the
case may be, represented by a Global Preferred Security. Beneficial owners will
not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial
owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
participants through which the beneficial owners entered the transaction. The
laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take
physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security.
 
     We have been advised by DTC that upon the issuance of a Global Preferred
Security and the deposit of that Global Preferred Security with DTC, DTC will
immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
respective principal amounts represented by that Global Preferred Security to
the accounts of its participants.
 
   
     Payments on Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares represented by a Global
Preferred Security registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee will
be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and
holder of the Global Preferred Security representing the Preferred Stock or
Depositary Shares. We have been advised by DTC that upon receipt of any payment
on a Global Preferred Security, DTC will immediately credit accounts of
participants on its book-entry registration and transfer system with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that Global
Preferred Security as shown in the records of DTC. Payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security held through those
participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices,
as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer
form or registered in "street name", and will be the sole responsibility of
those participants, subject to any
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
 
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
 
     Neither we nor any of our agents will be responsible for any aspect of the
records of DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to, or payments made on
account of beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the records of DTC, any nominee or
any participant relating to such beneficial interests.
 
     A Global Preferred Security is exchangeable for definitive certificated
Preferred Stock or Depositary Receipts, as the case may be, registered in the
name of, and a transfer of a Global Preferred Security may be registered to, a
person other than DTC or its nominee, only if:
 
   
          (a) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
     Depositary for the Global Preferred Security or at any time DTC ceases to
     be registered under the Exchange Act; or
    
 
   
          (b) We determine in our discretion that the Global Preferred Security
     shall be exchangeable for definitive Preferred Stock or Depositary
     Receipts, as the case may be, in registered form.
    
 
     Any Global Preferred Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the
preceding sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive certificated
Preferred Stock or Depositary Receipts, as the case may be, registered by the
registrar in the name or names instructed by DTC. We expect that those
instructions may be based upon directions received by DTC from its participants
with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in that Global Preferred
Security.
 
   
     Except as provided above, owners of the beneficial interests in a Global
Preferred Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of
certificates representing shares of Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as the
case may be, and will not be considered the holders of Preferred Stock or
Depositary Shares, as the case may be. No Global Preferred Security shall be
exchangeable except for another Global Preferred Security to be registered in
the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Preferred Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and,
if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant
through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder
of Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as the case may be.
    
 
     The Company understands that, under existing industry practices, in the
event that we request any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial
interest in a Global Preferred Security desires to give or take any action that
a holder of Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as the case may be, is
entitled to give or take, DTC would authorize the participants holding the
relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action and those participants
would authorize beneficial owners owning through those participants to give or
take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial
owners owning through them.
 
     A brief description of DTC is set forth above under "Permanent Global Debt
Securities."
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
   
     As of the date of this prospectus, we are authorized to issue up to
1,500,000,000 shares of Common Stock. As of June 30, 1998, we had 881,534,410
shares of Common Stock issued (including 28,620,557 shares held in treasury) and
had reserved approximately 148,209,447 shares of Common Stock for issuance under
various employee or director incentive, compensation and option plans.
    
 
     The following summary is not complete. You should refer to the applicable
provisions of the Charter, including the Certificates of Designations pursuant
to which the outstanding series of preferred stock were issued, and to the DGCL
for a complete statement of the terms and rights of the Common Stock.
 
     Dividends.  Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for
their payment (subject to the rights of holders of the preferred stock).
 
   
     Voting Rights.  Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per
share. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of preferred
stock pursuant to applicable law or the provision of the Certificate of
Designations creating that series, all voting rights are vested in the holders
of shares of Common Stock. Holders of shares of Common Stock have noncumulative
voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares
voting for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors, and the
holders of the
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
 
remaining shares voting for the election of directors will not be able to elect
any directors.
 
     Rights Upon Liquidation.  In the event of our voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of Common Stock will be
entitled to share equally in any of our assets available for distribution after
the payment in full of all debts and distributions and after the holders of all
series of outstanding preferred stock have received their liquidation
preferences in full.
 
     Miscellaneous.  The issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully
paid and nonassessable. Holders of shares of Common Stock are not entitled to
preemptive rights. Shares of Common Stock are not convertible into shares of any
other class of capital stock. ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. is the
transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the Common Stock.
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
 
     We may issue Securities Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities,
Preferred Stock or Common Stock. Securities Warrants may be issued independently
or together with Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Common Stock and may be
attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of Securities
Warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement (a "Securities
Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between us and the Bank or another bank
or trust company, as warrant agent (the "Securities Warrant Agent"). The
Securities Warrant Agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the
Securities Warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency
or trust for or with any registered holders or beneficial owners of Securities
Warrants. This summary of certain provisions of the Securities Warrants and the
Securities Warrant Agreement is not complete. You should refer to the Securities
Warrant Agreement, including the forms of Securities Warrant Certificate
representing the Securities Warrants, relating to the specific Securities
Warrants being offered for the complete terms of the Securities Warrant
Agreement and the Securities Warrants. That Securities Warrant Agreement,
together with the terms of Securities Warrant Certificate and Securities
Warrants, will be filed with the SEC promptly after the offering of the specific
Securities Warrants.
 
   
     Each Securities Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the principal
amount of Debt Securities or the number of shares of Preferred Stock or Common
Stock at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the
prospectus supplement. The exercise price may be subject to adjustment upon the
occurrence of certain events, as set forth in the prospectus supplement. After
the close of business on the expiration date of the Securities Warrant,
unexercised Securities Warrants will become void. The place or places where, and
the manner in which, Securities Warrants may be exercised shall be specified in
the prospectus supplement.
    
 
     Prior to the exercise of any Securities Warrants to purchase Debt
Securities, Preferred Stock or Common Stock, holders of the Securities Warrants
will not have any of the rights of holders of the Debt Securities, Preferred
Stock or Common Stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise,
including, (i) in the case of Securities Warrants for the purchase of Debt
Securities, the right to receive payments of principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise or to
enforce covenants in the applicable Indenture, or (ii) in the case of Securities
Warrants for the purchase of Preferred Stock or Common Stock, the right to
receive payments of dividends, if any, on the Preferred Stock or Common Stock
purchasable upon such exercise or to exercise any applicable right to vote.
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF CURRENCY WARRANTS
 
   
     The following description of the terms of the Currency Warrants sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Currency Warrants that we may offer.
The particular terms of the Currency Warrants and the extent, if any, to which
general provisions described below do not apply to the Currency Warrants
offered, will be described in the prospectus supplement. The following summary
is not complete. You should refer to the Currency Warrants and the Currency
Warrant Agreement relating to the specific Currency Warrants being offered for
the complete terms of those Currency Warrants. The Currency Warrant and Currency
Warrant Agreement will be filed with the SEC promptly after the offering of the
specific Currency Warrants.
    
 
     Each issue of Currency Warrants will be issued under a warrant agreement
(each, a "Currency
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between us and the Bank or another bank
or trust company, as warrant agent (the "Currency Warrant Agent"). The Currency
Warrant Agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable Currency Warrant
Agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust
for or with any holders of Currency Warrants.
 
     We may issue Currency Warrants either in the form of (i) currency put
warrants, entitling the holders to receive from us the cash settlement value in
U.S. dollars of the right to sell a specified amount of a specified foreign
currency or composite currency (the "Designated Currency") for a specified
amount of U.S. dollars (each, a "Currency Put Warrant"), or (ii) currency call
warrants, entitling the holders to receive from us the cash settlement value in
U.S. dollars of the right to purchase a specified amount of a Designated
Currency for a specified amount of U.S. dollars (each, a "Currency Call
Warrant").
 
   
     Prospective purchasers of Currency Warrants should be aware of special
United States Federal income tax considerations applicable to instruments such
as the Currency Warrants. The prospectus supplement relating to each issue of
Currency Warrants will describe those tax considerations.
    
 
   
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
Currency Warrants will be issued in the form of global Currency Warrant
Certificates, registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee. Holders
will not be entitled to receive definitive certificates representing Currency
Warrants. A holder's ownership of a Currency Warrant will be recorded on or
through the records of the brokerage firm or other entity that maintains the
holder's account. In turn, the total number of Currency Warrants held by an
individual brokerage firm for its clients will be maintained on the records of
the depositary in the name of that brokerage firm or its agent. Transfer of
ownership of any Currency Warrant will be effected only through the selling
holder's brokerage firm.
    
 
     Each issue of Currency Warrants will be listed on a national securities
exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance, as a condition of sale of
that issue of Currency Warrants. In the event that the Currency Warrants are
delisted from, or permanently suspended from trading on, the applicable national
securities exchange, the expiration date for such Currency Warrants will be the
date the delisting or trading suspension becomes effective, and Currency
Warrants not previously exercised will be deemed automatically exercised on that
expiration date. The applicable Currency Warrant Agreement will contain a
covenant from us that we will not seek delisting of the Currency Warrants, or
suspension of their trading, on the applicable national securities exchange
unless we have concurrently arranged for listing on another national securities
exchange.
 
   
     Currency Warrants involve a high degree of risk, including risks arising
from fluctuations in the price of the underlying currency, foreign exchange
risks and the risk that the Currency Warrants will expire worthless. Further,
the cash settlement value of Currency Warrants at any time prior to exercise or
expiration may be less than the trading value of the Currency Warrants. The
trading value of the Currency Warrants will fluctuate because that value is
dependent, at any time, on a number of factors, including the time remaining to
exercise the Currency Warrants, the relationship between the exercise price of
the Currency Warrants and the price of the Designated Currency, and the exchange
rate associated with the Designated Currency. Because Currency Warrants are
unsecured obligations of the Company, changes in our perceived creditworthiness
may also be expected to affect the trading prices of Currency Warrants. Finally,
the amount of actual cash settlement of a Currency Warrant may vary as a result
of fluctuations in the price of the Designated Currency between the time
instructions are given to exercise the Currency Warrant and the time the
exercise is actually effected.
    
 
   
     Prospective purchasers should be prepared to sustain a loss of some or all
of the purchase price of their Currency Warrants. Prospective purchasers of
Currency Warrants should be experienced with respect to options and option
transactions and should reach an investment decision only after careful
consideration with their advisers of the suitability of the Currency Warrants in
light of their particular financial circumstances, the information set forth
under "Risk Factors" in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular
issue of Currency Warrants and to the other information regarding the Currency
Warrants and the Designated Currency set forth in this prospectus and the
prospectus supplement.
    
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     The Company may sell the Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary
Shares, Common
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
Stock, Securities Warrants or Currency Warrants (together referred to as the
"Offered Securities") (i) through underwriters, (ii) through dealers, (iii)
through agents or (iv) directly to purchasers. The applicable prospectus
supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of any Offered Securities.
 
     If underwriters are utilized in the sale of the Offered Securities, we will
execute an underwriting agreement with those underwriters. The underwriting
agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to
certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters with respect to a sale of
Offered Securities will be obligated to purchase all the Offered Securities if
any are purchased. In connection with the sale of Offered Securities,
underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of
underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from the
purchasers of Offered Securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters
may sell Offered Securities to or through dealers. Those dealers may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the
underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as
agent. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. If
underwriters are utilized in the sale of any Offered Securities, the applicable
prospectus supplement will contain a statement regarding the intention, if any,
of the underwriters to make a market in the Offered Securities.
 
     If a dealer is utilized directly by us, we will sell the Offered Securities
to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the Offered Securities
to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of
resale.
 
   
     Offered Securities may also be offered and sold through agents designated
by us from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus
supplement, any agent will be acting on a reasonable efforts basis for the
period of its appointment.
    
 
     Underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of
Offered Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and
commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the
Offered Securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions
under the Securities Act. Under agreements which may be entered into by us,
underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of Offered
Securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.
 
     The Offered Securities may be sold either at a fixed price or prices which
may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices
related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
 
     Underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage in transactions
with, or perform services for, us, the Bank, Chase USA, Chase Texas or CSI or
certain of our other subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
 
     Offers to purchase Offered Securities may be solicited directly by us.
Except as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, none of our
directors, officers, or employees nor those of our bank subsidiaries will
solicit or receive a commission in connection with direct sales by us of the
Offered Securities. Those persons may respond to inquiries by potential
purchasers and perform ministerial and clerical work in connection with direct
sales.
 
   
     Under Section 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), when an NASD member, such as CSI,
participates in the distribution of an affiliated company's securities, the
offering must be conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of
Section 2720. CSI is considered to be an "affiliate" (as such term is defined in
Section 2720) of ours by virtue of the fact that we own all of the outstanding
equity securities of CSI. The offer and sale of any Offered Securities by CSI or
any other qualified affiliate of ours will comply with the requirements of
Section 2720 regarding the underwriting of securities of affiliates and with any
restrictions that may be imposed on CSI or such other affiliate of ours by the
Federal Reserve Board.
    
 
     This prospectus and the related prospectus supplement may be used by direct
or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of ours, including CSI, in connection with
offers and sales related to secondary market transactions in the Offered
Securities. Those subsidiaries may act as principal or agent in those
transactions. Secondary market sales will be made
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
at prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale.
 
     We may authorize underwriters, dealers and agents to solicit offers by
certain institutions to purchase Offered Securities pursuant to Delayed Delivery
Contracts (each a "Contract") providing for payment and delivery on a future
date specified in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with which Contracts
may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies,
educational and charitable institutions and other institutions we may approve.
The obligations of any purchaser under any Contract will not be subject to any
conditions except that any related sale of Offered Securities to underwriters
shall have occurred and the purchase by an institution of the Offered Securities
covered by its Contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under
the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which that institution is
subject.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
     The audited financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by
reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997
have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
    
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
     The validity of the Offered Securities will be passed upon for us by
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York, New York, and for any underwriters by
Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York, New York. Cravath, Swaine & Moore acts as
legal counsel to us and our subsidiaries in a substantial number of matters on a
regular basis.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
 
                             [CHASE MANHATTAN LOGO]
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                                PREFERRED STOCK
                                    WARRANTS
 
     This Prospectus may be used by subsidiaries of The Chase Manhattan
Corporation, including Chase Securities Inc., in connection with offers and
sales in the secondary market of senior or subordinated debt securities or
preferred stock of The Chase Manhattan Corporation or warrants to purchase such
debt securities or preferred stock. These subsidiaries may act as principal or
agent and sales made by them will be made at prices related to market prices at
the time of sale.
 
     Of the series of debt securities issued and outstanding as of the date of
this prospectus that may be offered by use of this prospectus, the following are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange and have the following ticker symbols:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEBT SECURITIES                                               TICKER SYMBOL
- ---------------                                               -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
7 3/4% Subordinated Notes Due 1999..........................      CMBOY
8% Subordinated Notes Due 1999..............................       CMBO
7 1/2% Subordinated Notes Due 2003..........................       CMBS
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Due 2003...................      CMBSX
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Due August 1, 2003.........      CMBSY
7 7/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2004..........................      CMBTX
8% Subordinated Notes Due 2004..............................       CMBT
6 1/2% Subordinated Notes Due 2005..........................       CMBU
6 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2006..........................       CMBV
6 1/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2008..........................      CMBAX
6 3/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2008..........................      CMBAA
6 1/2% Subordinated Notes Due 2009..........................      CMBBB
</TABLE>
 
   
     Of the series of preferred stock or depositary shares issued and
outstanding as of the date of this prospectus that may be offered by use of this
prospectus, the following are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and have the
following ticker symbols:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK                                               TICKER SYMBOL
- ---------------                                               -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
10 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Stock..........................     CMBPRA
9.76% Cumulative Preferred Stock............................     CMBPRB
10.84% Cumulative Preferred Stock...........................     CMBPRC
10.96% Cumulative Preferred Stock...........................     CMBPRG
Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series L........     CMBPRL
Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series N........     CMBPRN
</TABLE>
    
 
     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAVE THESE ORGANIZATIONS DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS
ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
     THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE
MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SEC IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND
IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE AN
OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
 
                   This prospectus is dated           , 1998.
<PAGE>   33
 
                            WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
                         INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY
 
     The Chase Manhattan Corporation (the "Company", which may be referred to as
"we" or "us") files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at
the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and
Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public
at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.
 
     The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the
information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and
later information filed with the SEC will update and supersede this information.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings
made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is completed;
 
     (a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997;
 
   
     (b) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1998
and June 30, 1998;
    
 
   
     (c) Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 1998, January 28,
1998, March 17, 1998, April 24, 1998, May 20, 1998, June 15, 1998, July 24, 1998
and July 30, 1998;
    
 
     (d) The descriptions of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock contained in
our Registration Statements filed under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.
 
     You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing to or
telephoning us at the following address:
 
     Office of the Secretary
     The Chase Manhattan Corporation
     270 Park Avenue
     New York, NY 10017
     212-270-4040
 
     YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OR
PROVIDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY SUPPLEMENT TO THIS PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE
AUTHORIZED NO ONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. WE ARE NOT MAKING
AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU
SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THE
DOCUMENT.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   34
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956. We were organized as a Delaware corporation in 1968. As of
June 30, 1998, we were the largest banking institution in the United States,
with $367 billion in assets and $23 billion in stockholders' equity.
    
 
     We conduct domestic and international financial services businesses through
various bank and non-bank subsidiaries. Our principal bank subsidiaries are The
Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation (the "Bank"), Chase
Manhattan Bank USA, National Association, headquartered in Delaware ("Chase
USA"), and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, headquartered in Texas
("Chase Texas"). Our principal non-bank subsidiary is Chase Securities Inc.
("CSI"), which is engaged in securities underwriting and dealing activities.
 
     On March 31, 1996, The Chase Manhattan Corporation ("heritage Chase")
merged into Chemical Banking Corporation, which changed its name to "The Chase
Manhattan Corporation." The merger was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.
Therefore, the information presented in this prospectus and the other documents
we file with the SEC are stated on a combined basis as if the merger had been in
effect for all periods presented.
 
BUSINESS
 
     Our activities are internally organized, for operating purposes, into three
major business franchises. A brief description of these business franchises is
presented below.
 
  Global Banking
 
     Global Banking provides financing, advisory, sales and trading, trade
finance, asset management and private banking services. Clients include
corporations, institutions, governments and wealthy individuals located around
the world. Global Banking operates in more than 50 countries, including major
operations in all key international financial centers. Chase Texas (other than
its consumer and global services businesses) is also included in Global Banking.
 
  Chase Technology Solutions
 
     Chase Technology Solutions combines the Company's global services
businesses, information technology and operations and electronic commerce
initiatives into a single group. Global services is a leading provider of
information and transaction services globally and includes custody, cash
management, trust and other fiduciary services.
 
  National Consumer Services
 
   
     National Consumer Services included, as of June 30, 1998, the
fourth-largest bank credit card issuer in the U.S., the third-largest originator
and servicer of residential mortgages in the U.S., and a leading provider of
auto financing and other consumer lending products. The Company and its
subsidiaries maintain a leading market share position in the New York
metropolitan tri-state area in serving the financial needs of consumers. We
offer customers convenient access to financial services by telephone, personal
computer and the internet and have the most branches and automated teller
machines in the New York metropolitan tri-state area. National Consumer Services
also has a small international consumer presence.
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   35
 
                CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                   AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
 
     The consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and the ratios of
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements are
as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       SIX MONTHS
                                         ENDED
                                        JUNE 30,           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                      ------------   ------------------------------------
                                          1998       1997    1996    1995    1994    1993
                                          ----       ----    ----    ----    ----    ----
<S>                                   <C>            <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Earnings to Fixed Charges:
  Excluding Interest on Deposits....      1.78       1.82    1.66    1.90    1.86    1.62
  Including Interest on Deposits....      1.39       1.43    1.32    1.41    1.42    1.31
Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges
  and Preferred Stock Dividend
  Requirements:
  Excluding Interest on Deposits....      1.75       1.77    1.60    1.82    1.76    1.52
  Including Interest on Deposits....      1.38       1.41    1.30    1.38    1.38    1.27
</TABLE>
    
 
     For purposes of computing the above ratios, earnings represent net income
from continuing operations plus total taxes based on income and fixed charges.
Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits, include interest expense (other
than on deposits), one-third (the proportion deemed representative of the
interest factor) of rents, net of income from subleases, and capitalized
interest. Fixed charges, including interest on deposits, include all interest
expense, one-third (the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor)
of rents, net of income from subleases, and capitalized interest.
 
                             DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY
                                DEBT SECURITIES
 
   
     The Company (which includes Chemical Banking Corporation prior to its
merger with heritage Chase) has issued debt securities (the "Company Debt
Securities") from time to time, including senior debt securities (the "Company
Senior Securities") and subordinated debt securities (the "Company Subordinated
Securities"). The following summary of certain provisions of the Company Debt
Securities and the indentures under which they were issued (the "Company
Indentures") is not complete. You should refer to the Company Indentures, copies
of which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is
a part (Registration Statement File No. 333-56573; the "Registration
Statement"). Section references below are to the section in the applicable
Company Indenture. Capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to them in the
applicable Company Indenture. The referenced sections of the Company Indentures
and the definitions of capitalized terms are incorporated by reference.
    
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company Senior Securities have been issued under an Indenture, dated as
of December 1, 1989, as amended (the "Company Senior Indenture"), between the
Company and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee (the "Company Senior Trustee").
The Company Subordinated Securities have been issued under an Indenture, dated
as of April 1, 1987, as amended and restated as of December 15, 1992, and as
further amended (the "Company Subordinated Indenture"), between the Company and
U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (the "Company Subordinated
Trustee"). The Company Debt Securities may be offered together with warrants to
purchase the Company Debt Securities (the "Debt Warrants"), warrants to purchase
shares of common stock (the "Common Stock Warrants"), warrants to purchase
shares of preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock Warrants") or currency warrants
entitling the holder to receive the cash value in U.S. dollars of the right to
purchase or the right to sell foreign currencies or composite currencies (the
"Currency Warrants"). A supplement to this prospectus will describe the specific
terms of any Debt Warrants, Preferred Stock Warrants or Currency Warrants that
may be issued.
    
 
     Neither Company Indenture limits the amount of Company Debt Securities that
we may issue. Each Company Indenture provides that Company Debt Securities may
be issued up to the principal amount authorized by us from time to time.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   36
 
   
     We are a holding company that conducts substantially all of our operations
through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of the holders of the Company Debt
Securities will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of our
subsidiaries, except to the extent that the Company may itself be recognized as
a creditor of those subsidiaries. Claims of creditors of our subsidiaries other
than the Company include substantial amounts of long-term debt, deposit
liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase
agreements, commercial paper and other short-term borrowings.
    
 
   
     The Company Debt Securities have been issued only in fully registered form
without coupons. Some of the Company Debt Securities may have been issued only
as permanent global Company Debt Securities. See "Permanent Global Debt
Securities" below. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange
of the Company Debt Securities, but the Company may require payment of any taxes
or other governmental charges.
    
 
     Unless a particular issue of Company Debt Securities is represented by a
permanent global note, principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any,
on the Company Debt Securities is payable, and the Company Debt Securities are
transferable or exchangeable, at the corporate trust office of the Bank in New
York City. Payment of interest on any Company Debt Securities may be made at our
option by check mailed to the registered holders of the Company Debt Securities
at their registered addresses. In connection with any payment on a Company Debt
Security, we may require the holder to certify information to the Company. In
the absence of such certification, we may rely on any legal presumption to
determine our responsibilities, if any, to deduct or withhold taxes, assessments
or governmental charges from such payment.
 
     Some of the Company Debt Securities may have been issued as original issue
discount Company Debt Securities. Original issue discount Company Debt
Securities bear no interest or bear interest at a below-market rate and will be
sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. Persons considering the
purchase, ownership or disposition of such original issue discount Company Debt
Securities should consult their own tax advisors concerning the United States
Federal income tax consequences to them with regard to such purchase, ownership
or disposition in light of their particular situations as well as any
consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
 
     Neither Company Indenture restricts our ability to enter into a highly
leveraged transaction or provides special protection to holders of Company Debt
Securities in the event of such a transaction. In addition, neither Indenture
provides special protection in the event of a sudden and dramatic decline in the
credit quality of the Company resulting from a takeover, recapitalization or
similar restructuring of the Company.
 
COMPANY SENIOR SECURITIES
 
     The Company Senior Securities are direct, unsecured general obligations of
the Company and constitute Senior Indebtedness having the same rank as the other
Senior Indebtedness of the Company. See "Description of Company Debt
Securities -- Company Subordinated Securities -- Subordination" below.
 
     Limitation on Disposition of Stock of the Bank. The Company Senior
Indenture contains a covenant by us that, so long as any of the Company Senior
Securities are outstanding (but subject to our rights in connection with our
consolidation or merger with or into another person or a sale of our assets),
neither we nor any Intermediate Subsidiary (as defined below) will dispose of
any shares of Voting Stock of the Bank (or any securities convertible into, or
options, warrants or rights to purchase shares of Voting Stock of the Bank),
except to the Company or an Intermediate Subsidiary. In addition, the covenant
provides that neither we nor any Intermediate Subsidiary will permit the Bank to
issue any shares of its Voting Stock (or securities convertible into, or
options, warrants or rights to purchase shares of its Voting Stock), nor will we
permit any Intermediate Subsidiary to cease to be an Intermediate Subsidiary.
These restrictions will not apply if (i) any disposition of Voting Stock of the
Bank (or any securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to
purchase shares of Voting Stock of the Bank) is made for fair market value, as
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company or the Intermediate
Subsidiary, and (ii) after giving effect to the transaction, we and any one or
more of our Intermediate Subsidiaries will collectively own at least 80% of the
issued and outstanding Voting Stock of the Bank (or any successor to the Bank)
free and clear of any security interest. The above covenant also does not
restrict the Bank from being consolidated with or merged
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   37
 
into another domestic banking corporation, if after the merger or consolidation
the Company, or its successor, and any one or more Intermediate Subsidiaries own
at least 80% of the Voting Stock of the resulting bank and no Event of Default,
and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event
of Default, shall have happened and be continuing. An Intermediate Subsidiary is
defined in the Company Senior Indenture as a Subsidiary (i) that is organized
under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction and (ii) of which all the shares of
capital stock, and all securities convertible into, and options, warrants and
rights to purchase shares of such capital stock, are owned directly by the
Company, free and clear of any security interest. The above covenant does not
prevent the Bank from engaging in a sale of assets to the extent otherwise
permitted by the Company Senior Indenture. (Section 1006).
 
     Events of Default.  The Company Senior Indenture defines an Event of
Default with respect to any series of Company Senior Securities as any one of
the following events:
 
          (i) default in the payment of interest on any Company Senior Security
     of that series and continuance of that default for 30 days;
 
          (ii) default in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on)
     any Company Senior Security of that series at Maturity;
 
          (iii) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment and
     continuance of that default for 5 days;
 
          (iv) failure by the Company for 60 days after notice to perform any of
     the other covenants or warranties in the Company Senior Indenture
     applicable to that series;
 
   
          (v) (A) failure by the Company to pay indebtedness for borrowed money,
     including Company Senior Securities of other series, in an aggregate
     principal amount exceeding $25,000,000, at the later of final maturity or
     the expiration of any applicable grace period or (B) acceleration of the
     maturity of any of the Company's indebtedness for borrowed money, including
     Company Senior Securities of other series, in an aggregate principal amount
     exceeding $25,000,000, if that failure to pay or acceleration results from
     a default under the instrument giving rise to, or securing, the
     indebtedness for money borrowed and is not rescinded or annulled within 30
     days after due notice, unless the default is contested in good faith by
     appropriate proceedings;
    
 
          (vi) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the
     Company or the Bank; and
 
          (vii) any other Event of Default specified with respect to Company
     Senior Securities of that series. (Section 501).
 
     If any Event of Default with respect to Company Senior Securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, either the Company Senior Trustee or the
holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Company
Senior Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the
Company Senior Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities,
a specified portion of the principal amount) of all Company Senior Securities of
that series to be due and payable immediately. No such declaration is required
upon certain events of bankruptcy. Subject to certain conditions, the
declaration may be annulled and past defaults (except uncured payment defaults
and certain other specified defaults) may be waived by the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the Outstanding Company Senior Securities of that series.
(Sections 502 and 513).
 
     The Company Senior Indenture requires the Company Senior Trustee to, within
90 days after the occurrence of a default known to it with respect to any
outstanding series of Company Senior Securities, give the holders of that series
notice of the default if uncured or not waived. However, the Company Senior
Trustee may withhold the notice if it determines in good faith that the
withholding of the notice is in the interest of those holders, except that the
Company Senior Trustee may not withhold the notice in the case of a payment
default. The above notice shall not be given until 60 days after the occurrence
of a default in the performance of a covenant in the Company Senior Indenture
other than a covenant to make payment. The term "default" for the purpose only
of this provision means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or
both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Company Senior Securities
of that series. (Section 602).
 
     Other than the duty to act with the required standard of care during a
default, the Company Senior Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its
                                        6
<PAGE>   38
 
   
rights or powers under the Company Senior Indenture at the request or direction
of any of the holders of Senior Securities, unless the holders have offered to
the Company Senior Trustee reasonable security or indemnity. (Section 603). The
Company Senior Indenture provides that the holders of a majority in principal
amount of Outstanding Company Senior Securities of any series may direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Company Senior Trustee for that series, or exercising any trust or other
power conferred on the Company Senior Trustee. However, the Company Senior
Trustee may decline to act if the direction is contrary to law or the Company
Senior Indenture. (Section 512).
    
 
     The Company Senior Indenture includes a covenant that the Company will file
annually with the Company Senior Trustee a certificate of no default, or
specifying any default that exists. (Section 1007).
 
   
     Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.  The Company Senior Indenture contains
a provision that, if made applicable to any series of Company Senior Securities,
permits the Company to elect (i) to defease and be discharged from all of our
obligations (subject to limited exceptions) with respect to any such series of
Company Senior Securities then outstanding ("defeasance") and/or (ii) to be
released from our obligations under certain covenants and the consequences of
the occurrence of an event of default resulting from a breach of these covenants
or a cross-default ("covenant defeasance"). To make either of the above
elections, we must deposit in trust with the Company Senior Trustee, money,
and/or U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of principal and
interest in accordance with their terms will provide sufficient money, without
reinvestment, to repay in full such Company Senior Securities. As a condition to
defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver to the Company Senior Trustee
an Opinion of Counsel that the holders will not recognize income, gain or loss
for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant
defeasance. That opinion, in the case of defeasance under clause (i) above, must
refer to and be based upon a ruling received by us from the Internal Revenue
Service or published as a revenue ruling or upon a change in applicable Federal
income tax law.
    
 
     Under Federal income tax law as of the date of this prospectus, defeasance
would likely be treated as a taxable exchange of Company Senior Securities for
interests in the defeasance trust. As a result, a holder would recognize gain or
loss equal to the difference between the holder's cost or other tax basis for
the Company Senior Securities and the value of the holder's proportionate
interest in the defeasance trust. That holder thereafter would be required to
include in income a proportionate share of the income, gain or loss, as the case
may be, of the defeasance trust. Under Federal income tax law as of the date of
this prospectus, covenant defeasance would ordinarily not be treated as a
taxable exchange of such Company Senior Securities. Purchasers of Company Senior
Securities should consult their own advisors as to the tax consequences to them
of defeasance and covenant defeasance, including the applicability and effect of
tax laws other than the Federal income tax law.
 
   
     If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a particular
series of Company Senior Securities, then even if there were a default under the
related covenant, payment of those Company Senior Securities could not be
accelerated. We may exercise our defeasance option with respect to a particular
series of Company Senior Securities even if we previously had exercised our
covenant defeasance option. If we exercise our defeasance option, payment of
those Company Senior Securities may not be accelerated because of any Event of
Default. If we exercise our defeasance option or covenant defeasance option and
an acceleration were to occur, the realizable value at the acceleration date of
the money and U.S. Government Obligations in the defeasance trust could be less
than the principal and interest then due on those Company Senior Securities.
This is because the required deposit of money and/or U.S. Government obligations
in the defeasance trust is based upon scheduled cash flows rather than market
value, which will vary depending upon interest rates and other factors.
    
 
     Modification of the Indenture.  We and the Company Senior Trustee may make
modifications and amendments to the Company Senior Indenture with the consent of
the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each series of
Outstanding Company Senior Securities affected by the modification or amendment.
However, without the consent of each affected holder, no such modification may
(i) change the Stated Maturity of any Company Senior Security of any series,
(ii) reduce the principal amount of (or premium, if any, on) any Company Senior
Security, (iii) reduce the rate
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   39
 
of payment of interest on any Company Senior
Security, or change certain other provisions relating to the yield of the
Company Senior Security, (iv) change the currency or currencies in which any
Company Senior Security is payable, (v) reduce the percentage of holders of
Outstanding Company Senior Securities of any series required to consent to any
modification, amendment or any waiver under the Company Senior Indenture, or
(vi) change the provisions in the Company Senior Indenture that relate to its
modification or amendment. (Section 902).
 
     We and the Company Senior Trustee may amend the Company Senior Indenture in
certain circumstances without the consent of the holders of the Company Senior
Securities in the event we merge with another person, to replace the Company
Senior Trustee, to effect modifications that do not affect any outstanding
series of Company Senior Securities, and for certain other purposes.
 
     Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. We may, without the consent of
the holders of any Company Senior Securities, consolidate or merge with any
other person or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to
another person or permit another corporation to merge into the Company, provided
that: (i) the successor is a person organized under U.S. laws; (ii) the
successor, if not us, assumes our obligations on the Company Senior Securities
and under the Company Senior Indenture; (iii) after giving effect to the
transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of
time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be
continuing; and (iv) certain other conditions are met. (Section 801).
 
   
     The principal terms of the Company Senior Securities issued and outstanding
as of the date of this prospectus are set forth below.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SENIOR MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES C
 
   
     The table set forth below indicates the issuance dates, maturity dates and
a summary of certain interest rate terms of the $2,650,079,000 aggregate
principal amount of Senior Medium-Term Notes, Series C (the "Senior Series C
Notes"), issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. The Senior
Series C Notes are not subject to any sinking fund and unless otherwise stated
below are not subject to redemption or repayment prior to maturity. Unless
otherwise indicated below, the redemption price for any Senior Series C Note
that is redeemable is 100% of its principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the redemption date. The Senior Series C Notes have either
(a) fixed interest rates or (b) floating interest rates which are reset
periodically, by reference to an interest rate basis or formula.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     ISSUANCE DATE          PRINCIPAL AMOUNT           MATURITY DATE                 RATE/REDEMPTION TERMS
     -------------          ----------------           -------------                 ---------------------
<S>                      <C>                      <C>                      <C>
December 28, 1993......  5,000,000.............   December 28, 1998......  LIBOR Telerate reset semiannually
January 25, 1994.......  50,000,000............   January 25, 1999.......  LIBOR reset quarterly + 0.15%
June 6, 1994...........  10,000,000............   June 6, 1999...........  LIBOR Telerate reset semiannually +0.40%
June 10, 1994..........  5,000,000.............   June 10, 1999..........  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.20%
September 20, 1994.....  5,000,000.............   September 20, 1999.....  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.37% but
                                                                           in no event shall the rate exceed 9.5%
October 26, 1994.......  25,000,000............   October 26, 1999.......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.375% but
                                                                           in no event shall the rate exceed 10%
November 2, 1994.......  15,000,000............   November 2, 1999.......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.4% but
                                                                           in no event shall the rate exceed 9.75%
November 3, 1994.......  10,000,000............   November 3, 1999.......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.38% but
                                                                           in no event shall the rate exceed 10%
February 28, 1995......  150,000,000...........   February 28, 2000......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.20%
September 1, 1995......  13,000,000............   September 1, 2005......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.40%;
                                                                           converts to 8.75% fixed on September 1,
                                                                           1999; redeemable on September 1, 1999
November 6, 1995.......  25,000,000............   November 6, 1998.......  5.88%
November 10, 1995......  50,000,000............   November 10, 1998......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.10%
November 10, 1995......  25,000,000............   November 10, 2005......  Constant maturity 10 year Treasury Index
                                                                           minus 0.34%
November 15, 1995......  10,000,000............   May 15, 2001...........  Constant maturity 5 year Treasury Index
                                                                           minus 0.15%
October 15, 1996.......  400,000,000...........   October 15, 1998.......  LIBOR reset quarterly
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   40
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     ISSUANCE DATE          PRINCIPAL AMOUNT           MATURITY DATE                 RATE/REDEMPTION TERMS
     -------------          ----------------           -------------                 ---------------------
<S>                      <C>                      <C>                      <C>
June 26, 1997..........  100,000,000...........   June 26, 2000..........  LIBOR Telerate reset monthly +0.02%
August 5, 1997.........  300,000,000...........   August 5, 2027.........  Zero coupon; redeemable on semiannual
                                                                           redemption dates on or after August 5,
                                                                           2002 at prices varying with the redemption
                                                                           date
August 15, 1997........  115,000,000...........   August 15, 2017........  Zero coupon; redeemable on semiannual
                                                                           redemption dates on or after August 15,
                                                                           2001 at prices varying with the redemption
                                                                           date
January 12, 1998.......  150,000,000...........   January 12, 2000.......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly
January 12, 1998.......  75,000,000............   January 12, 2001.......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.025%
January 15, 1998.......  75,000,000............   January 14, 2000.......  Prime reset daily minus 2.78%
January 20, 1998.......  15,000,000............   January 21, 2003.......  LIBOR Telerate reset monthly +0.14%
January 20, 1998.......  20,000,000............   January 20, 2000.......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly minus 0.01%
January 20, 1998.......  250,000,000...........   January 20, 2000.......  Prime reset daily minus 2.79%
January 21, 1998.......  75,000,000............   January 21, 2000.......  Prime reset daily minus 2.79%
February 13, 1998......  66,000,000............   February 13, 2003......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.15%
February 20, 1998......  11,079,000............   February 22, 2028......  LIBOR Telerate reset monthly minus 0.10%;
                                                                           repayable at the option of the holder on
                                                                           February 22 of 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2018
                                                                           at prices varying with the redemption date
February 26, 1998......  100,000,000...........   February 26, 2001......  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly +0.06%
March 25, 1998.........  500,000,000...........   March 25, 1999.........  LIBOR Telerate reset quarterly minus 0.09%
</TABLE>
    
 
COMPANY SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
 
     General.  The Company Subordinated Securities are direct, unsecured general
obligations of the Company that are subordinate in right of payment to all
Senior Indebtedness and, in certain circumstances described below relating to
our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, to all Additional
Senior Obligations (as defined below). The Company Subordinated Indenture does
not limit the amount of debt (including Senior Indebtedness) or Additional
Senior Obligations which we may incur.
 
   
     Unless otherwise indicated below with respect to a particular series of
Company Subordinated Securities, the maturity of the Company Subordinated
Securities is subject to acceleration only upon our bankruptcy or
reorganization. See "Defaults and Waivers Thereof" below.
    
 
   
     If any Company Subordinated Securities are specified below as convertible
into Common Stock ("Subordinated Convertible Securities"), the holders will be
entitled, as specified below, to convert those Subordinated Convertible
Securities into Common Stock at the conversion price specified below.
    
 
     The holders of a particular series of Company Subordinated Securities may
be obligated at maturity, or at any earlier time as set forth below, to exchange
that series of Company Subordinated Securities for Capital Securities (as
defined below) on terms specified below (Article Seventeen). "Capital
Securities" may consist of our Common Stock, perpetual preferred stock or other
of our capital securities acceptable to our primary Federal banking regulator.
Currently, our primary Federal banking regulator is the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). Whenever Company
Subordinated Securities are exchangeable for Capital Securities, we will be
obligated to deliver Capital Securities with a market value equal to the
principal amount of those Company Subordinated Securities. In addition, we will
unconditionally undertake, at our expense, to sell the Capital Securities in a
sale (the "Secondary Offering") on behalf of any holders who elect to receive
cash for the Capital Securities. The Common Stock is described below under
"Description of Capital Stock -- Common Stock". A description of our preferred
stock is set forth below under "Description of Capital Stock -- Preferred
Stock".
 
   
     Subordination.  The Company Subordinated Securities are subordinated in
right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness and, under certain circumstances,
Additional Senior Obligations. As of June 30, 1998, Senior Indebtedness and
Additional Senior Obligations of the Company aggregated approximately $12.1
billion.
    
 
     The Company Subordinated Indenture defines "Senior Indebtedness" to mean
the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all indebtedness for
money borrowed by us, whether outstanding on the date the Company Subordinated
Indenture became effective or created, assumed or incurred
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   41
 
after that date (including all indebtedness of another person for money borrowed
that we guarantee). However, Senior Indebtedness does not include (A) Antecedent
Company Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined below), (B) Company Subordinated
Securities issued on or after December 15, 1992, (C) Assumed MHC Subordinated
Securities (as defined below), (D) Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Securities (as
defined below) and (E) other debt of ours which is expressly stated to have the
same rank as the Company Subordinated Securities or to rank not senior to the
Company Subordinated Securities (such other debt is referred to as "Other
Subordinated Indebtedness").
 
   
     The Company Subordinated Indenture defines "Additional Senior Obligations"
to mean all indebtedness of the Company for claims in respect of derivative
products, such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity
contracts and similar arrangements, except Senior Indebtedness and except for
obligations which are expressly stated to have the same rank as or to be junior
to the Company Subordinated Securities.
    
 
   
     At June 30, 1998, we had approximately $2.8 billion of Company Subordinated
Securities issued and outstanding under the Company Subordinated Indenture and
we had approximately $436 million of Other Subordinated Indebtedness outstanding
that ranked equally with the Subordinated Securities.
    
 
   
     Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness means all outstanding
subordinated indebtedness of the Company issued prior to December 15, 1992
(other than Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness and Assumed Old Chase
Subordinated Indebtedness). At June 30, 1998, we had approximately $1.0 billion
of Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness outstanding.
    
 
   
     MHC Subordinated Indebtedness means all outstanding subordinated
indebtedness of the Company which was assumed by us as a result of the merger of
Manufacturers Hanover Corporation into the Company on December 31, 1991. At June
30, 1998, we had approximately $150 million of Assumed MHC Subordinated
Indebtedness outstanding.
    
 
   
     Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness means all outstanding
subordinated indebtedness of heritage Chase which was assumed by us as a result
of the merger of heritage Chase into the Company. At June 30, 1998, we had
approximately $3.6 billion of Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness
outstanding.
    
 
     Under the Company Subordinated Indenture, no payment may be made on the
Company Subordinated Securities and no exchange for Capital Securities may be
made in the event:
 
     - we have failed to pay all amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and
       interest, if any, due on all Company Senior Indebtedness; or
 
     - there shall exist any event of default or any event which, with notice or
       lapse of time or both, would become such an event of default on any
       Company Senior Indebtedness.
 
     In addition, upon our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization: (i) the holders of Company Senior Indebtedness will be paid the
full amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, before any
payment or distribution is made on the Company Subordinated Securities, and (ii)
if, after such payments on the Company Senior Indebtedness have been made, (A)
there are amounts available for payment on the Company Subordinated Securities
and (B) creditors in respect of Additional Senior Obligations have not received
their full payments, then amounts available for payment on the Company
Subordinated Securities will first be used to pay in full all such Additional
Senior Obligations before any payment will be made on the Company Subordinated
Securities.
 
     No series of our subordinated debt securities is subordinated to any of our
other series of subordinated debt securities. However, Antecedent Company
Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated only to Senior Indebtedness; Company
Subordinated Indebtedness and Other Subordinated Indebtedness are subordinated
to Senior Indebtedness and, in certain circumstances relating to our
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, to Additional Senior
Obligations; Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated to Senior
Indebtedness, Additional Senior Obligations and all of our other obligations to
our creditors, except any obligation which is expressly stated to have the same
rank as, or to rank not senior to, the Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness;
and Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated to Senior Indebtedness,
Additional Senior Obligations and all of our other obligations to our
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   42
 
creditors, except any obligation which is expressly
stated to have the same rank as, or to rank not senior to, the Assumed Old Chase
Subordinated Indebtedness. As a result of the differences between the
subordination provisions applicable to the Company Subordinated Indebtedness,
the Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness, the Assumed MHC Subordinated
Indebtedness, the Assumed Old Chase Subordinated Indebtedness and the Other
Subordinated Indebtedness, in the event of our dissolution, winding-up,
liquidation or reorganization, the holders of Company Subordinated Indebtedness
and Other Subordinated Indebtedness may receive less, ratably, than the holders
of Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness, but more, ratably, than the
holders of Assumed MHC Subordinated Indebtedness and Assumed Old Chase
Subordinated Indebtedness.
 
   
     Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of the Bank.  Except as noted in
the next sentence, the Company Subordinated Indenture does not contain a
covenant prohibiting us from selling or otherwise disposing of any shares of, or
securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to purchase shares
of, voting stock of the Bank, nor does it prohibit the Bank from issuing any
such shares of voting stock or securities convertible into, or options, warrants
or rights to purchase shares of its voting stock. However, the Company
Subordinated Indenture does contain a covenant, which is for the exclusive
benefit of the holders of the Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness and
which is subject to the provisions described below under "Consolidation, Merger
and Sale of Assets," that we will not sell or otherwise dispose of any shares
of, or securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to purchase
shares of, voting stock of the Bank, nor will we permit the Bank to issue any
such shares of voting stock or securities convertible into, or options, warrants
or rights to purchase shares of its voting stock. However, the covenant does not
prohibit: (i) issuances or sales of directors' qualifying shares; (ii) issuances
or sales of shares to us; (iii) sales or other dispositions or issuances for
fair market value, as determined by our Board of Directors, so long as we would
continue to own directly or indirectly not less than 80% of the issued and
outstanding shares of the voting stock of the Bank; (iv) sales or other
dispositions or issuances made in compliance with an order or direction of a
court or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction; and (v) sales of voting
stock by the Bank to its shareholders if such sales do not reduce the percentage
of shares of voting stock owned by us. (Section 5.07).
    
 
     Defaults and Waivers.  The Company Subordinated Indenture defines an Event
of Default (i) with respect to Antecedent Company Subordinated Indebtedness, as
any one of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization affecting
the Company; (ii) with respect to Company Subordinated Indebtedness, as any one
of certain events of bankruptcy or reorganization affecting the Company and any
other event described below as an Event of Default for a particular series.
(Section 7.01). If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to
any outstanding series of Company Subordinated Securities, the Company
Subordinated Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
amount of that outstanding series may declare the principal (or, in the case of
original issue discount Company Subordinated Securities, a specified amount of
principal) of all Company Subordinated Securities of that series to be due and
payable immediately in cash. Subject to certain conditions, any such declaration
may be annulled, and certain past defaults may be waived, by the holders of not
less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Company Subordinated
Securities of that series. (Section 7.01). The right of the holders of the
Company Subordinated Securities of a series to demand payment in cash upon the
occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default continues to exist so long as
the Company Subordinated Securities of that series have not been exchanged or
converted. Any right to enforce such payment in cash would, in the event of the
bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company, be subject to the broad equity
powers of a Federal bankruptcy court and to its determination of the nature and
status of the payment claims of the holders of the Company Subordinated
Securities. Prior to any declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the applicable series of Company Subordinated
Securities may waive any past default or Event of Default, except a payment
default. (Section 7.07).
 
     Unless otherwise provided in the terms of a series of Company Subordinated
Securities, there will be no right of acceleration of the payment of principal
of the Company Subordinated Securities of that series upon a default in the
payment of principal or interest or a default in the performance of any covenant
or agreement in the Company
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   43
 
Subordinated Securities or the Company Subordinated Indenture. In the event of
default in the payment of interest or principal (including a default in the
delivery of any Capital Securities in exchange for Company Subordinated
Securities) or in the performance of any covenant or agreement in the Company
Subordinated Securities or the Company Subordinated Indenture, the Company
Subordinated Trustee may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, seek to
enforce that payment (or delivery) or the performance of that covenant or
agreement.
 
     The Company Subordinated Indenture requires the Company Subordinated
Trustee, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default with respect to
Company Subordinated Securities of any series, to give the holders of that
series notice of all uncured defaults known to it (the term "default" being
defined to include the events specified above without grace periods or notice).
However, except in certain cases (involving the bankruptcy or reorganization of
the Company, a payment default or default in the obligation to deliver Capital
Securities in exchange for Company Subordinated Securities), the Company
Subordinated Trustee may withhold the notice if it determines in good faith that
the withholding of the notice is in the interest of those holders. (Section
7.08). We are required to furnish to the Company Subordinated Trustee annually
an officers' certificate as to the absence of defaults under the Company
Subordinated Indenture. (Section 5.06).
 
     Other than the duties of the Company Subordinated Trustee to act with the
required standard of care during a default, the Company Subordinated Trustee is
not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Company
Subordinated Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the
Company Subordinated Securities, unless those holders shall have offered to the
Company Subordinated Trustee reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to that
provision for security or indemnification, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Company Subordinated Securities of any series then
outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to, or exercising any trust
or power conferred on, the Company Subordinated Trustee with respect to the
Company Subordinated Securities of that series. (Sections 7.07 and 8.02).
 
     Modification of the Company Subordinated Indenture.  The Company
Subordinated Indenture contains provisions permitting us and the Company
Subordinated Trustee to modify the Company Subordinated Indenture or the rights
of the holders of the Company Subordinated Securities with the consent of the
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each outstanding
series of the Company Subordinated Securities affected by the modification.
However, no such modification may, without the consent of each holder of the
Company Subordinated Security affected by the modification: (i) change the
stated maturity date of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or
interest on, any Company Subordinated Security; (ii) reduce the principal amount
of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Company Subordinated
Security; (iii) reduce the portion of the principal amount of an original issue
discount Company Subordinated Security payable upon acceleration of the maturity
thereof; (iv) reduce any amount payable upon redemption of any Company
Subordinated Security; (v) change the place or places where, or the currency in
which, any Company Subordinated Security or any premium or the interest thereon
is payable; (vi) change the definition of "Market Value"; (vii) impair the right
of any holders of Company Subordinated Securities of any series to receive on
any Exchange Date for Company Subordinated Securities of that series Capital
Securities with a Market Value equal to that required by the terms of the
Company Subordinated Securities; (viii) impair the conversion rights (if any) of
any holders; (ix) impair the right of a holder to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Company Subordinated
Security (including any right of redemption at the option of the holder of that
Company Subordinated Security) or impair any rights to the delivery of Capital
Securities in exchange for any Company Subordinated Security or to require the
Company to sell Capital Securities in a Secondary Offering or to require the
delivery of Common Stock, Company Debt Securities or other property upon
conversion of Company Subordinated Securities; (x) reduce the above-stated
percentage of Company Subordinated Securities of any series the consent of the
holders of which is necessary to modify or amend the Company Subordinated
Indenture or reduce the percentage of Company Subordinated Securities of any
series the holders of which are required to waive any past default or Event of
Default; or (xi) modify the foregoing requirements. (Section 11.02).
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   44
 
     The Company Subordinated Indenture permits us and the Company Subordinated
Trustee to amend the Company Subordinated Indenture in certain circumstances
without the consent of the holders of Company Subordinated Securities in the
event of the merger of the Company, the replacement of the Company Subordinated
Trustee, to effect modifications which do not affect any outstanding series of
Company Subordinated Securities and for certain other purposes. (Section 11.01).
 
     Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. We may not merge or consolidate
with any other corporation or sell or convey all or substantially all of our
assets to any other corporation, unless (i) we are the continuing corporation or
the successor corporation expressly assumes the payment of the principal of
(including issuance and delivery of Capital Securities) and premium, if any, and
interest, if any, on the Company Subordinated Securities and the performance and
observance of all the covenants and conditions of the Company Subordinated
Indenture binding upon us, and (ii) we or the successor corporation shall not,
immediately after such merger or consolidation or such sale or conveyance, be in
default in the performance of any such covenant or condition. (Article Twelve).
 
   
     The principal terms of the Company Subordinated Securities issued and
outstanding as of the date of this prospectus are set forth below.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 10 3/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 1999
 
   
     The 10 3/8% Subordinated Notes Due 1999 (the "10 3/8% 1999 Notes") are
limited to $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on March 15,
1999. The 10 3/8% 1999 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no sinking
fund is provided for the 10 3/8% 1999 Notes. The 10 3/8% 1999 Notes bear
interest from March 15, 1989 (or from the most recent date on which interest was
paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15,
commencing September 15, 1989, to the persons in whose names the 10 3/8% 1999
Notes are registered at the close of business on the first day of March or
September preceding that March 15 or September 15. The happening of one or more
of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default with respect to the
10 3/8% 1999 Notes: (i) default for 30 days in the payment of any installment of
interest on any 10 3/8% 1999 Note; (ii) default in the payment, when due, of the
principal of any 10 3/8% 1999 Note; (iii) default, for 60 days after appropriate
written notice, in the observance or performance of any of our other covenants
or agreements contained in the 10 3/8% 1999 Notes or in the Company Subordinated
Indenture for the benefit of the holders of the 10 3/8% 1999 Notes; and (iv)
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization affecting us or the
Bank.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 9 3/4% SUBORDINATED
CAPITAL NOTES DUE 1999
 
   
     The 9 3/4% Subordinated Capital Notes Due 1999 (the "9 3/4% 1999 Notes")
are limited to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on June
15, 1999. The 9 3/4% 1999 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity, except
upon the occurrence of certain events relating to the Federal income tax
treatment of the 9 3/4% 1999 Notes to the Company, and no sinking fund is
provided for the 9 3/4% 1999 Notes. The 9 3/4% 1999 Notes bear interest from
June 22, 1987 (or from the most resent date on which interest was paid), payable
semiannually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15, commencing December 15,
1987, to the persons in whose names the 9 3/4% 1999 Notes are registered at the
close of business on the first day of June or December preceding that June 15 or
December 15. At maturity, the 9 3/4% 1999 Notes will be exchanged for Capital
Securities having a Market Value equal to the principal amount of the 9 3/4%
1999 Notes, unless we elect to pay in cash the principal amount of the 9 3/4%
1999 Notes, in whole or in part, from amounts representing proceeds of other
issuances of Capital Securities which we have previously designated for such use
("Designated Proceeds"). The Company has Designated Proceeds sufficient to pay
the 9 3/4% 1999 Notes in cash at maturity.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 10 1/8% SUBORDINATED
CAPITAL NOTES DUE 2000
 
     The 10 1/8% Subordinated Capital Notes Due 2000 (the "10 1/8% 2000 Notes")
are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on
November 1, 2000. The 10 1/8% 2000 Notes are not subject to redemption prior to
maturity, except upon the occurrence of certain events relating to the Federal
income tax treatment of the 10 1/8% 2000 Notes to the Company, and no sinking
fund is provided for the 10 1/8% 2000 Notes. The 10 1/8% 2000 Notes bear
interest from November 1, 1988 (or from the most recent date on which
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   45
 
   
interest was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each May 1 and November
1, commencing May 1, 1989, to the persons in whose names the 10 1/8% 2000 Notes
are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day of April or October
preceding that May 1 or November 1. At maturity, the 10 1/8% 2000 Notes will be
exchanged for Capital Securities having a Market Value equal to the principal
amount of the 10 1/8% 2000 Notes, unless we elect to pay in cash the principal
amount of the 10 1/8% 2000 Notes, in whole or in part, from Designated Proceeds.
The Company has Designated Proceeds sufficient to pay the 10 1/8% 2000 Notes in
cash at maturity.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 8 1/2% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2002
 
   
     The 8 1/2% Subordinated Notes Due 2002 (the "8 1/2% 2002 Notes") are
limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on February
15, 2002. The 8 1/2% 2002 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 8 1/2% 2002 Notes. The 8 1/2% 2002 Notes bear
interest from February 10, 1992 (or from the most recent date on which interest
was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each February 15 and August 15,
commencing August 15, 1992, to the persons in whose names the 8 1/2% 2002 Notes
are registered at the close of business on the first day of February or August
preceding that February 15 or August 15. The happening of one or more of the
following events shall constitute an Event of Default with respect to the 8 1/2%
2002 Notes: (i) default for 30 days in the payment of any installment of
interest on any 8 1/2% 2002 Note; (ii) default in the payment, when due, of the
principal of any 8 1/2% 2002 Note; (iii) default, for 60 days after appropriate
written notice, in the observance or performance of any of our other covenants
or agreements contained in the 8 1/2% 2002 Notes; and (iv) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization affecting us or the Bank.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 8 5/8% SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES DUE 2002
 
   
     The 8 5/8% Subordinated Debentures Due 2002 (the "8 5/8% 2002 Debentures")
are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on May 1,
2002. The 8 5/8% 2002 Debentures are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 8 5/8% 2002 Debentures. The 8 5/8% 2002
Debentures bear interest from May 1, 1992 (or from the most recent date on which
interest was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each May 1 and November
1, commencing November 1, 1992, to the persons in whose names the 8 5/8% 2002
Debentures are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day of April
or October preceding that May 1 or November 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 8 1/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE JUNE 15, 2002
 
   
     The 8 1/8% Subordinated Notes Due June 15, 2002 (the "8 1/8% 2002 Notes")
are limited to $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on June
15, 2002. The 8 1/8% 2002 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 8 1/8% 2002 Notes. The 8 1/8% 2002 Notes bear
interest from June 15, 1992 (or from the most recent date on which interest was
paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15,
commencing December 15, 1992, to the persons in whose names the 8 1/8% 2002
Notes are registered at the close of business on the first day of June or
December preceding that June 15 or December 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 5/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2003
 
   
     The 7 5/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2003 (the "7 5/8% 2003 Notes") are
limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on January
15, 2003. The 7 5/8% 2003 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 7 5/8% 2003 Notes. The 7 5/8% 2003 Notes bear
interest from January 22, 1993 (or from the most recent date on which interest
was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each January 15 and July 15,
commencing July 15, 1993, to the persons in whose names the 7 5/8% 2003 Notes
are registered at the close of business on the first day of January or July
preceding that January 15 or July 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 1/8% SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES DUE 2005
 
     The 7 1/8% Subordinated Debentures Due 2005 (the "7 1/8% 2005 Debentures")
are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on March
1, 2005. The 7 1/8% 2005 Debentures are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 7 1/8% 2005 Deben-
                                       14
<PAGE>   46
 
   
tures. The 7 1/8% 2005 Debentures bear interest from March 1, 1993 (or from the
most recent date on which interest was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on
each March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 1993, to the persons in
whose names the 7 1/8% 2005 Debentures are registered at the close of business
on the fifteenth day of February or August preceding that March 1 or September
1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 7/8% SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES DUE 2006
 
   
     The 7 7/8% Subordinated Debentures Due 2006 (the "7 7/8% 2006 Debentures")
are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on July
15, 2006. The 7 7/8% 2006 Debentures are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 7 7/8% 2006 Debentures. The 7 7/8% 2006
Debentures bear interest from July 27, 1994 (or from the most recent date on
which interest was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each January 15 and
July 15, commencing January 15, 1995, to the persons in whose names the 7 7/8%
2006 Debentures are registered at the close of business on the first day of
January or July preceding that January 15 or July 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 1/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
 
   
     The 7 1/8% Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "7 1/8% 2007 Notes") are
limited to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on February
1, 2007. The 7 1/8% 2007 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 7 1/8% 2007 Notes. The 7 1/8% 2007 Notes bear
interest from January 29, 1997 (or from the most recent date on which interest
was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each February 1 and August 1,
commencing August 1, 1997, to the persons in whose names the 7 1/8% 2007 Notes
are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day of January and July
preceding that February 1 or August 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 1/2% SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES DUE 2009
 
   
     The 6 1/2% Subordinated Debentures Due 2009 (the "6 1/2% 2009 Debentures")
are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on
January 15, 2009. The 6 1/2% 2009 Debentures are not redeemable prior to
maturity and no sinking fund is provided for the 6 1/2% 2009 Debentures. The
6 1/2% 2009 Debentures bear interest from January 25, 1994 (or from the most
recent date on which interest was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each
January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 1994, to the persons in whose names
the 6 1/2% 2009 Debentures are registered at the close of business on the first
day of January or July preceding that January 15 or July 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 1/4% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
 
   
     The 7 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2007 (the "7 1/4% 2007 Notes") are
limited to $320,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on June 1,
2007. The 7 1/4% 2007 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no sinking
fund is provided for the 7 1/4% 2007 Notes. The 7 1/4% 2007 Notes bear interest
from May 21, 1997 (or from the most recent date on which interest was paid),
payable semiannually in arrears on each June 1 and December 1, commencing
December 1, 1997, to the persons in whose names the 7 1/4% 2007 Notes are
registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day of May or November
preceding that June 1 or December 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 1/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2009
 
   
     The 7 1/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2009 (the "7 1/8% 2009 Notes") are
limited to $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on June 15,
2009. The 7 1/8% 2009 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no sinking
fund is provided for the 7 1/8% 2009 Notes. The 7 1/8% 2009 Notes bear interest
from June 12, 1997 (or from the most recent date on which interest was paid),
payable semiannually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15, commencing
December 15, 1997, to the persons in whose names the 7 1/8% 2009 Notes are
registered at the close of business on the first day of June or December
preceding that June 15 or December 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 3/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008
 
     The 6 3/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2008 (the "6 3/8% 2008 Notes") are
limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on February
15, 2008. The 6 3/8% 2008 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 6 3/8% 2008 Notes. The 6 3/8% 2008
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   47
 
   
Notes bear interest from February 11, 1998 (or from the most recent date on
which interest was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each February 15
and August 15, commencing August 15, 1998, to the persons in whose names the 6
3/8% 2008 Notes are registered at the close of business on the first day of
February or August preceding that February 15 or August 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 3/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE APRIL 1, 2008
 
   
     The 6 3/8% Subordinated Notes Due April 1, 2008 (the "6 3/8% April 1, 2008
Notes") are limited to $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature
on April 1, 2008. The 6 3/8% April 1, 2008 Notes are not redeemable prior to
maturity and no sinking fund is provided for the 6 3/8% April 1, 2008 Notes. The
6 3/8% April 1, 2008 Notes bear interest from April 7, 1998 (or from the most
recent date on which interest was paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each
April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 1998, to the persons in whose names
the 6 3/8% April 1, 2008 Notes are registered at the close of business on the
15th day of March or September preceding that April 1 or October 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES A
 
   
     The table set forth below indicates the issuance dates, maturity dates and
a summary of certain general interest rate terms of the $1,085,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of Subordinated Medium-Term Notes, Series A (the "Subordinated
Series A Notes"), issued and outstanding (or scheduled to be issued) as of the
date of this prospectus. The Subordinated Series A Notes are not subject to any
sinking fund and (unless otherwise stated below) are not subject to redemption
or repayment prior to maturity. Unless otherwise indicated below, the redemption
price for any Subordinated Series A Note that is redeemable is 100% of its
principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption
date. The Subordinated Series A Notes have either (a) fixed interest rates or
(b) floating interest rates which are determined, and adjusted periodically, by
reference to an interest rate basis or formula.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PRINCIPAL
ISSUANCE DATE                          AMOUNT           MATURITY DATE                   RATE/REDEMPTION TERMS
- -------------                 ------------------------  -------------                   ---------------------
<S>                           <C>                       <C>                           <C>
April 5, 1995...............  $ 15,000,000............  April 5, 2005...............  10%; converts to LIBOR
                                                                                      reset semiannually on
                                                                                      April 5, 1999 but in no
                                                                                      event shall the rate be
                                                                                      less than 3%
May 24, 1995................  $ 15,000,000............  May 24, 2002................  7.11%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      May 24, 2000
May 25, 1995................  $ 25,000,000............  May 25, 2007................  7.73%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      May 25, 2000
June 15, 1995...............  $ 10,000,000............  June 15, 2010...............  7.25%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      June 15, 2000
March 24, 1997..............  $250,000,000............  March 24, 2027..............  Zero coupon; redeemable
                                                                                      annually on or after March
                                                                                      24, 2007 at prices varying
                                                                                      with the redemption date.
March 24, 1997..............  $100,000,000............  March 24, 2027..............  Zero coupon; redeemable
                                                                                      annually on or after March
                                                                                      24, 2007 at prices varying
                                                                                      with the redemption date.
September 24, 1997..........  $100,000,000............  September 15, 2006..........  6.75%
November 5, 1997............  $ 20,000,000............  November 5, 2012............  7.00%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      November 5, 2001
</TABLE>
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   48
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PRINCIPAL
ISSUANCE DATE                          AMOUNT           MATURITY DATE                   RATE/REDEMPTION TERMS
- -------------                 ------------------------  -------------                   ---------------------
<S>                           <C>                       <C>                           <C>
November 20, 1997...........  $ 25,000,000............  November 20, 2017...........  7.00%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      November 20, 2001
December 4, 1997............  $ 25,000,000............  December 15, 2017...........  7.00%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      December 15, 2001
December 12, 1997...........  $ 25,000,000............  December 12, 2012...........  6.875%; redeemable on
                                                                                      December 12, 2002
December 18, 1997...........  $ 50,000,000............  December 18, 2017...........  7.00%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      December 18, 2000
December 26, 1997...........  $ 25,000,000............  December 26, 2013...........  7.00%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      December 26, 2000
February 23, 1998...........  $ 25,000,000............  February 23, 2018...........  6.625%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      February 23, 2002
March 2, 1998...............  $ 25,000,000............  March 2, 2018...............  6.75%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      March 2, 2001
April 17, 1998..............  $225,000,000............  April 17, 2028..............  Zero Coupon; redeemable
                                                                                      semiannually on or after
                                                                                      April 17, 2002 at prices
                                                                                      varying with the
                                                                                      redemption date
May 6, 1998.................  $ 25,000,000............  May 6, 2013.................  6.50%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      May 6, 2002
June 3, 1998................  $ 25,000,000............  June 3, 2013................  6.50%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      June 3, 2002
July 8, 1998................  $ 25,000,000............  July 8, 2013................  6.50%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      July 8, 2001
August 20, 1998.............  $ 25,000,000............  August 20, 2013.............  6.50%; redeemable on
                                                                                      payment dates on or after
                                                                                      August 20, 2002
August 27, 1998.............  $ 25,000,000............  August 27, 2008.............  1.60% except that in the
                                                                                      event LIBOR falls below
                                                                                      5.0% per annum, the rate
                                                                                      will increase by specified
                                                                                      multiples of the excess of
                                                                                      designated rates and the
                                                                                      prevailing LIBOR rate.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   49
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B
 
     Set forth below is a table indicating the issuance dates, the maturity
dates and a summary of certain general interest rate terms of the $207,250,000
aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Medium-Term Notes, Series B (the
"Subordinated Series B Notes") issued and outstanding as of the date of this
prospectus. The Subordinated Series B Notes are not subject to any sinking fund
and (unless otherwise stated below) are not redeemable prior to their stated
maturity. Unless otherwise indicated below, the redemption price for any
Subordinated Series B Note that is redeemable is 100% of its principal amount,
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The
Subordinated Series B Notes have either (a) fixed interest rates or (b) floating
interest rates which are reset periodically, by reference to an interest rate
basis or formula.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         ISSUANCE DATE                 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT                  MATURITY DATE                   RATE
         -------------                 ----------------                  -------------                   ----
<S>                             <C>                             <C>                             <C>
March 31, 1995................. $ 1,250,000.................... August 30, 2004................ Zero Coupon
April 7, 1995.................. $ 3,000,000.................... April 7, 2002.................. Zero Coupon
April 28, 1995................. $ 8,500,000.................... May 15, 2005................... 7.60%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after May 15, 2000
May 5, 1995.................... $ 8,000,000.................... May 15, 2005................... 7.60%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after May 15, 2000
May 12, 1995................... $ 4,750,000.................... May 15, 2005................... 7.60%;redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after May 15, 2000
May 17, 1995................... $25,000,000.................... May 17, 2005................... 7.50%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after May 17, 2000
May 19, 1995................... $ 3,000,000.................... June 15, 2005.................. 7.25%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after June 15, 2000
May 25, 1995................... $50,000,000.................... May 15, 2010................... 7.50%; redeemable
                                                                                                semiannually on or
                                                                                                after May 15, 2000
May 26, 1995................... $ 1,250,000.................... June 15, 2005.................. 7.15%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after June 15, 2000
June 2, 1995................... $ 2,500,000.................... June 15, 2005.................. 7.15%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after June 15, 2000
June 30, 1995.................. $15,000,000.................... June 15, 2007.................. 7.05%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after June 15, 2000
July 28, 1995.................. $25,000,000.................... July 15, 2010.................. 7.58%; redeemable
                                                                                                semiannually on or
                                                                                                after July 15, 2000
August 1, 1995................. $15,000,000.................... August 15, 2005................ 7.125%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after August 15, 2000
August 25, 1995................ $15,000,000.................... August 25, 2010................ 7.35%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after August 25, 2000
November 16, 1995.............. $20,000,000.................... November 16, 2010.............. 7.00%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after November 16,
                                                                                                1998
November 24, 1995.............. $10,000,000.................... November 24, 2010.............. 7.10%; redeemable on
                                                                                                payment dates on or
                                                                                                after November 24,
                                                                                                1998
</TABLE>
    
 
PERMANENT GLOBAL COMPANY DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Certain series of the Company Debt Securities were issued in permanent
global form. See "Permanent Global Debt Securities" for a discussion of the
rights of beneficial owners of interests in permanent global debt securities.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   50
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEES
 
     The Company, the Bank and certain of our other subsidiaries maintain
deposits with, and conduct other banking transactions with, the trustees under
each of the Company Indentures in the ordinary course of business. U.S. Bank
Trust National Association is also trustee under the Old Chase Subordinated
Indenture (as defined below) and Bankers Trust Company is also trustee under the
Old Chase Senior Indenture (as defined below).
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF OLD CHASE
                                DEBT SECURITIES
 
     In connection with the merger of heritage Chase with and into the Company,
we assumed the obligations of heritage Chase with respect to certain senior debt
securities (the "Old Chase Senior Securities") and certain subordinated debt
securities (the "Old Chase Subordinated Securities," and together with the Old
Chase Senior Securities, the "Old Chase Debt Securities"). The following summary
of certain provisions of the Old Chase Debt Securities and the indentures under
which they were issued (the "Old Chase Indentures") is not complete. You should
refer to the Old Chase Indentures, copies of which are exhibits to the
Registration Statement. Capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to them in
the applicable Old Chase Indenture, and the definitions of those terms are
incorporated by reference.
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Old Chase Senior Securities have been issued under an Indenture, dated
as of July 1, 1986 (the "Old Chase Senior Indenture"), as amended, between the
Company and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee (the "Old Chase Senior Trustee").
The Old Chase Subordinated Securities have been issued under an Indenture, dated
as of May 1, 1987, as amended (the "Old Chase Subordinated Indenture"), between
the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (the "Old Chase
Subordinated Trustee").
    
 
     Neither Old Chase Indenture limits the amount of debt securities that may
be issued by us. As noted above, because the Company is a holding company,
claims of holders of the Old Chase Debt Securities will generally have a junior
position to claims of creditors of the Company's subsidiaries. See "Description
of Company Debt Securities -- General" above.
 
     The Old Chase Debt Securities have been issued in fully registered form
without coupons. Neither Old Chase Indenture restricts our ability to enter into
a highly leveraged transaction or provides special protection to holders of Old
Chase Debt Securities in the event of such a transaction. In addition, neither
Old Chase Indenture provides special protection in the event of a sudden and
dramatic decline in the credit quality of the Company resulting from a takeover,
recapitalization or similar restructuring of the Company.
 
OLD CHASE SENIOR SECURITIES
 
     The Old Chase Senior Securities are direct, unsecured general obligations
of the Company and constitute Senior Indebtedness having the same rank as the
other Senior Indebtedness of the Company. See "Description of Company Debt
Securities -- Company Subordinated Securities -- Subordination" above.
 
     Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of the Bank.  The Old Chase
Senior Indenture contains a covenant by us that, so long as any Old Chase Senior
Securities are outstanding, we will not create a security interest in more than
20% of the shares of voting stock of the Bank, or permit more than 20% of those
shares (exclusive of directors' qualifying shares) to be held directly or
indirectly other than by (i) the Company or (ii) a corporation which is
wholly-owned (except for directors' qualifying shares) by the Company.
 
     Defaults and Waivers.  The Old Chase Senior Indenture provides that one or
more of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default with respect
to the Old Chase Senior Securities of that series:
 
          (i) default in the payment of interest on any Old Chase Senior
     Securities of that series for a period of 30 days;
 
          (ii) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any,
     on) any Old Chase Senior Securities of that series;
 
          (iii) default in performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty
     of the Company contained in the Old Chase Senior Indenture for the benefit
     of Old Chase Senior Securities of that series for a period of 60 days after
     notice
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   51
 
     of the default or breach has been given to the Company;
 
          (iv) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the
     Company; and
 
          (v) any other Event of Default specified with respect to the Old Chase
     Senior Securities of that series.
 
     If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Old
Chase Senior Securities of any series, the Old Chase Senior Trustee or the
holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Old Chase Senior
Securities of that series then outstanding may declare the principal of the Old
Chase Senior Securities of that series (or, if the Old Chase Senior Securities
of that series were issued as discounted Old Chase Senior Securities, a
specified portion of that principal amount) to be due and payable immediately.
Under certain conditions the declaration may be annulled, and certain past
defaults waived, by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount
of the Old Chase Senior Securities of that series, upon the conditions provided
in the Indenture.
 
     The Old Chase Senior Indenture requires the Old Chase Senior Trustee to,
within 90 days after the occurrence of a default known to it, with respect to
any outstanding series of Old Chase Senior Securities, give the holders of that
series notice of the default if uncured or not waived. However, the Old Chase
Senior Trustee may withhold the notice if it determines in good faith that the
withholding of the notice is in the interest of those holders, except that the
Old Chase Trustee may not withhold the notice in the case of a payment default.
The above notice shall not be given until 30 days after the occurrence of a
default in the performance of a covenant in the Old Chase Senior Indenture other
than a covenant to make payment. The term "default" for the purposes of this
provision means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both
would become, an Event of Default with respect to Old Chase Senior Securities of
that series.
 
   
     Other than the duty to act with the required standard of care during a
default, the Old Chase Senior Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its
rights or powers under the Old Chase Senior Indenture at the request or
direction of the holders, unless the holders have offered to the Old Chase
Senior Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to that requirement for indemnity
and certain other conditions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of
the outstanding Old Chase Senior Securities of any series may direct the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on, the Old Chase Senior Trustee with
respect to the Old Chase Senior Securities of that series.
    
 
   
     Meetings, Modification and Waiver.  We and the Old Chase Senior Trustee may
modify or amend the Old Chase Senior Indenture with the consent of the holders
of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the outstanding Old Chase Senior
Securities of each series affected by the modification or amendment. However, no
such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each
outstanding Old Chase Senior Security affected by the modification or amendment,
(a) change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of
principal of or interest on, any Old Chase Senior Security, (b) reduce the
principal amount of any Old Chase Senior Security or change the rate of interest
or the method of calculation of interest thereon (except as provided in the Old
Chase Senior Indenture or in such Old Chase Senior Security), or any premium
payable upon the redemption thereof, (c) change any obligation of the Company to
pay additional amounts pursuant to the Old Chase Senior Indenture, (d) reduce
the amount of principal of an original issue discount security payable upon
acceleration of the maturity of that security, (e) adversely affect the right of
repayment, if any, at the option of the holder, (f) change the currency in which
any Old Chase Senior Security or any premium or any interest thereon is payable,
(g) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any
Old Chase Senior Security, (h) reduce the percentage in principal amount of
outstanding securities of any series the consent of whose holders is required
for modification or amendment of or any waiver under the Old Chase Senior
Indenture, (i) change our obligation to maintain an office or agency in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, or our obligation (if any) to
maintain an office or agency outside the United States, or (j) modify certain
provisions of the Old Chase Senior Indenture requiring consent of specified
percentages of holders, except to increase any such percentage.
    
 
     We and the Old Chase Senior Trustee may amend the Old Chase Senior
Indenture in certain circumstances without the consent of the holders of
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   52
 
the Old Chase Senior Securities to evidence the merger of the Company or the
replacement of the Old Chase Senior Trustee or to make changes that do not
become effective with respect to previously outstanding series and for certain
other purposes.
 
     Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. We may, without the consent of
the holders of any of the Old Chase Senior Securities, consolidate with, merge
into or transfer all or substantially all of our assets to any corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any State or the
District of Columbia, so long as the successor corporation assumes our
obligations relating to the Old Chase Senior Securities and under the Old Chase
Senior Indenture and no Event of Default shall have happened and be continuing
after giving effect to the transaction and so long as certain other conditions
are met.
 
   
     The principal terms of the Old Chase Senior Securities issued and
outstanding as of the date of this prospectus are set forth below.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 5 1/2% NOTES DUE 2001
 
     The 5 1/2% Notes Due 2001 (the "5 1/2% 2001 Notes") are limited to
$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on February 15, 2001.
The 5 1/2% 2001 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no sinking fund
is provided for in the 5 1/2% 2001 Notes. The 5 1/2% 2001 Notes bear interest
from February 12, 1996 (or from the most recent date on which interest was
paid), payable on each February 15 and August 15, commencing August 15, 1996, to
persons in whose names the 5 1/2% 2001 Notes are registered at the close of
business on the first day of January and July preceding such February 15 and
August 15.
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF OLD CHASE SENIOR MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B
 
     The table set forth below indicates the issuance dates, the maturity dates
and the interest rates of the $174,995,000 aggregate principal amount of Old
Chase Senior Medium-Term Notes, Series B (the "Old Chase Senior Series B Notes")
issued and outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus. The Old Chase Senior
Series B Notes are not subject to any sinking fund and are not subject to
redemption or repayment prior to maturity.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PRINCIPAL
         ISSUANCE DATE               AMOUNT                          MATURITY DATE           RATE/REDEMPTION TERMS
         -------------           --------------                      -------------           ---------------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>         <C>                              <C>
March 29, 1996.................  $49,995,000    ........... March 29, 2006.................          6.85%
March 29, 1996.................  50,000,000     ........... March 29, 2001.................          6.43%
March 29, 1996.................  50,000,000     ........... March 29, 2001.................          6.45%
March 29, 1996.................  25,000,000     ........... March 29, 2001.................          6.43%
</TABLE>
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF OLD CHASE SENIOR MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES C
 
     The only series of Old Chase Senior Medium-Term Notes, Series C (the "Old
Chase Senior Series C Notes"), issued and outstanding as of the date of this
Prospectus is $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Old Chase Series C Notes
issued on March 29, 1996. Such Old Chase Series C Notes bear interest at a rate
of 6.50% per annum and mature on March 29, 2001. They are not subject to a
sinking fund and are not subject to redemption or repayment prior to maturity.
 
OLD CHASE SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
 
     The Old Chase Subordinated Securities are direct, unsecured general
obligations of the Company. Payment of the principal of the Old Chase
Subordinated Securities is subject to acceleration only in the event of our
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. The Old Chase Subordinated Indenture
does not limit the amount of debt (including Old Chase Senior Indebtedness (as
defined below)) that we may incur.
 
     Subordination.  The Old Chase Subordinated Securities are subordinated, by
their terms, to Senior Indebtedness and all of our other obligations (including
Additional Senior Obligations) to our creditors, other than the Old Chase
Subordinated Securities, except obligations having the same rank as or ranking
junior to the Old Chase Subordinated Securities (collectively, "Old Chase Senior
Indebtedness").
 
     No payment pursuant to the Old Chase Subordinated Securities may be made,
and no holder of Old Chase Subordinated Securities shall be entitled to demand
or receive any such payment unless all
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   53
 
amounts of principal, premium, if any, and interest then due on all Old Chase
Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full.
 
   
     Upon any distribution of assets upon our dissolution, winding-up,
liquidation or reorganization, the holders of Old Chase Senior Indebtedness will
be entitled to receive payment in full before any payment is made on the Old
Chase Subordinated Securities. Because of this subordination, in the event of
our insolvency, holders of Old Chase Senior Indebtedness may receive
proportionately more, and holders of Old Chase Subordinated Securities may
receive proportionately less, than other creditors of the Company, including
holders of Company Subordinated Securities. See "Description of Company Debt
Securities -- Company Subordinated Securities".
    
 
   
     Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of the Bank.  The Old Chase
Subordinated Indenture contains a covenant for the exclusive benefit of the
holders of Old Chase Subordinated Securities issued prior to October 1, 1992
that we will not create a security interest in more than 20% of the shares of
the voting stock of the Bank or permit more than 20% of those shares (exclusive
of directors' qualifying shares) to be held directly or indirectly other than by
(i) us or (ii) any corporation which is wholly-owned (except for directors'
qualifying shares) by us.
    
 
     Defaults and Waivers.  The Old Chase Subordinated Indenture defines an
Event of Default with respect to Old Chase Subordinated Securities of any series
as certain events involving our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization and any
other events established as Events of Default for any series of Old Chase
Subordinated Securities. If an Event of Default with respect to any outstanding
series of Old Chase Subordinated Securities occurs and is continuing, either the
Old Chase Subordinated Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
principal amount of that series may declare the principal amount (or, in the
case of original issue discount Old Chase Subordinated Securities, a specified
portion of the principal amount) of that series to be due and payable
immediately in cash. Any right to enforce the payment in cash would be subject
to the broad equity powers of a federal bankruptcy court and to its
determination of the nature of the rights of the holders of the Old Chase
Subordinated Securities of that series. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the
money due has been obtained by the Old Chase Subordinated Trustee, the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Old Chase
Subordinated Securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul the declaration.
 
   
     The Old Chase Subordinated Indenture requires the Old Chase Subordinated
Trustee, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default known to it with
respect to any outstanding series, to give the holders of that series notice of
the default if not cured or waived. However, the Old Chase Subordinated Trustee
may withhold the notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of
the notice is in the interest of those holders. However, the Old Chase
Subordinated Trustee may not withhold notice of a payment default. The above
notice shall not be given until 30 days after the occurrence of a default in the
performance of a covenant (other than a covenant to make payment). The term
"default" for the purposes of this provision means any event which is, or after
notice or lapse or time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect
to a series of Old Chase Subordinated Securities.
    
 
   
     Other than the duty of the Old Chase Subordinated Trustee during the
continuance of an Event of Default to act with the required standard of care,
the Old Chase Subordinated Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its
rights or powers under the Old Chase Subordinated Indenture at the request or
direction of any of the holders of the Old Chase Subordinated Securities of any
series, unless those holders shall have offered to the Old Chase Subordinated
Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to that requirement for indemnity, the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Old Chase
Subordinated Securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to, or exercising any trust
or power conferred on, the Old Chase Subordinated Trustee with respect to the
Old Chase Subordinated Securities of that series.
    
 
     The Company is required to file annually with the Old Chase Subordinated
Trustee a written statement of officers as to the existence or non-existence of
defaults.
 
     Modification of the Old Chase Subordinated Indenture.  We and the Old Chase
Subordinated Trustee may modify or alter the Old Chase Subor-
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   54
 
   
dinated Indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in
principal amount of the outstanding Old Chase Subordinated Securities of each
series affected by the modification or alteration. However, no such modification
or alteration may, without the consent of the holder of each Old Chase
Subordinated Security affected by the modification or alteration: (i) change the
fixed maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or
interest on, any Old Chase Subordinated Security, (ii) reduce the principal
amount of any Old Chase Subordinated Security, (iii) change the rate or rates
(or the method of ascertaining the rate or rates) of interest on any Old Chase
Subordinated Security (except as provided in the Old Chase Subordinated
Indenture or in the Old Chase Subordinated Securities) or any premium payable
upon the redemption thereof, (iv) reduce the portion of the principal amount of
any original issue discount Old Chase Subordinated Security payable upon
acceleration of the maturity thereof, (v) change any place where, or the
currency in which, or the principal amount of, or any premium or interest on,
any Old Chase Subordinated Security is payable, (vi) impair any right to
institute suit for the enforcement of any right to receive payment, or, if
applicable, to have delivered capital securities to be exchanged for an Old
Chase Subordinated Security and to have such capital securities sold in a
secondary offering to the extent provided in that Old Chase Subordinated
Security and in the Old Chase Subordinated Indenture, (vii) modify the
subordination provisions of the Old Chase Subordinated Indenture in a manner
adverse to the holders, (viii) reduce the percentage in principal amount of
outstanding Old Chase Subordinated Securities of the series required to approve
any modification or alteration of, or any waiver under, the Old Chase
Subordinated Indenture, or (ix) impair the right of any holder to receive on any
exchange date capital securities with a market value equal to the amount
established with respect to the series.
    
 
     We and the Old Chase Subordinated Trustee may amend the Old Chase
Subordinated Indenture in certain circumstances without the consent of the
holders of the Old Chase Subordinated Securities to evidence the merger of the
Company or the replacement of the Old Chase Subordinated Trustee or to make
changes that do not become effective with respect to previously outstanding
series and for certain other purposes.
 
   
     The principal terms of the Old Chase Subordinated Securities issued and
outstanding as of the date of this prospectus are set forth below.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 10% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 1999
 
   
     The 10% Subordinated Notes Due 1999 (the "10% June 15, 1999 Notes") are
limited to $275,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on June 15,
1999. The 10% June 15, 1999 Notes are not redeemable and no sinking fund is
provided for the 10% June 15, 1999 Notes. The 10% June 15, 1999 Notes bear
interest from June 15, 1987 (or from the most recent date on which interest has
been paid), payable semiannually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15,
commencing December 15, 1987, to the persons in whose names the 10% June 15,
1999 Notes are registered at the close of business on the first day of June or
December preceding that June 15 and December 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 1999
 
   
     The 8% Subordinated Notes Due 1999 (the "8% June 15, 1999 Notes") are
limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on June 15,
1999. The 8% June 15, 1999 Notes are not redeemable and no sinking fund is
provided for the 8% June 15, 1999 Notes. The 8% June 15, 1999 Notes bear
interest from June 24, 1992 (or from the most recent date on which interest has
been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15,
commencing December 15, 1992, to the persons in whose names the 8% June 15, 1999
Notes are registered at the close of business on the first day of June or
December preceding that June 15 and December 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 3/4% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 1999
 
     The 7 3/4% Subordinated Notes Due 1999 (the "7 3/4% November 1, 1999
Notes") are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature
on November 1, 1999. The 7 3/4% November 1, 1999 Notes are not redeemable and no
sinking fund is provided for the 7 3/4% November 1, 1999 Notes. The 7 3/4%
November 1, 1999 Notes bear interest from November 1, 1992 (or from the most
recent date on which interest has been paid),
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   55
 
   
payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1, commencing May 1,
1993, to the persons in whose names the 7 3/4% November 1, 1999 Notes are
registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day of April or October
preceding that May 1 and November 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 9 3/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2001
 
   
     The 9 3/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2001 (the "9 3/8% July 1, 2001 Notes")
are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on July
1, 2001. The 9 3/8% July 1, 2001 Notes are not redeemable and no sinking fund is
provided for the 9 3/8% July 1, 2001 Notes. The 9 3/8% July 1, 2001 Notes bear
interest from July 13, 1989 (or from the most recent date on which interest has
been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears on each January 1 and July 1,
commencing January 1, 1990, to the persons in whose names the 9 3/8% July 1,
2001 Notes are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day of
December or June preceding that January 1 and July 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 9 3/4% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2001
 
   
     The 9 3/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2001 (the "9 3/4% November 1, 2001
Notes") are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature
on November 1, 2001. The 9 3/4% November 1, 2001 Notes are not redeemable and no
sinking fund is provided for the 9 3/4% November 1, 2001 Notes. The 9 3/4%
November 1, 2001 Notes bear interest from March 1, 1991 (or from the most recent
date on which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears on each
May 1 and November 1, commencing May 1, 1992, to the persons in whose names the
9 3/4% November 1, 2001 Notes are registered at the close of business on the
fifteenth day of April or October preceding that May 1 and November 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 1/2% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2003
 
   
     The 7 1/2% Subordinated Notes Due 2003 (the "7 1/2% February 1, 2003
Notes") are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature
on February 1, 2003. The 7 1/2% February 1, 2003 Notes are not redeemable and no
sinking fund is provided for the 7 1/2% February 1, 2003 Notes. The 7 1/2%
February 1, 2003 Notes bear interest from February 2, 1993 (or from the most
recent date on which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears
on each February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 1993, to the persons in
whose names the 7 1/2% February 1, 2003 Notes are registered at the close of
business on the fifteenth day of January 15 or July 15 preceding that February 1
and August 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF FLOATING RATE
SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2003
 
   
     The Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Due 2003 (the "Floating Rate July 15,
2003 Notes") are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will
mature on July 15, 2003. The Floating Rate July 15, 2003 Notes are not
redeemable and no sinking fund is provided for the Floating Rate July 15, 2003
Notes. The Floating Rate July 15, 2003 Notes bear interest from July 15, 1993
(or from the most recent date on which interest has been paid), payable
quarterly in arrears on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15,
commencing October 15, 1993, to the persons in whose names the Floating Rate
July 15, 1993 Notes are registered at the close of business on the first day of
January, April, July or October preceding that January 15, April 15, July 15 and
October 15. The per annum interest rate for each period will be reset quarterly
based on the greater of (i) LIBOR plus .125% or (ii) 4.35%.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF FLOATING RATE
SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2003
 
   
     The Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Due August 1, 2003 (the "Floating Rate
August 1, 2003 Notes") are limited to $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount
and will mature on August 1, 2003. The Floating Rate August 1, 2003 Notes are
not redeemable and no sinking fund is provided for the Floating Rate August 1,
2003 Notes. The Floating Rate August 1, 2003 Notes bear interest from August 5,
1993 (or from the most recent date on which interest has been paid), payable
quarterly in arrears on each February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1,
commencing November 1, 1993, to the persons in whose names the Floating Rate
August 1, 2003 Notes are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth
day of January, April, July or October preceding that February 1, May 1, August
1 and November 1. The per annum interest rate for each period will be reset
quarterly based on the greater of LIBOR or 4.50%.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   56
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2004
 
   
     The 8% Subordinated Notes Due 2004 (the "8% May 15, 2004 Notes") are
limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on May 15,
2004. The 8% May 15, 2004 Notes are redeemable on any day on or after May 15,
1999 at a redemption price equal to the principal amount and unpaid interest on
the notes. No sinking fund is provided for the 8% May 15, 2004 Notes. The 8% May
15, 2004 Notes bear interest from May 15, 1994 (or from the most recent date on
which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 15
and November 15, commencing November 15, 1994, to the persons in whose names the
8% May 15, 2004 Notes are registered at the close of business on the first day
of May or November preceding that May 15 and November 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 7 7/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2004
 
   
     The 7 7/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2004 (the "7 7/8% August 1, 2004 Notes")
are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on August
1, 2004. The 7 7/8% August 1, 2004 Notes are redeemable on and after August 1,
1999, at a redemption price equal to their principal amount and unpaid interest.
No sinking fund is provided for the 7 7/8% August 1, 2004 Notes. The 7 7/8%
August 1, 2004 Notes bear interest from August 10, 1994 (or from the most recent
date on which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears on each
February 1 and August 1, commencing February 1, 1995, to the persons in whose
names the 7 7/8% August 1, 2004 Notes are registered at the close of business on
the fifteenth day of January or July preceding that February 1 and August 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 1/2% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2005
 
   
     The 6 1/2% Subordinated Notes Due 2005 (the "6 1/2% August 1, 2005 Notes")
are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on August
1, 2005. The 6 1/2% August 1, 2005 Notes are not redeemable and no sinking fund
is provided for the 6 1/2% August 1, 2005 Notes. The 6 1/2% August 1, 2005 Notes
bear interest from July 27, 1993 (or from the most recent date on which interest
has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears on each February 1 and August
1, commencing February 1, 1994, to the persons in whose names the 6 1/2% August
1, 2005 Notes are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day of
January or July preceding that February 1 and August 1.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 1/4% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2006
 
   
     The 6 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2006 (the "6 1/4% January 15, 2006
Notes") are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature
on January 15, 2006. The 6 1/4% January 15, 2006 Notes are not redeemable and no
sinking fund is provided for the 6 1/4% January 15, 2006 Notes. The 6 1/4%
January 15, 2006 Notes bear interest from January 19, 1996 (or from the most
recent date on which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears
on each January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 1996, to the persons in
whose names the 6 1/4% January 15, 2006 Notes are registered at the close of
business on the first day of January or July preceding that January 15 and July
15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 3/4% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008
 
   
     The 6 3/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2008 (the "6 3/4% August 15, 2008 Notes")
are limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on August
15, 2008. The 6 3/4% August 15, 2008 Notes are not redeemable and no sinking
fund is provided for the 6 3/4% August 15, 2008 Notes. The 6 3/4% August 15,
2008 Notes bear interest from August 17, 1993 (or from the most recent date on
which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears on each February
15 and August 15, commencing February 15, 1994, to the persons in whose names
the 6 3/4% August 15, 2008 Notes are registered at the close of business on the
first day of August or February preceding that August 15 and February 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 1/8% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008
 
     The 6 1/8% Subordinated Notes Due 2008 (the "6 1/8% October 15, 2008
Notes") are limited to $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature
on October 15, 2008. The 6 1/8% October 15, 2008 Notes are not redeemable and no
sinking fund is provided for the 6 1/8% October 15, 2008 Notes.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   57
 
   
The 6 1/8% October 15, 2008 Notes bear interest from October 18, 1993 (or from
the most recent date on which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in
arrears on each April 15 and October 15, commencing August 15, 1994, to the
persons in whose names the 6 1/8% October 15, 2008 Notes are registered at the
close of business on the first day of April or October preceding that April 15
and October 15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 6 1/2% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2009
 
   
     The 6 1/2% Subordinated Notes Due 2009 (the "6 1/2% January 15, 2009
Notes") are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature
on January 15, 2009. The 6 1/2% January 15, 2009 Notes are not redeemable and no
sinking fund is provided for the 6 1/2% January 15, 2009 Notes. The 6 1/2%
January 15, 2009 Notes bear interest from January 15, 1994 (or from the most
recent date on which interest has been paid), payable semi-annually in arrears
on each January 15 and July 15, commencing January 15, 1994, to the persons in
whose names the 6 1/2% January 15, 2009 Notes are registered at the close of
business on the first day of January or July preceding that January 15 and July
15.
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES A
 
     The table set forth below indicates the issuance dates, the maturity dates
and the interest rates of the $99,975,000 aggregate principal amount of
Subordinated Medium-Term Notes, Series A (the "Old Chase Subordinated Series A
Notes"), issued and outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus. The Old Chase
Subordinated Series A Notes are not subject to any sinking fund and are not
subject to redemption or repayment prior to maturity.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PRINCIPAL
              ISSUANCE DATE                   AMOUNT                              MATURITY DATE                 RATE
              -------------                 -----------                           -------------                 -----
<S>                                         <C>           <C>       <C>                                         <C>
February 13, 1992.........................  $71,675,000   ........  February 13, 1999.........................  8.65%
February 19, 1992.........................    4,800,000   ........  February 19, 1999.........................  8.76%
February 19, 1992.........................    6,000,000   ........  February 19, 1999.........................  8.77%
February 20, 1992.........................   10,000,000   ........  February 22, 1999.........................  8.81%
February 24, 1992.........................    7,500,000   ........  February 24, 1999.........................  9.00%
</TABLE>
    
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B
 
   
     The table set forth below indicates the issuance dates, the maturity dates
and the interest rates of the $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
Subordinated Medium-Term Notes, Series B (the "Old Chase Subordinated Series B
Notes"), issued and outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus. The Old Chase
Subordinated Series B Notes are not subject to any sinking fund and (other than
as set forth below) are not subject to redemption or repayment prior to
maturity. Unless otherwise indicated below, the redemption price on any Old
Chase Subordinated Series B Note that is redeemable is 100% of its principal
amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  PRINCIPAL
         ISSUANCE DATE             AMOUNT                        MATURITY DATE                     RATE
         -------------           -----------                     -------------                     ----
<S>                              <C>         <C>        <C>                               <C>
July 23, 1992..................  $75,000,000 .........  July 23, 1999..................   7.58%
May 25, 1995...................   25,000,000 .........  May 15, 2010...................   7.625%; redeemable
                                                                                          semiannually on or
                                                                                          after May 15, 2000
July 19, 1995..................   25,000,000 .........  July 15, 2010..................   7.20%; redeemable
                                                                                          semiannually on or
                                                                                          after July 15, 2000
February 15, 1996..............   25,000,000 .........  February 15, 2011..............   6.60%; redeemable
                                                                                          semiannually on or
                                                                                          after February 15, 2000
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   58
 
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES C
 
   
     The table set forth below indicates the issuance dates, the maturity dates
and the interest rates of the $75,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior
Medium-Term Notes, Series C (the "Old Chase Subordinated Series C Notes"),
issued and outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus. The Old Chase
Subordinated Series C Notes are not subject to any sinking fund and (other than
as set forth below) are not subject to redemption or repayment prior to
maturity. Unless otherwise indicated below, the redemption price on any Old
Chase Subordinated Series C Note that is redeemable is 100% of its principal
amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  PRINCIPAL
         ISSUANCE DATE             AMOUNT                        MATURITY DATE            RATE/REDEMPTION TERMS
         -------------           -----------                     -------------            ---------------------
<S>                              <C>         <C>        <C>                               <C>
June 23, 1995..................  $25,000,000 .........  June 15, 2005..................   7.05%; redeemable on
                                                                                          payment dates on or
                                                                                          after June 15, 1998
February 1, 1996...............   25,000,000 .........  February 1, 2011...............   6.75%; redeemable
                                                                                          quarterly on or after
                                                                                          February 1, 1998
February 1, 1996...............   25,000,000 .........  February 1, 2011...............   6.75%; redeemable
                                                                                          quarterly on or after
                                                                                          February 1, 1998
</TABLE>
    
 
PERMANENT GLOBAL OLD CHASE DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Certain series of the Old Chase Debt Securities were issued in permanent
global form. See "Permanent Global Debt Securities" for a discussion of the
rights of beneficial owners of interests in permanent global debt securities.
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEES
 
     We, the Bank and certain of our other subsidiaries maintain deposits with,
and conduct other banking transactions with, the trustees under each of the Old
Chase Indentures in the ordinary course of business. U.S. Bank Trust National
Association is also trustee under the Company Subordinated Indenture and Bankers
Trust Company is also trustee under the Company Senior Indenture.
 
                               DESCRIPTION OF MHC
                            SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
 
     In connection with the merger of Manufacturers Hanover Corporation with and
into the Company, we assumed the obligations of Manufacturers Hanover
Corporation with respect to certain subordinated debt securities (the "MHC
Subordinated Securities"). The following summary of certain provisions of the
MHC Subordinated Securities and the indenture under which they were issued (the
"MHC Subordinated Indenture") is not complete. You should refer to the MHC
Subordinated Indenture, a copy of which is an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. Capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to them in the MHC
Subordinated Indenture, and the definitions of those terms are incorporated by
reference.
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The MHC Subordinated Securities have been issued under an Indenture, dated
as of June 1, 1985, as amended (the "MHC Subordinated Indenture"), between the
Company and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee (the "MHC Subordinated
Trustee").
    
 
     As noted above, because the Company is a holding company, claims of holders
of the MHC Subordinated Securities will generally have a junior position to
claims of creditors of the Company's subsidiaries. See "Description of Company
Debt Securities -- General" above.
 
     The MHC Subordinated Securities have been issued in fully registered form
without coupons. The MHC Subordinated Indenture does not restrict our ability to
enter into a highly leveraged transaction or provide special protection in the
event of such a transaction. In addition, the MHC Subordinated Indenture does
not provide special protection in the event of a sudden and dramatic decline in
the credit quality of the Company resulting from a takeover, recapitalization or
similar restructuring of the Company.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   59
 
   
     The MHC Subordinated Securities are direct, unsecured debt obligations of
the Company. Payment of the principal of the MHC Subordinated Securities is
subject to acceleration only in the event of our bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization. The MHC Subordinated Indenture does not restrict our ability to
incur additional debt (including MHC Senior Indebtedness (as defined below)).
    
 
     Subordination.  The MHC Subordinated Securities are subordinated, by their
terms, to Senior Indebtedness, and all of our other obligations (including
Additional Senior Obligations) to our creditors, other than any obligation that
is by its terms expressly stated to be not superior in right of payment to or to
rank equally or junior to the MHC Subordinated Securities (collectively, "MHC
Senior Indebtedness").
 
     Under the MHC Subordinated Indenture, no payment may be made on the MHC
Subordinated Securities in the event:
 
     - we have failed to pay all amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and
       interest, if any, due on all MHC Senior Indebtedness; or
 
     - there shall exist any event of default or any event which, with notice or
       lapse of time or both, would become an event of default on any MHC Senior
       Indebtedness.
 
     In addition, upon our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization the holders of MHC Senior Indebtedness will be paid the full
amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, before any
payment or distribution is made on the MHC Subordinated Securities.
 
   
     Because of the subordination of the MHC Subordinated Securities, in the
event of our insolvency, holders of MHC Senior Indebtedness may receive
proportionately more, and holders of MHC Subordinated Securities may receive
proportionately less, than our other creditors, including holders of Company
Subordinated Securities. See "Description of Company Debt Securities -- Company
Subordinated Securities".
    
 
   
     Defaults and Waivers.  The MHC Subordinated Indenture defines an Event of
Default with respect to any series of MHC Subordinated Securities as: (i)
default for 30 days in the payment of any instalment of interest; (ii) default
in the payment, when due, of principal (or premium, if any); (iii) default, for
60 days after written notice, in the observance or performance of any other
covenants or agreements applicable to that series; and (iv) certain events of
insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization. In case certain events of insolvency
with respect to the Company occur and are continuing with respect to any
outstanding series of MHC Subordinated Securities designated as Primary Capital
Securities (including the 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes referred to below)
then, the MHC Subordinated Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
outstanding principal amount of that series may declare the principal of all MHC
Subordinated Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately.
However, the declaration may be annulled, and certain past defaults waived, by
the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the MHC
Subordinated Securities of that series.
    
 
   
     Holders of any series of MHC Subordinated Securities designated as Primary
Capital may not accelerate the maturity of those MHC Subordinated Securities
upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, other than upon certain events
involving our insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization.
    
 
     The MHC Subordinated Indenture requires the MHC Subordinated Trustee to,
within 90 days after the occurrence of a default with respect to any series,
give to the holders of that series notice of all uncured defaults known to it
(the term "default" being defined to include the events specified above without
grace periods or notice). However, the MHC Subordinated Trustee may withhold the
notice if it determines in good faith that the withholding of the notice is in
the interest of those holders. We are required to furnish to the MHC
Subordinated Trustee annually an officers' certificate to the effect that the
Company is not in default under any provision of the Indenture.
 
     Other than the duty of the MHC Subordinated Trustee to act with the
required standard of care during a default, the MHC Subordinated Trustee is not
obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request or direction of
any of the holders of the MHC Subordinated Securities, unless those holders have
offered to the MHC Subordinated Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to that
requirement for indemnity, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
MHC Subordinated Securities of any series then outstanding may direct the time,
method and place of conducting any
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   60
 
proceeding for any remedy available to, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on, the MHC Subordinated Trustee with respect to the MHC Subordinated
Securities of that series.
 
     Modification of the MHC Subordinated Indenture.  We and the MHC
Subordinated Trustee may modify or alter the MHC Subordinated Indenture with the
consent of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding MHC Subordinated Securities of all series to be affected (voting
as one class). However, no such modification or alteration may without the
consent of all the holders affected by the modification or alteration: (i)
extend the fixed maturity of any MHC Subordinated Security or reduce the
principal amount thereof or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of
interest thereon or (ii) reduce the above-stated percentage of holders required
to modify or alter the MHC Subordinated Indenture.
 
   
TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF 8 1/2% SUBORDINATED
    
CAPITAL NOTES DUE 1999
 
   
     The only series of MHC Subordinated Securities outstanding as of the date
of this prospectus is the 8 1/2% Subordinated Capital Notes Due 1999 (the
"8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes"). The 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes were
designated as Primary Capital Securities upon issuance. They are limited to
$150,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on February 15, 1999.
The 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and no
sinking fund is provided for the 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes. The 8 1/2%
February 15, 1999 Notes bear interest from February 24, 1987 (or from the most
recent date on which interest was paid), payable semi-annually on each February
15 and August 15, commencing August 15, 1987, to the persons in whose names the
8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes are registered at the close of business on the
first day of February or August preceding that February 15 or August 15. At
maturity, the 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes will be exchanged for Capital
Securities of the Company having a Market Value equal to the principal amount of
the 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes, except to the extent that we elect to pay in
cash the principal amount of the 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes, in whole or in
part, from Designated Proceeds. We have Designated Proceeds sufficient to pay
the 8 1/2% February 15, 1999 Notes in cash at maturity.
    
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     We, the Bank and certain of our other subsidiaries maintain deposits with,
and conduct other business transactions with, the MHC Subordinated Trustee in
the ordinary course of business.
 
                        PERMANENT GLOBAL DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Certain series of the Debt Securities may have been issued as permanent
global Debt Securities. Each permanent global Debt Security has been deposited
with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as depositary (the
"Depositary"), or its nominee and registered in the name of a nominee of the
Depositary. Except under the limited circumstances described below, permanent
global Debt Securities will not be exchangeable for definitive certificated Debt
Securities.
 
   
     Ownership of beneficial interests in a permanent global Debt Security will
be limited to institutions that have accounts with the Depositary or its nominee
("participants") or persons that may hold interests through participants. In
addition, ownership of beneficial interests by participants in a permanent
global Debt Security will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that
ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by the
Depositary or its nominee for a permanent global Debt Security. Ownership of
beneficial interests in a permanent global Debt Security by persons that hold
through participants will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that
ownership interest within that participant will be effected only through,
records maintained by that participant. The Depositary has no knowledge of the
actual beneficial owners of the Debt Securities. Beneficial owners will not
receive written confirmation from the Depositary of their purchase, but
beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing
details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings,
from the participants through which the beneficial owners entered the
transaction. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive form. Those
laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a permanent
global Debt Security.
    
 
     The Company has been advised by the Depositary that upon the issuance of a
permanent global Debt Security and the deposit of that permanent global Debt
Security with the Depositary, the De-
                                       29
<PAGE>   61
 
positary will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer
system, the respective principal amounts represented by that permanent global
Debt Security to the accounts of its participants.
 
   
     Payment of principal of, and interest on, Debt Securities represented by a
permanent global Debt Security registered in the name of or held by the
Depositary or its nominee will be made to the Depositary or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the permanent global Debt
Security representing the Debt Securities. The Company has been advised by the
Depositary that upon receipt of any payment of principal of, or interest on, a
permanent global Debt Security, the Depositary will immediately credit accounts
of participants on its book-entry registration and transfer system with payments
in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the
principal amount of that permanent global Debt Security as shown in the records
of the Depositary. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in
a permanent global Debt Security held through those participants will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered
in "street name", and will be the sole responsibility of those participants,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
    
 
     None of the Company, the trustees or any other agent of the Company or the
trustees will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
of the Depositary, any nominee or any participant relating to, or payments made
on account of, beneficial interests in a permanent global Debt Security or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the records of the Depositary, any
nominee or any participant relating to those beneficial interests.
 
     A permanent global Debt Security is exchangeable for definitive Debt
Securities registered in the name of, and a transfer of a permanent global Debt
Security may be registered to, any person other than the Depositary or its
nominee, only if:
 
   
          (a) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable
     to continue as Depositary for that permanent global Debt Security or at any
     time the Depositary ceases to be registered under the Exchange Act;
    
 
          (b) the Company in its sole discretion determines that the permanent
     global Debt Security shall be exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities
     in registered form; or
 
          (c) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or
     an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute
     an Event of Default under the Debt Securities.
 
   
     Any permanent global Debt Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the
preceding sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive Debt Securities
in registered form, of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount as
the permanent global Debt Security, in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples of $1,000. The definitive Debt Securities will be registered by the
registrar in the name or names instructed by the Depositary. It is expected that
those instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depositary from
its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the
permanent global Debt Security. Any principal and interest will be payable, the
transfer of the definitive Debt Securities will be registerable and the
definitive Debt Securities will be exchangeable at the corporate trust office of
the Bank in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. However, payment of
interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the address
of the person entitled to that interest payment as of the record date and as
shown on the register for the Debt Securities.
    
 
   
     Except as provided above, owners of the beneficial interests in a permanent
global Debt Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debt
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders of Debt
Securities for any purpose under the Indentures. No permanent global Debt
Security shall be exchangeable except for another permanent global Debt Security
of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of the Depositary or
its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a
permanent global Debt Security must rely on the procedures of the Depositary
and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant
through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder
under the permanent global Debt Security or the Indentures.
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   62
 
     The Company understands that, under existing industry practices, in the
event that the Company requests any action of holders, or an owner of a
beneficial interest in a permanent global Debt Security desires to give or take
any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the Debt Securities
or the Indentures, the Depositary would authorize the participants holding the
relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and those
participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those participants
to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of
beneficial owners owning through them.
 
   
     The Depositary has advised the Company that the Depositary is a limited
purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a
"banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member
of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of
the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered under
the Exchange Act. The Depositary was created to hold securities of its
participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions among its participants in those securities through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need
for physical movement of securities certificates. The Depositary's participants
include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations. The Depositary is owned by a
number of its participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the
American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Access to the Depositary's book-entry system is also available to
others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or
indirectly. The rules applicable to the Depositary and its participants are on
file with the SEC.
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   63
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
   
     The following summary is not complete. You should also refer to the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of
Incorporation"), including the Certificates of Designations pursuant to which
the outstanding series of our preferred stock, par value $1 per share (the
"Preferred Stock") were issued, which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. You should also refer to the applicable provisions of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
    
 
COMMON STOCK
 
   
     As of the date of this prospectus, we are authorized to issue up to
1,500,000,000 shares of Common Stock. At June 30, 1998, we had 881,534,410
shares of Common Stock issued (including 28,620,447 shares held in treasury) and
had reserved approximately 148,209,447 shares of Common Stock for issuance under
various employee or director incentive, compensation and option plans.
    
 
     Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if
declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for payment
(subject to the rights of holders of the Preferred Stock).
 
     Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. Subject to
the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock under the
applicable Certificates of Designations and applicable law, all voting rights
are vested in the holders of shares of Common Stock. Holders of shares of Common
Stock have noncumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more
than 50% of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect 100% of
the directors and the holders of the remaining shares voting for the election of
directors will not be able to elect any directors.
 
   
     In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, the holders of Common Stock will be entitled to share equally in any
of our assets available for distribution after the payment in full of all debts
and distributions and after the holders of all series of our outstanding
Preferred Stock have received their liquidation preferences in full.
    
 
     The issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and
nonassessable. Holders of shares of Common Stock are not entitled to preemptive
rights. Shares of Common Stock are not convertible into shares of any other
class of capital stock. ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. is the transfer
agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the Common Stock.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
   
     Under the Certificate of Incorporation, our Board of Directors or a duly
authorized committee of our Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors") is
authorized, without further stockholder action, to provide for the issuance of
up to 200,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, in one or more series, and to
determine the voting powers and the designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations
or restrictions of each series.
    
 
   
     Under regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, if the holders of
any series of Preferred Stock become entitled to vote for the election of
directors because dividends on that series are in arrears (as described below
under "Voting Rights"), that series may then be deemed a "class of voting
securities." In such a case, a holder of 25% or more of the series (or a holder
of 5% or more if that holder would also be considered to exercise a "controlling
influence" over the Company) may then be subject to regulation as a bank holding
company in accordance with the BHCA. In addition, (i) any other bank holding
company may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve
Board to acquire or retain 5% or more of that series, and (ii) any person other
than a bank holding company may be required to obtain the approval of the
Federal Reserve Board to acquire or retain 10% or more of that series.
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   64
 
     OUTSTANDING PREFERRED STOCK.  As of the date of this prospectus, we have
eight series of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, as described in the
table which follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  STATED VALUE AND                   OUTSTANDING AT    EARLIEST    RATE IN EFFECT AT
                                  REDEMPTION PRICE                      JUNE 30,      REDEMPTION       JUNE 30,
                                    PER SHARE(a)        SHARES            1998           DATE            1998
                                  ----------------   -------------   --------------   ----------   -----------------
                                                     (IN MILLIONS)   (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                               <C>                <C>             <C>              <C>          <C>
 
10.50% Cumulative...............        25.00             5.6              140         9/30/1998(b)      10.500
Adjustable Rate, Series L
  Cumulative....................       100.00             2.0              200         6/30/1999         5.586(c)
Adjustable Rate, Series N
  Cumulative....................        25.00             9.1              228         6/30/1999         5.653(c)
9.76% Cumulative................        25.00             4.0              100         9/30/1999         9.760
10.96% Cumulative...............        25.00             4.0              100         6/30/2000        10.960
10.84% Cumulative...............        25.00             8.0              200         6/30/2001        10.840
Fixed/Adjustable Rate
  Noncumulative.................        50.00             4.0              200         6/30/2003          4.96(d)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(a) Redemption price is price indicated in table, plus includes accrued but
    unpaid dividends, if any.
   
(b) The 10.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock will be redeemed on September 30,
    1998.
    
   
(c) Floating rates are based on certain money market rates. The minimum and
    maximum rates are 4.50% and 10.50%, respectively, for each of Adjustable
    Rate, Series L Cumulative Preferred Stock and the Adjustable Rate, Series N
    Cumulative Preferred Stock.
    
   
(d) Dividends on this series for dividend periods commencing on or after July 1,
    2003 will be at a floating rate based on certain money market rates (but
    subject to a minimum rate of 5.46% and a maximum rate of 11.46%). The amount
    of dividends payable may be adjusted, and the stock may be redeemed earlier
    than June 30, 2003 in the event of certain amendments to the Internal
    Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, relating to the dividends received
    deduction.
    
 
     Ranking.  All the outstanding series of Preferred Stock have the same rank.
All the outstanding series of Preferred Stock have preference over the Common
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in
the event of our liquidation or dissolution.
 
   
     Dividends.  Dividends payable on each series of outstanding Preferred Stock
are payable quarterly, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, on each
March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Dividends on all the
outstanding series of Preferred Stock, other than the Fixed/ Adjustable Rate
Noncumulative Preferred Stock, are cumulative. If we fail to declare a dividend
on the Fixed/Adjustable Rate Noncumulative Preferred Stock for any dividend
period, holders of that series will have no right to receive a dividend for that
dividend period, whether or not we declare dividends on that series for any
future dividend periods.
    
 
   
     No full dividends will be declared or paid on any series of Preferred
Stock, unless full dividends for the dividend period commencing after the
immediately preceding dividend payment date (and cumulative dividends still
owing, if any) have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid on all other
series of Preferred Stock which have the same rank as, or rank senior to, that
Preferred Stock. When those dividends are not paid in full, dividends will be
declared pro rata, so that the amount of dividends declared per share on that
series of Preferred Stock and on each other series of Preferred Stock having the
same rank as, or ranking senior to, that series of Preferred Stock will in all
cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on that
series of Preferred Stock and that other Preferred Stock bear to each other. In
addition, generally, unless full dividends, including cumulative dividends still
owing, if any, on all outstanding shares of any series of Preferred Stock have
been paid, no dividends will be declared or paid on the Common Stock and
generally we may not redeem or purchase any Common Stock. No interest, or sum of
money in lieu of interest, will be paid in connection with any dividend payment
or payments which may be in arrears.
    
 
     Rights Upon Liquidation; Redemption.  In the event of our liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up, the holders of each outstanding series of Preferred
Stock will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions, in the amount set
forth opposite such series in the table above, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends,
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   65
 
   
if any, before any distribution of our assets is made to the holders of our
Common Stock. Each of the outstanding series of Preferred Stock is redeemable at
our option at a redemption price equal to the redemption price set forth
opposite that series in the table above, plus accrued but unpaid dividends, if
any. In addition, the shares of the Fixed/Adjustable Rate Noncumulative
Preferred Stock may be redeemed earlier than June 30, 2003 in the event of
certain amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, relating to
the dividends received deduction.
    
 
   
     Voting Rights.  If, at the time of any annual meeting of our stockholders,
the equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on any series of outstanding
cumulative Preferred Stock is in default, the number of directors constituting
our Board of Directors will be increased by two and the holders of all the
outstanding Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, will be entitled
to elect those additional two directors at that annual meeting. Each director
elected by the holders of shares of the outstanding Preferred Stock will
continue to serve as director for the full term for which he or she shall have
been elected, even if prior to the end of that term we have paid in full the
amount of dividends that had been in arrears. For purposes of this paragraph,
"default" means that accrued and unpaid dividends on the applicable series shall
be equal to or greater than the equivalent of six quarterly dividends.
    
 
   
     All series of the outstanding Preferred Stock other than the 10.96%
Cumulative Preferred Stock and Adjustable Rate, Series L Cumulative Preferred
Stock provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of
the shares of all outstanding series of Preferred Stock, voting together as a
single class without regard to series, will be required to:
    
 
          - create any class or series of stock having a preference over any
            outstanding series of Preferred Stock; or
 
          - alter or change the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation
            in a manner that would adversely affect the voting powers or other
            rights of the holders of a series of Preferred Stock.
 
   
     The 10.96% Cumulative Preferred Stock and Adjustable Rate, Series L
Cumulative Preferred Stock each provide as follows:
    
 
          - the consent of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding
            shares of the particular series, voting as a separate class, is
            required for any amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation that
            would adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights
            of that series; and
 
          - the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting
            power of that series and each of the series of Preferred Stock
            having the same rank, voting together as a single class without
            regard to series, is required to create, authorize or issue, or
            reclassify any stock into any additional class or series of stock
            ranking prior to that series as to dividends or upon liquidation, or
            any other security or obligation convertible into or exercisable for
            any such prior-ranking stock.
 
     Miscellaneous.  No series of outstanding Preferred Stock is convertible
into shares of our Common Stock or other of our securities. No series of
outstanding Preferred Stock is subject to preemptive rights.
 
     Transfer Agent and Registrar.  ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. is
the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the Preferred
Stock and related Depositary Shares, if any (see the description of Depositary
Shares below). The registrar for the Preferred Stock will send notices to the
holders of the Preferred Stock of any meetings at which such holders will have
the right to elect directors or to vote on any other matter.
 
   
PERMANENT GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITIES
    
 
     Certain series of the Preferred Stock may have been issued as permanent
global securities deposited with the Depositary Trust Company as Depositary
("Global Preferred Securities"). Each Global Preferred Security has been
deposited with, or on behalf of the Depositary or its nominee and registered in
the name of a nominee of the Depositary. Except under the limited circumstances
described below, Global Preferred Securities are not exchangeable for definitive
certificated Preferred Stock.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   66
 
     Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security is limited
to institutions that have accounts with the Depositary or its nominee
("participants") or persons that may hold interests through participants. In
addition, ownership of beneficial interests by participants in a Global
Preferred Security will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership
interest will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary or
its nominee for a Global Preferred Security. Ownership of beneficial interests
in a Global Preferred Security by persons that hold through participants will be
evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest within such
participant will be effected only through, records maintained by that
participant. The Depositary has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of
the Preferred Stock. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation
from the Depositary of their purchase, but beneficial owners are expected to
receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as
periodic statements of their holdings, from the participants through which the
beneficial owners entered the transaction. The laws of some jurisdictions
require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer
beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security.
 
     We have been advised by the Depositary that upon the issuance of a Global
Preferred Security and the deposit of that Global Preferred Security with the
Depositary, the Depositary will immediately credit, on its book-entry
registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts represented
by that Global Preferred Security to the accounts of its participants.
 
   
     Payments on the Preferred Stock represented by a Global Preferred Security
registered in the name of or held by the Depositary or its nominee will be made
to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner
and holder of the Global Preferred Security representing that Preferred Stock.
We have been advised by the Depositary that upon receipt of any payment on a
Global Preferred Security, the Depositary will immediately credit accounts of
participants on its book-entry registration and transfer system with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that Global
Preferred Security as shown in the records of the Depositary. Payments by
participants to owners of beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security
held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the sole
responsibility of those participants, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
    
 
     Neither we nor any of our agents will be responsible for any aspect of the
records of the Depositary, any nominee or any participant relating to, or
payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a Global Preferred Security
or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the records of the
Depositary, any nominee or any participant relating to those beneficial
interests.
 
     A Global Preferred Security is exchangeable for definitive certificated
Preferred Stock registered in the name of, and a transfer of a Global Preferred
Security may be registered to, any person other than the Depositary or its
nominee, only if:
 
   
          (a) The Depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to
     continue as Depositary for such Global Preferred Security or at any time
     the Depositary ceases to be registered under the Exchange Act; or
    
 
   
          (b) We determine in our discretion that the Global Preferred Security
     shall be exchangeable for certificated Preferred Stock.
    
 
     Any Global Preferred Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the
preceding sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive certificated
Preferred Stock registered by the registrar in the name or names instructed by
the Depositary. We expect that such instructions may be based upon directions
received by the Depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in the Global Preferred Security.
 
   
     Except as provided above, owners of the beneficial interests in a Global
Preferred Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of
certificates representing shares of Preferred Stock and will not be considered
the holders of Preferred Stock. No Global Preferred Security shall be
exchangeable except for another Global Preferred Security to be registered in
the name of the Depositary or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a
beneficial interest in a Global Preferred Security must rely on the procedures
of the Depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of
the participant through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any
rights of a holder of Preferred Stock.
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   67
 
     The Company understands that, under existing industry practices, in the
event that we request any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial
interest in a Global Preferred Security desires to give or take any action that
a holder of Preferred Stock is entitled to give or take, the Depositary would
authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or
take that action, and those participants would authorize beneficial owners
owning through those participants to give or take that action or would otherwise
act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
 
     A brief description of the Depositary is set forth above under "Permanent
Global Debt Securities".
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
     The financial statements of the Company incorporated in this prospectus by
reference to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
that firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   68
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OR
PROVIDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY SUPPLEMENT TO THIS PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE
AUTHORIZED NO ONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. WE ARE NOT MAKING
AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU
SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY
DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THIS DOCUMENT.
    
 
                               ------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           PAGE
                                           ----
<S>                                       <C>
Where You Can Find More Information About
  the Company............................       2
The Chase Manhattan Corporation..........       3
Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed
  Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend
  Requirements...........................       4
Description of Company Debt Securities...       4
Description of Old Chase Debt
  Securities.............................      19
Description of MHC Subordinated
  Securities.............................      27
Permanent Global Debt Securities.........      29
Description of Capital Stock.............      32
Experts..................................      36
 
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
                             [CHASE MANHATTAN LOGO]
                              THE CHASE MANHATTAN
                                  CORPORATION
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                                PREFERRED STOCK
                                    WARRANTS
                              --------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              --------------------
                                          , 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   69
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     Estimated expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
securities being registered other than underwriting compensation are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Registration fee -- Securities and Exchange Commission......  $  885,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses..................................       5,000*
Attorneys' fees and expenses................................      25,000*
Accountants' fees and expenses..............................      40,000*
Printing and engraving expenses.............................      40,000*
Rating agency fees..........................................      50,000*
Trustee fees................................................      30,000*
NASD fee....................................................      30,500
Miscellaneous expenses......................................      10,000*
                                                              ----------
     Total..................................................  $1,115,500*
                                                              ==========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Estimated.
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), a corporation
may indemnify any person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than a derivative action by or in the right of such
corporation) who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
corporation, or serving at the request of such corporation in such capacity for
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action,
suit or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of such
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
 
   
     The DGCL also permits indemnification by a corporation under similar
circumstances for expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by such persons in connection with the defense or settlement of a
derivative action, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of
any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to
be liable to such corporation unless the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court
in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which such court shall deem proper.
    
 
     The DGCL provides that the indemnification described above shall not be
deemed exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation
pursuant to its By-Laws, disinterested directors' vote, stockholders' vote,
agreement or otherwise.
 
     The DGCL also provides corporations with the power to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
in a similar capacity for another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust
or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against him or her in any
such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the
corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability
as described above.
 
     The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Chase Manhattan
Corporation (the "Registrant") provides that, to the fullest extent that the
DGCL as from time to time in effect permits the limitation or
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   70
 
elimination of the liability of directors, no director of the Registrant shall
be personally liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
 
     The Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation empowers the
Registrant to indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent of the
Registrant or any other person who is serving at the Registrant's request in any
such capacity with another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise (including, without limitation, an employee benefit plan) to
the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL as from time to time in effect, and
any such indemnification may continue as to any person who has ceased to be a
director, officer, employee or agent and may inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors and administrators of such a person.
 
   
     The Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation also empowers the
Registrant by action of its Board of Directors, notwithstanding any interest of
the directors in the action, to purchase and maintain insurance in such amounts
as the Board of Directors deems appropriate to protect any director, officer,
employee or agent of the Registrant or any other person who is serving at the
Registrant's request in any such capacity with another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including, without limitation, an
employee benefit plan) against any liability asserted against him or her or
incurred by him or her in any such capacity arising out of his or her status as
such (including, without limitation, expenses, judgments, fines (including any
excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan) and
amounts paid in settlement) to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL as
from time to time in effect, whether or not the Registrant would have the power
or be required to indemnify any such individual under the terms of any agreement
or by-law or the DGCL.
    
 
   
     In addition, the Registrant's By-laws require indemnification to the
fullest extent permitted under applicable law, as from time to time in effect.
The By-laws provide a clear and unconditional right to indemnification for
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by any person in connection with any
threatened, pending or completed investigation, claim, action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, administrative or investigative (including, to the
extent permitted by law, any derivative action) by reason of the fact that such
person is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Registrant or, at the request of the Registrant, of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including, without
limitation, an employee benefit plan). The By-laws specify that the right to
indemnification so provided is a contract right, set forth certain procedural
and evidentiary standards applicable to the enforcement of a claim under the
By-laws and entitle the persons to be indemnified to have all expenses incurred
in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding paid by the Registrant. Such
provisions, however, are intended to be in furtherance and not in limitation of
the general right to indemnification provided in the By-laws, which right of
indemnification and of advancement of expenses is not exclusive.
    
 
     The Registrant's By-laws also provide that the Registrant may enter into
contracts with any director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant in
furtherance of the indemnification provisions in the By-laws, as well as create
a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without
limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure payment of amounts indemnified.
 
ITEM 16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                        DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
- -------                       --------------------
<C>       <S>
 1.1      Form of Debt Securities Underwriting Agreement.*
 1.2      Form of Master Agency Agreement, dated as of February 1,
          1990, as amended and restated as of June 12, 1997, between
          The Chase Manhattan Corporation and Chase Securities Inc.,
          Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston
          Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers Inc.,
          Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan,
          Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Salomon Brothers Inc.*
 1.3      Form of Equity Securities Underwriting Agreement.*
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   71
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                        DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
- -------                       --------------------
<C>       <S>
 3.1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
          Registration Statement on Form S-8, dated July 11, 1996
          (File No. 333-07941) of The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
 3.2      Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of
          Incorporation of The Chase Manhattan Corporation.*
 3.3      Certificate of Designations of Fixed/Adjustable Rate
          Noncumulative Preferred Stock of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation.*
 3.4      By-Laws of The Chase Manhattan Corporation, as amended
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Annual
          Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 of
          The Chase Manhattan Corporation (File No. 1-5805)).
 4.1      Form of Certificate for shares of Common Stock (incorporated
          by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the
          Registration Statement, of The Chase Manhattan Corporation
          (File No. 33-64261)).
 4.2      Form of Certificate of Designations for Preferred Stock.*
 4.3      Form of Deposit Agreement.*
 4.4      Form of Depositary Receipt of Depositary Shares.*
 4.5      Indenture dated as of December 1, 1989, between The Chase
          Manhattan Corporation (formerly known as Chemical Banking
          Corporation) and Bankers Trust Company, as successor to The
          Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), which Indenture
          includes the form of Senior Securities (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 33-32409) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (formerly known as Chemical Banking
          Corporation)).
 4.6      Indenture dated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and restated
          as of December 15, 1992, between The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (formerly known as Chemical Banking Corporation)
          and U.S. Bank Trust National Association (formerly known as
          First Trust of New York, National Association), as successor
          to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current
          Report on Form 8-K of The Chase Manhattan Corporation
          (formerly known as Chemical Banking Corporation) File No.
          1-5805) dated December 22, 1992).
 4.7      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 8, 1996,
          between The Chase Manhattan Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust
          National Association (formerly known as First Trust of New
          York, National Association), as Trustee, to the Indenture
          dated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and restated as of
          December 15, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5
          to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No.
          333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
 4.8      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 8, 1996
          between The Chase Manhattan Corporation and IBJ Schroder
          Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee, to the Indenture dated
          as of June 1, 1985 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          4.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No.
          333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
 4.9      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1996
          among Chemical Banking Corporation, The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, to the
          Indenture dated as of July 1, 1986 (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.18 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation).
 4.10     First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1996
          among Chemical Banking Corporation, The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, to the
          Indenture dated as of August 1, 1974 (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   72
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                        DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
- -------                       --------------------
<C>       <S>
 4.11     First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1996
          among Chemical Banking Corporation, The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation Chemical Bank, as resigning Trustee, and U.S.
          Bank Trust National Association (formerly known as First
          Trust of New York, National Association), as successor
          Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of September 1, 1993
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to the
          Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of
          The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
 4.12     Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 8, 1996
          between The Chase Manhattan Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust
          National Association (formerly known as First Trust of New
          York, National Association), to the Amended and Restated
          Indenture dated as of September 1, 1993 (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation).
 4.13     Form of Subordinated Security.*
 4.14     Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement.***
 4.15     Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement.***
 4.16     Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement.***
 4.17     Form of Currency Warrants Warrant Agreement.***
 4.18     Form of Fixed Rate Senior Medium-Term Note.*
 4.19     Form of Floating Rate Senior Medium-Term Note.**
 4.20     Form of Fixed Rate Subordinated Medium-Term Note.*
 4.21     Form of Floating Rate Subordinated Medium-Term Note.**
 5        Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Barlett.*
12.1      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for
          Period Ended December 31, 1997 (incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 12(a) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year
          Ended December 31, 1997 of The Chase Manhattan Corporation
          (File No. 1-5805)).
12.2      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for
          Period Ended June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 12(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
          Quarter Ended June 30, 1998 of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (File No. 1-5805)).
12.3      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
          Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements for Period Ended
          December 31, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          12(b) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended
          December 31, 1997 of The Chase Manhattan Corporation (File
          No. 1-5805)).
12.4      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
          Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements for Period Ended June
          30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12(b) to the
          Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30,
          1998 of The Chase Manhattan Corporation (File No. 1-5805)).
23.1      Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.**
23.2      Consent of Simpson Thacher & Barlett (included in Exhibit
          5).
24        Powers of Attorney.*
25.1      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualifications under
          the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Bankers Trust Company.*
25.2      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualifications under
          the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of U.S. Bank Trust National
          Association.*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
  * Previously filed.
    
 
   
 ** Filed herewith.
    
 
   
*** To be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated
    herein by reference.
    
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   73
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
        increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
        dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
        registered) and any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated
        maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
        with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
        changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change
        in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
        Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement.
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
        of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
        or any material change to such information in the registration
        statement;
 
        provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if
        the registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the
        information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
        those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or
        furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
        Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
        incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
     therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   74
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing this Amendment on Form S-3 and has duly caused
this Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in The City of New York, State of New York, on August 18, 1998.
    
 
                                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
                                                      (Registrant)
 
                                          By      /s/ ANTHONY J. HORAN
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                (Anthony J. Horan, Corporate
                                                         Secretary)
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Amendment has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
                     ---------                                             -----
<C>                                                  <S>
 
                         *                           Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- ---------------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive Officer)
                (Walter V. Shipley)
 
                         *                           Director, President and Chief Operating Officer
- ---------------------------------------------------
               (Thomas G. Labrecque)
 
                         *                           Director and Vice Chairman of the Board
- ---------------------------------------------------
            (William B. Harrison, Jr.)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                (Hans W. Becherer)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
              (Frank A. Bennack, Jr.)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
               (Susan V. Berresford)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                (M. Anthony Burns)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
               (H. Laurance Fuller)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                (Melvin R. Goodes)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
               (William H. Gray III)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 (George V. Grune)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 (Harold S. Hook)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   75
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
                     ---------                                             -----
<C>                                                  <S>
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                (Helene L. Kaplan)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                (Henry B. Schacht)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                (Andrew C. Sigler)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                (John R. Stafford)
 
                         *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
               (Marina v.N. Whitman)
 
                         *                           Vice Chairman Finance and Risk Management
- ---------------------------------------------------    (Principal Financial Officer)
                 (Marc J. Shapiro)
 
                         *                           Executive Vice President and Controller
- ---------------------------------------------------    (Principal Accounting Officer)
               (Joseph L. Sclafani)
</TABLE>
 
   
* Anthony J. Horan hereby signs this Amendment on behalf of each of the
indicated persons for whom he is attorney-in-fact on August 18, 1998 pursuant to
a power of attorney filed herewith.
    
 
                                          By      /s/ ANTHONY J. HORAN
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Anthony J. Horan
                                                    Corporate Secretary
 
   
Dated: August 18, 1998
    
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   76
 
                                      EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                        DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
- -------                       --------------------
<C>       <S>
 1.1      Form of Debt Securities Underwriting Agreement.*
 1.2      Form of Master Agency Agreement, dated as of February 1,
          1990, as amended and restated as of June 12, 1997, between
          The Chase Manhattan Corporation and Chase Securities Inc.,
          Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston
          Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers Inc.,
          Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan,
          Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Salomon Brothers Inc.*
 1.3      Form of Equity Securities Underwriting Agreement.*
 3.1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
          Registration Statement on Form S-8, dated July 11, 1996
          (File No. 333-07941) of The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
 3.2      Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of
          Incorporation of The Chase Manhattan Corporation.*
 3.3      Certificate of Designations of Fixed/Adjustable Rate
          Noncumulative Preferred Stock of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation.*
 3.4      By-Laws of The Chase Manhattan Corporation, as amended
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Annual
          Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 of
          The Chase Manhattan Corporation (File No. 1-5805)).
 4.1      Form of Certificate for shares of Common Stock (incorporated
          by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the
          Registration Statement, of The Chase Manhattan Corporation
          (File No. 33-64261)).
 4.2      Form of Certificate of Designations for Preferred Stock.*
 4.3      Form of Deposit Agreement.*
 4.4      Form of Depositary Receipt of Depositary Shares.*
 4.5      Indenture dated as of December 1, 1989, between The Chase
          Manhattan Corporation (formerly known as Chemical Banking
          Corporation) and Bankers Trust Company, as successor to The
          Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), which Indenture
          includes the form of Senior Securities (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 33-32409) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (formerly known as Chemical Banking
          Corporation)).
 4.6      Indenture dated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and restated
          as of December 15, 1992, between The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (formerly known as Chemical Banking Corporation)
          and U.S. Bank Trust National Association (formerly known as
          First Trust of New York, National Association), as successor
          to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current
          Report on Form 8-K of The Chase Manhattan Corporation
          (formerly known as Chemical Banking Corporation) File No.
          1-5805) dated December 22, 1992).
 4.7      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 8, 1996,
          between The Chase Manhattan Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust
          National Association (formerly known as First Trust of New
          York, National Association), as Trustee, to the Indenture
          dated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and restated as of
          December 15, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5
          to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No.
          333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
 4.8      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 8, 1996
          between The Chase Manhattan Corporation and IBJ Schroder
          Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee, to the Indenture dated
          as of June 1, 1985 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          4.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No.
          333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   77
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                        DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
- -------                       --------------------
<C>       <S>
 4.9      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1996
          among Chemical Banking Corporation, The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, to the
          Indenture dated as of July 1, 1986 (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.18 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation).
 4.10     First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1996
          among Chemical Banking Corporation, The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, to the
          Indenture dated as of August 1, 1974 (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation).
 4.11     First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1996
          among Chemical Banking Corporation, The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation Chemical Bank, as resigning Trustee, and U.S.
          Bank Trust National Association (formerly known as First
          Trust of New York, National Association), as successor
          Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of September 1, 1993
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to the
          Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of
          The Chase Manhattan Corporation).
 4.12     Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 8, 1996
          between The Chase Manhattan Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust
          National Association (formerly known as First Trust of New
          York, National Association), to the Amended and Restated
          Indenture dated as of September 1, 1993 (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the Registration Statement on
          Form S-3 (File No. 333-14959) of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation).
 4.13     Form of Subordinated Security.*
 4.14     Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement.***
 4.15     Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement.***
 4.16     Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement.***
 4.17     Form of Currency Warrants Warrant Agreement.***
 4.18     Form of Fixed Rate Senior Medium-Term Note.*
 4.19     Form of Floating Rate Senior Medium-Term Note.**
 4.20     Form of Fixed Rate Subordinated Medium-Term Note.*
 4.21     Form of Floating Rate Subordinated Medium-Term Note.**
 5        Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Barlett.*
12.1      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for
          Period Ended December 31, 1997 (incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 12(a) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year
          Ended December 31, 1997 of The Chase Manhattan Corporation
          (File No. 1-5805)).
12.2      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for
          Period Ended March 31, 1998 (incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 12(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
          Quarter Ended March 31, 1998 of The Chase Manhattan
          Corporation (File No. 1-5805)).
12.3      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
          Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements for Period Ended
          December 31, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          12(b) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended
          December 31, 1997 of The Chase Manhattan Corporation (File
          No. 1-5805)).
12.4      Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
          Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements for Period Ended March
          31, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12(b) to the
          Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March
          31, 1998 of The Chase Manhattan Corporation (File No.
          1-5805)).
23.1      Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.**
23.2      Consent of Simpson Thacher & Barlett (included in Exhibit
          5).
24        Powers of Attorney.*
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   78
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                        DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
- -------                       --------------------
<C>       <S>
25.1      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualifications under
          the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Bankers Trust Company.*
25.2      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualifications under
          the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of U.S. Bank Trust National
          Association.*
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
   
  * Previously filed.
    
 
   
 ** Filed herewith.
    
 
   
*** To be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated
    herein by reference.
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 4.19

                 [FORM OF FLOATING RATE SENIOR MEDIUM-TERM NOTE]


REGISTERED                                            REGISTERED

                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
                 FLOATING RATE SENIOR MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES _

No.                                                        $


ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:          INITIAL INTEREST              MATURITY DATE:    
                                      RATE:                                   
_______________               ________%                     _____________     
                                                                              
                                                                              
INTEREST RATE BASIS:          INDEX MATURITY:               SPREAD:     +____ 
___   CD Rate                 ___   Federal Funds                       -____ 
___   Commercial Paper        ___   30 days/1 month                           
      Rate                    ___   90 days/3 months        SPREAD            
___   Federal Funds           ___   180 days/6 months       MULTIPLIER:       
      Effective Rate          ___   1 year                  ______________    
___   LIBOR Reuters           ___   years                                     
___   LIBOR Telerate                                                          
___   Prime Rate              INDEX CURRENCY:               DATE OF           
___   Treasury Rate           ________________              COMMENCEMENT OF   
___   CMT Rate                                              INTEREST RATE     
                                                            BASIS (if other   
CALCULATION AGENT:            DESIGNATED                    than Original     
The Chase                     LIBOR OR CMT PAGE:            Issue Date):      
Manhattan Bank                __________________            _____________     
                                                                              
                                                            
MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE,              INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD:
IF ANY: _____________               _______________________
                                    (monthly, quarterly or
                                    semi-annually)
MINIMUM INTEREST RATE,
IF ANY: _____________

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:             INTEREST RATE RESET PERIOD:
________________________            ________________________
________________________            (daily, weekly, monthly,
________________________             quarterly, semi-annually or
                                     annually)

INTEREST DETERMINATION
DATES:__________________
________________________
________________________
<PAGE>   2

REPAYMENT PROVISIONS,               INTEREST RESET DATES:
IF ANY: ________________            __________________________
________________________            __________________________
________________________            __________________________

REDEMPTION DATES AND PRICES,        INTEREST CALCULATION DATES:
IF ANY:_________________            __________________________

                                    OTHER PROVISIONS:
                                    __________________________

            [This Security is a Global Security within the meaning of the
Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of Cede & Co.,
the nominee of The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary"). This Global
Security is exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a Person other
than the Depositary or it nominee only in the limited circumstances described in
the Indenture, and no transfer of this Security (other than a transfer of this
Security as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a
nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the
Depositary) may be registered except in such limited circumstances. The
Depositary will not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise convey any beneficial
interest in this Global Security unless such beneficial interest is in an amount
equal to an authorized denomination for Securities of this series, and the
Depositary, by its acceptance hereof, agrees to be so bound.]

            [Unless this Security is presented by an authorized representative
of the Depositary to The Chase Manhattan Corporation or its agent for
registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any Security issued is
registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as is requested by an
authorized representative of the Depositary (and any payment is made to Cede &
Co. or such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of the
Depositary), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY
OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has
an interest herein.]

            The Chase Manhattan Corporation, a corporation duly organized and
existing under the laws of Delaware (herein called the "Company", which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to),
for value received, hereby promises to pay to
                  [CEDE & CO.]


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

,                   , or registered assigns, the principal sum of
                                                         DOLLARS on the
Maturity Date shown above, and to pay interest thereon at a rate per annum equal
to the Initial Interest Rate shown above until the first Interest Reset Date
shown above following the Original Issue Date shown above and thereafter at a
rate determined in accordance with the provisions set forth below under the
heading "Determination of CD Rate", "Determination of Commercial Paper Rate",
"Determination of Federal Funds Effective Rate", "Determination of LIBOR",
"Determination of Prime Rate", "Determination of Treasury Rate" or
"Determination of CMT Rate", depending upon whether the Interest Rate Basis is
the CD Rate, Commercial Paper Rate, Federal Funds Effective Rate, LIBOR, Prime
Rate, Treasury Rate or CMT Rate as indicated by the box marked above, until the
principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment.

      The Company will pay interest monthly, quarterly or semi-annually as shown
above under "Interest Payment Period", commencing with the first Interest
Payment Date shown above next succeeding the Original Issue Date, and on the
Maturity Date; provided, however, that if the Original Issue Date is between a
Regular Record Date and an Interest Payment Date, interest payments will
commence on the Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding Regular
Record Date; and provided further, however, that if an Interest Payment Date
(other than the Maturity Date) would fall on a day that is not a Business Day
(or in case the Interest Rate Basis is LIBOR, as indicated by the box marked
above, a day that is not a London Business Day (as defined below)), such
Interest Payment Date shall be the following day that is a Business Day or a
London Business Day, as the case may be, except that if the following London
Business Day falls in the next calendar month, such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next preceding day that is a London Business Day. In the event the
Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day or London Business Day,
as the case may be, payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be
paid on the next succeeding Business Day or London Business Day, as the case may
be, with the same force and effect as if made on the Maturity Date and no
interest will accrue from and after the Maturity Date. Except as provided above
and in the Indenture referred to below, interest payments will be made on the
Interest Payment Dates shown above. The interest so payable, and punctually paid
or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the
Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities of this series) is registered at the close of business on
the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the fifteenth day
(whether or not a Business Day or a London Business Day, as the case may be)
next preceding such Interest Payment Date, provided, however, that interest
payable on


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

the Maturity Date, or upon earlier redemption or repayment, if any, will be
payable to the Person to whom principal shall be payable. Any such interest
which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any
Interest Payment Date shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered
Holder hereof on such Regular Record Date, and may be paid to the Person in
whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered
at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such
Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall have been
given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to
such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not
inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the
Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

      [Funds for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest on this Security on any Interest Payment Date and at the Maturity Date
will be made available to the Paying Agent. As soon as possible thereafter, the
Paying Agent will pay such funds to the Depositary, and the Depositary will
allocate and pay such funds to the owners of beneficial interests of this
Security in accordance with its existing operating procedures.]

      This Security is one of a duly authorized series of securities of the
Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more
series under an Indenture dated as of December 1, 1989 (herein called the
"Indenture"), between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National
Association) and succeeded to by Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee (herein
called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the
Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference
is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights,
duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of
the Securities and the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated as
the Senior Medium-Term Notes, Series _ of the Company. The Securities may mature
at different times, bear interest at different rates, be denominated in
different currencies and be redeemable at different times or not at all.

      Except as provided herein, this Security is not redeemable prior to the
Maturity Date. If this Security is redeemable, it may be redeemed at the option
of the Company, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days' notice, on the dates or on or after the date set forth above at the
percentage or percentages of the principal amount set forth above plus accrued
and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption.


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

      Commencing with the first Interest Reset Date specified above following
the Original Issue Date of this Security, the rate at which interest on this
Security is payable shall be adjusted daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually as shown above under "Interest Rate Reset Period";
provided, however, that the interest rate in effect hereon for the 10 days
immediately prior to the Maturity Date shall be that in effect on the 10th day
preceding the Maturity Date. Each such adjusted rate shall be applicable on and
after the Interest Reset Date to which it relates to but not including the next
succeeding Interest Reset Date or until the Maturity Date, as the case may be.
Subject to applicable provisions of law and except as specified herein,
commencing on each Interest Reset Date, the rate of interest on this Security
shall be the rate determined in accordance with the provisions of the applicable
heading below.

   
      Determination of CD Rate. If the interest rate basis is CD Rate, as
indicated above, said interest shall equal (a) the rate on the Interest
Determination Date specified above for negotiable certificates of deposit having
the Index Maturity specified above (i) as published by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest
Rates", or any successor publication of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System ("H.15(519)"), under the heading "CDs (Secondary Market)", or
(ii) if such rate is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date (as specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination
Date, then as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily
statistical release "Composite 3:30 P.M. quotations for U.S. Government
Securities" under the heading "Certificates of Deposit" or (b) if neither of
such rates is published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such Calculation
Date, then the rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the Calculation
Agent and shall be the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001% with
 .00005% rounded upwards), as calculated by the Calculation Agent, of the
secondary market offered rates as of 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on such
Interest Determination Date, of three leading nonbank dealers in negotiable U.S.
dollar certificates of deposit in New York City selected by the Calculation
Agent for negotiable certificates of deposit of major United States money-center
banks of the highest credit standing (in the market for negotiable certificates
of deposit) with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity (as
specified above) in a denomination of $5,000,000, in each of the above cases
adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above,
or by multiplication of the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above;
provided, however, that if fewer than three dealers are quoting as mentioned
above, the interest rate in effect hereon until the Interest Reset Date next
succeeding such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate hereon in effect on the
Interest Determination Date next preceding such Interest Reset Date.
    


                                       5
<PAGE>   6

   
      Determination of Commercial Paper Rate. If the Interest Rate basis is
Commercial Paper Rate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal (a)
the Money Market Yield (as defined herein) on the Interest Determination Date
specified above for commercial paper having the Index Maturity shown above (i)
as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Commercial Paper--Nonfinancial" or
(ii) if such yield is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date (as specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination
Date, then as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily
statistical release, "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government
Securities" under the heading "Commercial Paper", or (b) if neither of such
yields is published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such Calculation Date,
then the rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent,
and shall be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic mean (rounded to the
nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upward), of the offered rates, as of 11:00
A.M., New York City time, on such Interest Determination Date, of three leading
dealers of commercial paper in The City of New York selected by the Calculation
Agent for commercial paper of the Index Maturity placed for a nonfinancial
issuer whose bond rating is "Aa", or the equivalent, from a nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, in each of the above cases adjusted
by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by
multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above provided,
however, that if fewer than three dealers are quoting, as mentioned above, the
interest rate in effect hereon until the Interest Reset Date next succeeding
such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate hereon in effect on the Interest
Determination Date next preceding such Interest Reset Date.
    

   
      "Money Market Yield" shall be the yield (expressed as a percentage rounded
to the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upward) calculated in accordance with
the following formula:
    

      Money Market Yield =        D x 360        x 100
                               -------------
                               360 - (D x M)

where "D" refers to the per annum rate for commercial paper quoted on a bank
discount basis and expressed as a decimal; and "M" refers to the actual number
of days in the interest period for which interest is being calculated.

      Determination of Federal Funds Effective Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis
is the Federal Funds Effective Rate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate
shall equal (a) the rate on the Interest Determination Date specified above for
Federal Funds (i) as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds
(Effective)" or (ii) if such rate is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York
City time, on the Calculation Date (as specified above) pertaining to such
Interest Determination Date, then as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York in its daily 


                                       6
<PAGE>   7

statistical release "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government
Securities" under the heading "Federal Funds Effective Rate", or (b) if neither
of such rates is published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such Calculation
Date the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded
upwards), as calculated by the Calculation Agent of the rates for the last
transaction in overnight Federal funds arranged by three leading brokers of
Federal funds transactions in The City of New York selected by the Calculation
Agent as of 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Interest Determination Date,
in each of the above cases adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the
Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier,
if any, specified above provided, however, that if fewer than three brokers are
quoting as mentioned above, the interest rate in effect hereon until the
Interest Reset Date next succeeding such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate
hereon in effect on the Interest Determination Date next preceding such Interest
Reset Date.

   
      Determination of LIBOR. (a) if the Interest Rate Basis is LIBOR Reuters,
as indicated above, said interest rate shall equal the arithmetic mean (unless
the Designated LIBOR Page by its terms provides only for a single rate, in which
case such single rate shall be used) (as calculated by the Calculation Agent
specified above and rounded to the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards)
of offered rates for deposits in the Index Currency having the Index Maturity,
each as shown above, commencing on the second Business Day on which dealings in
deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market ("London
Business Day") immediately following the Interest Determination Date specified
above, which appear on the Designated LIBOR page as of 11:00 A.M., London time,
on such Interest Determination Date, adjusted by the addition or subtraction of
the Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the Spread
Multiplier, if any, specified above, or (b) if the Interest Rate Basis is LIBOR
Telerate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal the rate for
deposits in the Index Currency having the Index Maturity shown above, commencing
on the second London Business Day immediately following the applicable Interest
Determination Date that appears on the Designated LIBOR Page as of 11:00 A.M.
London time, on such Interest Determination Date adjusted by the addition or
subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the
Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above; provided, however, that if less than
two such offered rates so appear (unless the Designated LIBOR Page corresponding
to the Interest Rate Basis specified above by its terms provides only for a
single rate in which case such single rate shall be used) or no rate appears, as
applicable, the Calculation Agent shall request the principal London office of
each of four major banks in the London interbank market selected by the
Calculation Agent to provide a quotation of the rate offered to prime banks in
the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, 
    


                                       7
<PAGE>   8
   
 on such Interest Determination Date on deposits in the Index Currency having
the Index Maturity, each as specified above, commencing on the second London
Business Day immediately following such Interest Determination Date and in a
principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in such market
at such time and such rate of interest hereon shall equal the arithmetic mean
(rounded to the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards) of (a) such
quotations, if at least two quotations are provided, or (b) if less than two
quotations are provided, the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York
City time, on such Interest Determination Date by three major banks in The City
of New York selected by the Calculation Agent, for loans in the Index Currency
to leading European banks having the Index Maturity specified above commencing
on the second London Business Day immediately following such Interest
Determination Date and in a principal amount that is representative for a single
transaction in such market at such time, in either case, adjusted by the
addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by
multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above, provided,
however, that if fewer than three banks are quoting as mentioned above, the
interest rate in effect hereon until the Interest Reset Date next succeeding the
Interest Reset Date to which such Interest Determination Date relates shall be
the rate in effect hereon on the Interest Determination Date next preceding such
Interest Reset Date.
    

   
      Determination of Prime Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis is Prime Rate, as
indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal (a) the rate on the Interest
Determination Date specified above as the prime rate or base lending rate (i) as
published in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime Loan" or (ii) if such rate
is not published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date (as
specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination Date, then the rate
of interest hereon shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the
arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001%, with .00005% rounded upwards) of
the rates of interest publicly announced by each bank that appears on the
Reuters Screen US Prime 1 Page (as defined below) as such bank's prime rate or
base lending rate for such Interest Determination Date or (b)if fewer than four
such rates appear on the Reuters Screen US Prime 1 Page on such Interest
Determination Date, the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001% with
 .00005% rounded upwards) of the prime rates or base lending rates (quoted on the
basis of the actual number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year) as of
the close of business on such Interest Determination Date by three major banks
in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent, in each of the above
cases adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified
above, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above;
provided, however, that if fewer than three banks selected as aforesaid by the
Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned above, the interest rate in effect
until the Interest 
    


                                       8
<PAGE>   9

Reset Date next succeeding such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate hereon in
effect on the Interest Determination Date next preceding such Interest Reset
Date. "Reuters Screen US Prime 1 Page" means the display page designated as page
"US Prime 1" on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such other page as
may replace the US Prime 1 page on that service) for the purpose of displaying
prime rates or base lending rates of major United States banks.

   
      Determination of Treasury Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis is Treasury
Rate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal (a) the rate on the
Interest Determination Date specified above for the most recent auction of
direct obligations of the United States ("Treasury Bills") having the Index
Maturiety shown above, (i) as published in H.15(519) under the heading "U.S.
Government Securities -- Treasury bills -- auction average" or (ii) if such rate
is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date
(as specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination Date, such
auction average rate (expressed as a bond equivalent rounded to the nearest
 .0001% with .00005% rounded upward on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as
applicable, and applied on a daily basis) as otherwise announced by the United
States Department of the Treasury or (b) if neither of such rates is published
or announced, as the case may be, by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such
Calculation Date, or if no such auction is held in a particular week, then the
rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall
be a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond equivalent, rounded to the nearest
 .0001% with .00005% rounded upward, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days,
as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean of the
secondary market bid rates, as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time,
on such Interest Determination Date, of three leading primary United States
government securities dealers selected by the Calculation Agent, for the issue
of Treasury bills with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity shown
above, in each of the cases above adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the
Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier,
if any, specified above; provided, however, that if fewer than three dealers are
quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the interest rate hereon with respect to
such Interest Determination Date shall be the rate in effect hereon with respect
to the next preceding Interest Determination Date.
    

      Determination of CMT Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis is CMT Rate, as
indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal, in each case adjusted by the
addition or the subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by
multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above, (a) the rate
on the Interest Determination Date specified above displayed on the Designated
CMT Telerate Page under the caption ". . . Treasury Constant Maturities. . .
Federal Reserve Board Release H.15. . . Mondays 


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
   
 Approximately 3:45 P.M.," under the column for the Index Maturity shown above
for (i) if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7055, the rate on such Interest
Determination Date and (ii) if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7052, the
week, or the month, as applicable, ended immediately preceding the week in which
the related Interest Determination Date occurs, or (b) if such rate is no longer
displayed on the relevant page, or if not displayed by 3:00 P.M., New York City
time, on the related Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate for such Interest
Determination Date will be such treasury constant maturity rate for the Index
Maturity as published in H.15(519) or (c) if such rate is no longer published,
or if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation
Date, then the CMT Rate for such Interest Determination Date will be such
treasury constant maturity rate for the Index Maturity (or other United States
Treasury rate for the Index Maturity) for the Interest Determination Date with
respect to such Interest Rate Reset Period as may then be published by either
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the United States
Department of the Treasury that the Calculation Agent determines to be
comparable to the rate formerly displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate Page
and published in H.15(519), provided, however, if such information is not
provided by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation Date, then
the CMT Rate for the Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity, based on the arithmetic mean
(rounded to the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards) of the secondary
market offered rates as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on the
Interest Determination Date reported, according to their written records, by
three leading primary United States government securities dealers (each, a
"Reference Dealer") in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent
(from five such Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent and
eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the
highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the
lowest)), for the most recently issued direct noncallable fixed rate obligations
of the United States ("Treasury Notes") with an original maturity of
approximately the Index Maturity and a remaining term to maturity of not less
than such Index Maturity minus one year, provided, however, if the Calculation
Agent cannot obtain three such Treasury Note quotations, the CMT Rate for such
Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will
be a yield to maturity based on the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest
 .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards) of the secondary market offered rates as of
approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on the Interest Determination Date
of three Reference Dealers in The City of New York (from five such Reference
Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent and eliminating the highest quotation
(or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or,
in the event of equality, one of the lowest)), for Treasury Notes with an
original maturity of the number of years that is the next highest 
    


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
   
 to the Index Maturity and a remaining term to maturity closest to the Index
Maturity and in an amount of at least U.S. $100 million, provided, however, if
three or four (and not five) of such Reference Dealers are quoting as described
above, then the CMT Rate will be based on the arithmetic mean (rounded to the
nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards) of the offered rates obtained and
neither the highest nor the lowest of such quotes will be eliminated; provided,
however, that if fewer than three Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation
Agent are quoting as described herein, the CMT Rate will be the CMT Rate in
effect on such Interest Determination Date. If two Treasury Notes with an
original maturity as described in the third preceding sentence have remaining
terms to maturity equally close to the Index Maturity, the quotes for the CMT
Rate Note with the shorter remaining term to maturity will be used.
    

      "Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Telerate
Service (or any successor service) on the page specified above (or any other
page as may replace such page on such service), for the purpose of displaying
Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519) or, if no such page is
specified above, page 7052.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate hereon shall not be
greater than the Maximum Interest Rate, if any, or less than the Minimum
Interest Rate, if any, specified above. In addition, the interest rate hereon
shall in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law as
the same may be modified by United States law of general application. The
Calculation Agent shall calculate the interest rate hereon in accordance with
the foregoing on or before each Calculation Date. At the request of the Holder
hereof, the Calculation Agent will provide to the Holder hereof the interest
rate hereon then in effect and, if determined, the interest rate which will
become effective as of the next Interest Reset Date.

   
      Unless otherwise indicated above, each interest payment on this Security
will include interest accrued from and including the Original Issue Date or the
last date to which interest has been paid and to but excluding the applicable
Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date. Accrued interest hereon from the
Original Issue Date or from the last date to which interest hereon has been
paid, as the case may be, shall be an amount calculated by multiplying the face
amount hereof by an 
    


                                       11
<PAGE>   12

accrued interest factor. Such accrued interest factor shall be computed by
adding the interest factor calculated for each day from the Original Issue Date
or from the last date to which interest shall have been paid, as the case may
be, to the date for which accrued interest is being calculated. Unless otherwise
indicated above, the interest factor (expressed as a decimal rounded to the
nearest ten-thousandth, with five hundred-thousandths rounded upwards) for each
such day shall be computed by dividing the interest rate (expressed as a decimal
rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth, with five hundred-thousandths rounded
upwards) applicable to such day by 360 if the Interest Rate Basis is the CD
Rate, Commercial Paper Rate, Federal Funds Effective Rate, LIBOR or Prime Rate,
as indicated above, or by the actual number of days in the year if the Interest
Rate Basis is the Treasury Rate or CMT Rate, as indicated above. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, interest hereon prior to the date of commencement of Interest
Rate Basis (if other than the Original Issue Date) indicated above shall be
calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days consisting of twelve 30-day
months.

      If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall
occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be
declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the
Indenture. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and
payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal and overdue interest (in
each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally
enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the
principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall
terminate.

      The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at
the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains
provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount
of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the
Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holders of
Securities of this series shall be conclusive and binding upon the Holder of
this Security and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security
issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in
lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this
Security.


                                       12
<PAGE>   13

      No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or
of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest (if any) on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin
or currency, herein prescribed.

      As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations set forth
therein and herein, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security
Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the
office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest (if any) on this Security are payable, duly
endorsed by, or accompanied by, a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by the
Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or
more new Securities of this series, of authorized denominations and for the same
aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees.

      Unless otherwise indicated herein, the Securities of this series are
issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and
any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture
and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series
are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this
series of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder
surrendering the same.

      No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or
exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

      Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat
the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Security shall be overdue, and neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the
contrary.

      All capitalized terms used but not defined in this Security which are
defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the
Indenture.

      This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.


                                       13
<PAGE>   14

      Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee or an Authenticating Agent, by manual signature, this Security shall not
be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any
purpose.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
duly executed by its duly authorized officers and has caused its corporate seal,
or a facsimile thereof, to be affixed hereto.

                                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION


                                          By:  __________________________
                                          Name:
                                          Title:


                  [SEAL]                  Attest: _______________________
                                                      [Name:]
                                                      [Title:]

AUTHENTICATING AGENT'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION:
This is one of the Securities of the series
designated therein referred to in the
within-mentioned Indenture.

Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee

By:  The Chase Manhattan Bank
     Authenticating Agent


By:___________________
   Authorized Signer


                                       14
<PAGE>   15

                                ABBREVIATIONS

      The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on this
instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according
to applicable laws or regulations.

            TEN COM--as tenants in common
            TEN ENT--as tenants by the entireties
            JT TEN-- as joint tenants with right of survivorship
                      and not as tenants in common

            UNIF GIFT MIN ACT--.............Custodian............
                                          (Cust)                    (Minor)

                  under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

                  .................................
                                 (State)

    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.


                                       15
<PAGE>   16

                          -----------------------------

      FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and
transfer(s) unto

Please Insert Social Security or Other
      Identifying Number of Assignee:

_____________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

                   PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS
                     INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

the within Security and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting
and appointing ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________ attorney to transfer said
Security on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:  ___________________   _________________________

                              _________________________

NOTICE: The signature(s) to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the within instrument in every particular, without alteration or
enlargement or any change whatever.

SIGNATURE GUARANTEED: __________________________
NOTICE: The signature(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution
(e.g., banks, securities brokers or dealers, credit unions, national securities
exchanges and savings associations) which is a member of or participant in a
signature guarantee program recognized by the Security Registrar pursuant to
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


                                       16

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 4.21

              [FORM OF FLOATING RATE SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE]

REGISTERED                                            REGISTERED

                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION
              FLOATING RATE SUBORDINATED MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES _
THIS SECURITY IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR OTHER OBLIGATION OF A DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION
AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR BY ANY
OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
No.                                                        $

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:    INITIAL INTEREST               MATURITY DATE:
                             RATE:
_______________             ________%                   _____________

INTEREST RATE BASIS:          INDEX MATURITY:          SPREAD:     +____
___   CD Rate                 ___   Federal Funds                  -____
___   Commercial Paper        ___   30 days/1 month
      Rate                    ___   90 days/3 months   SPREAD
___   Federal Funds           ___   180 days/6 months  MULTIPLIER:
      Effective Rate          ___   1 year             ______________
___   LIBOR Reuters           ___   years
___   LIBOR Telerate
___   Prime Rate              INDEX CURRENCY:         DATE OF
___   Treasury Rate           ________________        COMMENCEMENT OF
___   CMT Rate                                        INTEREST RATE
                                                      BASIS (if other
CALCULATION AGENT:            DESIGNATED              than Original
The Chase                     LIBOR OR CMT PAGE:      Issue Date):
Manhattan Bank                __________________      _____________

MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE,              INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD:
IF ANY: _____________               _______________________
                                    (monthly, quarterly or
                                    semi-annually)
MINIMUM INTEREST RATE,
IF ANY: _____________

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:             INTEREST RATE RESET PERIOD:
_______________________             ________________________
_______________________             (daily, weekly, monthly,
_______________________              quarterly, semi-annually or
                                     annually)

INTEREST DETERMINATION              INTEREST RESET DATES:
DATES: ________________             __________________________
_______________________             __________________________
_______________________             __________________________

REPAYMENT PROVISIONS,               INTEREST CALCULATION DATES:
IF ANY:________________             __________________________
_______________________   
<PAGE>   2

REDEMPTION DATES AND PRICES,        RECORD DATES:
IF ANY: ________________            ___________________________

                                    OTHER PROVISIONS:
                                    ___________________________

            [This Security is a Global Security within the meaning of the
Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of Cede & Co.,
the nominee of The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary"). This Global
Security is exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a Person other
than the Depositary or it nominee only in the limited circumstances described in
the Indenture, and no transfer of this Security (other than a transfer of this
Security as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a
nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the
Depositary) may be registered except in such limited circumstances. The
Depositary will not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise convey any beneficial
interest in this Global Security unless such beneficial interest is in an amount
equal to an authorized denomination for Securities of this series, and the
Depositary, by its acceptance hereof, agrees to be so bound.]

            [Unless this Security is presented by an authorized representative
of the Depositary to The Chase Manhattan Corporation or its agent for
registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any Security issued is
registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as is requested by an
authorized representative of the Depositary (and any payment is made to Cede &
Co. or such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of the
Depositary), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY
OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has
an interest herein.]

            The Chase Manhattan Corporation, a corporation duly organized and
existing under the laws of Delaware (herein called the "Company", which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to),
for value received, hereby promises to pay to
                  [CEDE & CO.]

, or registered assigns, the principal sum of
                                                         DOLLARS on the
Maturity Date shown above, and to pay interest thereon at a rate per annum equal
to the Initial Interest Rate shown above until the first Interest Reset Date
shown above following the Original Issue Date shown above and thereafter at a
rate determined in accordance with the provisions below under the 


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

heading "Determination of CD Rate", "Determination of Commercial Paper Rate",
"Determination of Federal Funds Effective Rate", "Determination of LIBOR",
"Determination of Prime Rate", "Determination of Treasury Rate" or
"Determination of CMT Rate", depending upon whether the Interest Rate Basis is
CD Rate, Commercial Paper Rate, Federal Funds Effective Rate, LIBOR, Prime Rate,
Treasury Rate or CMT Rate as indicated by the box marked above, until the
principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment.

      The Company will pay interest monthly, quarterly or semi-annually as shown
above under "Interest Payment Period", commencing with the first Interest
Payment Date shown above next succeeding the Original Issue Date, and on the
Maturity Date; provided, however, that if the Original Issue Date is between a
Record Date and an Interest Payment Date, interest payments will commence on the
Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding Record Date; and provided
further, however, that if an Interest Payment Date (other than the Maturity
Date) would fall on a day that is not a Business Day (or in case the Interest
Rate Basis is LIBOR, as indicated by the box marked above, a day that is not a
London Business Day (as defined below)), such Interest Payment Date shall be the
following day that is a Business Day or a London Business Day, as the case may
be, except that if the following London Business Day falls in the next calendar
month, such Interest Payment Date shall be the next preceding day that is a
London Business Day. In the event the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a
Business Day or London Business Day, as the case may be, payment of principal,
premium, if any, and interest will be paid on the next succeeding Business Day
or London Business Day, as the case may be, with the same force and effect as if
made on the Maturity Date and no interest will accrue from and after the
Maturity Date. Except as provided above and in the Indenture referred to below,
interest payments will be made on the Interest Payment Dates shown above. The
interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest
Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose
name this Security (or one or more predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on the applicable Record Date; provided, however, that
interest payable on the Maturity Date, or upon earlier redemption or repayment,
if any, will be payable to the Person to whom principal shall be payable.

      [Funds for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest on this Security on any Interest Payment Date and at the Maturity Date
will be made available to the Paying Agent. As soon as possible thereafter, the
Paying Agent will pay such funds to the Depositary, and the Depositary will
allocate and pay such funds to the owners of beneficial interests of this
Security in accordance with its existing operating procedures.]

      This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of subordinated debt
securities of the Company (herein called the  


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

"Securities"), of the series hereinafter specified, all issued or to be
issued in one or more series under an Indenture dated as of April 1, 1987, as
amended and restated as of December 15, 1992, and as supplemented by the Second
Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 8, 1996(herein called the
"Indenture"), between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association
(formerly known as First Trust of New York, National Association), as successor
Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee
under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations
of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the
Trustee, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and Additional Senior Obligations
and the holders of the Securities. Terms defined in the Indenture are used
herein as so defined. The Securities may be issued in one or more series, which
different series may be issued in various aggregate principal amounts, may
mature at different times, may bear interest, if any, at different rates, may be
subject to different redemption provisions, if any, may be denominated in
different currencies, may be subject to different sinking funds, if any, may be
subject to different covenants and Events of Default and may otherwise vary as
in the Indenture provided. This Security is one of the series designated as the
Floating Rate Subordinated Medium-Term Notes, Series _ of the Company.

      The Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities of this series is, to the
extent and in the manner set forth in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in
right of payment to the prior payment in full of the principal of and premium,
if any, and interest on all Senior Indebtedness of the Company and, under
certain circumstances set forth in the Indenture, all Additional Senior
Obligations of the Company, and each holder of a Security of this series, by
accepting the same, agrees to and shall be bound by the provisions of the
Indenture with respect thereto.

      The following events shall be "Events of Default" with respect to the
Securities of this series: (i) a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall
have entered a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an
involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
law now or hereafter in effect of the United States of America or any political
subdivision thereof, and such decree or order shall have continued unstayed and
in effect for a period of sixty consecutive days; or (ii) the Company shall
commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization law now or hereafter in effect of the United States of America or
a political subdivision thereof, or consent to the entry of an order for relief
in an involuntary case under any such law.

      In case an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series
shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal hereof may be declared, and
upon such declaration shall become, 


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

due and payable, in the manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions
provided in the Indenture. There will be no right of acceleration in the case of
a default in the payment of interest or a default in the performance of any
covenant or agreement in this Security or the Indenture.

      The Indenture provides that in the event of a default in the payment of
interest or principal (including the delivery of any Capital Securities in
exchange for Securities) or the performance of any covenant or agreement in the
Securities or the Indenture (each of which is defined in the Indenture to be a
"Default"), the Trustee may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, seek
to enforce payment of such interest or principal (including the delivery of any
Capital Securities in exchange for Securities of this series) or the performance
of such covenant or agreement.

      Except as provided herein, this Security is not redeemable prior to the
Maturity Date. If this Security is redeemable, it may be redeemed at the option
of the Company, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days' notice, on the dates or on or after the date set forth above. at the
percentage or percentages of the principal amount set forth above, plus accrued
and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption.

      Commencing with the first Interest Reset Date specified above following
the Original Issue Date of this Security, the rate at which interest on this
Security is payable shall be adjusted daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually as shown above under "Interest Rate Reset Period";
provided, however, that the interest rate in effect hereon for the 10 days
immediately prior to the Maturity Date shall be that in effect on the 10th day
preceding the Maturity Date. Each such adjusted rate shall be applicable on and
after the Interest Reset Date to which it relates to but not including the next
succeeding Interest Reset Date or until the Maturity Date, as the case may be.
Subject to applicable provisions of law and except as specified herein,
commencing on each Interest Reset Date, the rate of interest on this Security
shall be the rate determined in accordance with the provisions of the applicable
heading below.

      Determination of CD Rate. If the interest rate basis is CD Rate, as
indicated above, said interest shall equal (a) the rate on the Interest
Determination Date specified above for negotiable certificates of deposit having
the Index Maturity specified above (i) as published by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest
Rates", or any successor publication of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System ("H.15(519)"), under the heading "CDs (Secondary Market)", or
(ii) if such rate is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date (as specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination
Date, then as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily
statistical release "Composite 3:30 P.M. quotations for U.S.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
   
 Government Securities" under the heading "Certificates of Deposit" or (b) if
neither of such rates is published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such
Calculation Date, then the rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and shall be the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest
 .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards), as calculated by the Calculation Agent, of
the secondary market offered rates as of 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on such
Interest Determination Date, of three leading nonbank dealers in negotiable U.S.
dollar certificates of deposit in New York City selected by the Calculation
Agent for negotiable certificates of deposit of major United States money-center
banks of the highest credit standing (in the market for negotiable certificates
of deposit) with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity (as
specified above) in a denomination of $5,000,000, in each of the above cases
adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above,
or by multiplication of the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above;
provided, however, that if fewer than three dealers are quoting as mentioned
above, the interest rate in effect hereon until the Interest Reset Date next
succeeding such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate hereon in effect on the
Interest Determination Date next preceding such Interest Reset Date.
    

   
      Determination of Commercial Paper Rate. If the Interest Rate basis is
Commercial Paper Rate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal (a)
the Money Market Yield (as defined herein) on the Interest Determination Date
specified above for commercial paper having the Index Maturity shown above (i)
as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Commercial Paper--Nonfinancial" or
(ii) if such yield is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date (as specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination
Date, then as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily
statistical release, "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government
Securities" under the heading "Commercial Paper", or (b) if neither of such
yields is published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such Calculation Date,
then the rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent,
and shall be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic mean (rounded to the
nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upward), of the offered rates, as of 11:00
A.M., New York City time, on such Interest Determination Date, of three leading
dealers of commercial paper in The City of New York selected by the Calculation
Agent for commercial paper of the Index Maturity placed for a nonfinancial
issuer whose bond rating is "Aa", or the equivalent, from a nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, in each of the above cases adjusted
by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by
multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above provided,
however, that if fewer than three dealers are quoting, as mentioned above, the
interest rate in effect hereon until the Interest Reset Date next succeeding
such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate hereon in effect on the Interest
Determination Date next preceding such Interest Reset Date.
    


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
   
 "Money Market Yield" shall be the yield (expressed as a percentage rounded to
the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upward) calculated in accordance with
the following formula:
    

      Money Market Yield =        D x 360        x 100
                               -------------
                               360 - (D x M)

where "D" refers to the per annum rate for commercial paper quoted on a bank
discount basis and expressed as a decimal; and "M" refers to the actual number
of days in the interest period for which interest is being calculated.

   
      Determination of Federal Funds Effective Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis
is the Federal Funds Effective Rate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate
shall equal (a) the rate on the Interest Determination Date specified above for
Federal Funds (i) as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds
(Effective)" or (ii) if such rate is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York
City time, on the Calculation Date (as specified above) pertaining to such
Interest Determination Date, then as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York in its daily statistical release "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for
U.S. Government Securities" under the heading "Federal Funds Effective Rate", or
(b) if neither of such rates is published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on
such Calculation Date the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001% with
 .00005% rounded upwards), as calculated by the Calculation Agent of the rates
for the last transaction in overnight Federal funds arranged by three leading
brokers of Federal funds transactions in The City of New York selected by the
Calculation Agent as of 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Interest
Determination Date, in each of the above cases adjusted by the addition or
subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the
Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above provided, however, that if fewer than
three brokers are quoting as mentioned above, the interest rate in effect hereon
until the Interest Reset Date next succeeding such Interest Reset Date shall be
the rate hereon in effect on the Interest Determination Date next preceding such
Interest Reset Date.
    

   
      Determination of LIBOR. (a) if the Interest Rate Basis is LIBOR Reuters,
as indicated above, said interest rate shall equal the arithmetic mean (unless
the Designated LIBOR Page by its terms provides only for a single rate, in which
case such single rate shall be used) (as calculated by the Calculation Agent
specified above and rounded to the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards)
of offered rates for deposits in the Index Currency having the Index Maturity,
each as shown above, commencing on the second Business Day on which dealings in
deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market ("London
Business Day") immediately following the Interest Determination Date specified
above, which appear on the Designated LIBOR page as of 11:00 A.M., 
    


                                       7
<PAGE>   8

   
London time, on such Interest Determination Date, adjusted by the addition or
subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the
Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above, or (b) if the Interest Rate Basis is
LIBOR Telerate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal the rate for
deposits in the Index Currency having the Index Maturity shown above, commencing
on the second London Business Day immediately following the applicable Interest
Determination Date that appears on the Designated LIBOR Page as of 11:00 A.M.
London time, on such Interest Determination Date adjusted by the addition or
subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the
Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above; provided, however, that if less than
two such offered rates so appear (unless the Designated LIBOR Page corresponding
to the Interest Rate Basis specified above by its terms provides only for a
single rate in which case such single rate shall be used) or no rate appears, as
applicable, the Calculation Agent shall request the principal London office of
each of four major banks in the London interbank market selected by the
Calculation Agent to provide a quotation of the rate offered to prime banks in
the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on such
Interest Determination Date on deposits in the Index Currency having the Index
Maturity, each as specified above, commencing on the second London Business Day
immediately following such Interest Determination Date and in a principal amount
that is representative for a single transaction in such market at such time and
such rate of interest hereon shall equal the arithmetic mean (rounded to the
nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards) of (a) such quotations, if at least
two quotations are provided, or (b) if less than two quotations are provided,
the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such
Interest Determination Date by three major banks in The City of New York
selected by the Calculation Agent, for loans in the Index Currency to leading
European banks having the Index Maturity specified above commencing on the
second London Business Day immediately following such Interest Determination
Date and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction
in such market at such time, in either case, adjusted by the addition or
subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the
Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above, provided, however, that if fewer
than three banks are quoting as mentioned above, the interest rate in effect
hereon until the Interest Reset Date next succeeding the Interest Reset Date to
which such Interest Determination Date relates shall be the rate in effect
hereon on the Interest Determination Date next preceding such Interest Reset
Date.
    

      Determination of Prime Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis is Prime Rate, as
indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal (a) the rate on the Interest
Determination Date specified above as the prime rate or base lending rate (i) as
published in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime Loan" or (ii) if such rate
is not published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Calculation 


                                       8
<PAGE>   9

   
Date (as specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination Date, then
the rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and
shall be the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001%, with .00005%
rounded upwards) of the rates of interest publicly announced by each bank that
appears on the Reuters Screen US Prime 1 Page (as defined below) as such bank's
prime rate or base lending rate for such Interest Determination Date or (b)if
fewer than four such rates appear on the Reuters Screen US Prime 1 Page on such
Interest Determination Date, the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001%
with .00005% rounded upwards) of the prime rates or base lending rates (quoted
on the basis of the actual number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year)
as of the close of business on such Interest Determination Date by three major
banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent, in each of the
above cases adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any,
specified above, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any,
specified above; provided, however, that if fewer than three banks selected as
aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned above, the interest
rate in effect until the Interest Reset Date next succeeding such Interest Reset
Date shall be the rate hereon in effect on the Interest Determination Date next
preceding such Interest Reset Date. "Reuters Screen US Prime 1 Page" means the
display page designated as page "US Prime 1" on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates
Service (or such other page as may replace the US Prime 1 page on that service)
for the purpose of displaying prime rates or base lending rates of major United
States banks.
    

   
      Determination of Treasury Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis is Treasury
Rate, as indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal (a) the rate on the
Interest Determination Date specified above for the most recent auction of
direct obligations of the United States ("Treasury Bills") having the Index
Maturity shown above, (i) as published in H.15(519) under the heading "U.S.
Government Securities -- Treasury bills -- auction average" or (ii) if such rate
is not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date
(as specified above) pertaining to such Interest Determination Date, such
auction average rate (expressed as a bond equivalent rounded to the nearest
 .0001% with .00005% rounded upward on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as
applicable, and applied on a daily basis) as otherwise announced by the United
States Department of the Treasury or (b) if neither of such rates is published
or announced, as the case may be, by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such
Calculation Date, or if no such auction is held in a particular week, then the
rate of interest hereon shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall
be a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond equivalent, rounded to the nearest
 .0001% with .00005% rounded upward, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days,
as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean of the
secondary market bid rates, as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time,
on such Interest Determination Date, of three leading primary United 
    


                                       9
<PAGE>   10

States government securities dealers selected by the Calculation Agent, for the
issue of Treasury bills with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity
shown above, in each of the cases above adjusted by the addition or subtraction
of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by multiplication by the Spread
Multiplier, if any, specified above; provided, however, that if fewer than three
dealers are quoting as mentioned in this sentence, interest rate hereon with
respect to such Interest Determination Date shall be the rate in effect hereon
with respect to the next preceding Interest Determination Date.

   
      Determination of CMT Rate. If the Interest Rate Basis is CMT Rate, as
indicated above, said Interest Rate shall equal, in each case adjusted by the
addition or the subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified above, or by
multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified above, (a) the rate
on the Interest Determination Date specified above displayed on the Designated
CMT Telerate Page under the caption ". . . Treasury Constant Maturities. . .
Federal Reserve Board Release H.15. . . Mondays Approximately 3:45 P.M.," under
the column for the Index Maturity shown above for (i) if the Designated CMT
Telerate Page is 7055, the rate on such Interest Determination Date and (ii) if
the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7052, the week, or the month, as applicable,
ended immediately preceding the week in which the related Interest Determination
Date occurs, or (b) if such rate is no longer displayed on the relevant page, or
if not displayed by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation
Date, then the CMT Rate for such Interest Determination Date will be such
treasury constant maturity rate for the Index Maturity as published in H.15(519)
or (c) if such rate is no longer published, or if not published by 3:00 P.M.,
New York City time, on the related Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate for such
Interest Determination Date will be such treasury constant maturity rate for the
Index Maturity (or other United States Treasury rate for the Index Maturity) for
the Interest Determination Date with respect to such Interest Rate Reset Period
as may then be published by either the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System or the United States Department of the Treasury that the Calculation
Agent determines to be comparable to the rate formerly displayed on the
Designated CMT Telerate Page and published in H.15(519), provided, however, if
such information is not provided by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the
related Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate for the Interest Determination Date
will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity,
based on the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001% with .00005% rounded
upwards) of the secondary market offered rates as of approximately 3:30 P.M.,
New York City time, on the Interest Determination Date reported, according to
their written records, by three leading primary United States government
securities dealers (each, a "Reference Dealer") in The City of New York selected
by the Calculation Agent (from five such Reference Dealers selected by the
Calculation Agent and eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of
equality, one of the 
    


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
   
 highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the
lowest)), for the most recently issued direct noncallable fixed rate obligations
of the United States ("Treasury Notes") with an original maturity of
approximately the Index Maturity and a remaining term to maturity of not less
than such Index Maturity minus one year, provided, however, if the Calculation
Agent cannot obtain three such Treasury Note quotations, the CMT Rate for such
Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will
be a yield to maturity based on the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest
 .0001% with .00005% rounded upwards) of the secondary market offered rates as of
approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on the Interest Determination Date
of three Reference Dealers in The City of New York (from five such Reference
Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent and eliminating the highest quotation
(or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or,
in the event of equality, one of the lowest)), for Treasury Notes with an
original maturity of the number of years that is the next highest to the Index
Maturity and a remaining term to maturity closest to the Index Maturity and in
an amount of at least U.S. $100 million, provided, however, if three or four
(and not five) of such Reference Dealers are quoting as described above, then
the CMT Rate will be based on the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest .0001%
with .00005% rounded upwards) of the offered rates obtained and neither the
highest nor the lowest of such quotes will be eliminated; provided, however,
that if fewer than three Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent are
quoting as described herein, the CMT Rate will be the CMT Rate in effect on such
Interest Determination Date. If two Treasury Notes with an original maturity as
described in the third preceding sentence have remaining terms to maturity
equally close to the Index Maturity, the quotes for the CMT Rate Note with the
shorter remaining term to maturity will be used.
    

      "Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Telerate
Service (or any successor service) on the page specified above (or any other
page as may replace such page on such service), for the purpose of displaying
Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519) or, if no such page is
specified above, page 7052.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate hereon shall not be
greater than the Maximum Interest Rate, if any, or less than the Minimum
Interest Rate, if any, specified above. In addition, the interest rate hereon
shall in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law as
the same may be modified by United States law of general application. The
Calculation Agent shall calculate the interest rate hereon in accordance with
the foregoing on or before each Calculation Date. At the request of the Holder
hereof, the Calculation Agent will provide to the Holder hereof the interest
rate hereon then in effect and, if determined, the interest rate which will
become effective as of the next Interest Reset Date.


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
   
Unless otherwise indicated above, each interest payment on this Security will
include interest accrued from and including the Original Issue Date or the last
date to which interest has been paid and to but excluding the applicable
Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date. Accrued interest hereon from the
Original Issue Date or from the last date to which interest hereon has been
paid, as the case may be, shall be an amount calculated by multiplying the face
amount hereof by an accrued interest factor. Such accrued interest factor shall
be computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day from the
Original Issue Date or from the last date to which interest shall have been
paid, as the case may be, to the date for which accrued interest is being
calculated. Unless otherwise indicated above, the interest factor (expressed as
a decimal rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth, with five hundred-thousandths
rounded upwards) for each such day shall be computed by dividing the interest
rate (expressed as a decimal rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth, with five
hundred-thousandths rounded upwards) applicable to such day by 360 if the
Interest Rate Basis is the CD Rate, Commercial Paper Rate, Federal Funds
Effective Rate, LIBOR or Prime Rate, as indicated above, or by the actual number
of days in the year if the Interest Rate Basis is the Treasury Rate or CMT Rate,
as indicated above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest hereon prior to the
date of commencement of Interest Rate Basis (if other than the Original Issue
Date) indicated above shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days
consisting of twelve 30-day months.
    

      The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee,
with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Securities at the time outstanding of each series to be affected, evidenced
as in the Indenture provided, to execute supplemental indentures adding any
provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of
the Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or modifying in any manner the
rights of the holders of the Securities of each such series; provided, however,
that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the holder of
each Security affected thereby, (i) change the stated maturity date of the
principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on any Security,
(ii) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest (or premium, if any) on,
any Security, (iii) reduce the portion of the principal amount of an original
issue discount Security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof, (iv)


                                       12
<PAGE>   13

reduce any amount payable upon redemption of any Security, (v) change the place
or places where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium
or the interest thereon is payable, (vi) change the definition of "Market Value"
set forth in the Indenture, (vii) impair the right of any holder of Securities
of any series to receive on any Exchange Date for Securities of such series
Capital Securities with a Market Value equal to that required by the terms of
the Securities, (viii) impair the right of any holders of Securities of a series
entitled to the conversion rights described in the Indenture to receive shares
of Common Stock, securities or other property upon the exercise of such
conversion rights, (ix) impair the right of a holder to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Security (including any
right of redemption at the option of the holder of such Security), or for the
delivery of Capital Securities in exchange for Securities pursuant to the terms
of the Indenture, or to require the Company to sell Capital Securities in a
Secondary Offering pursuant to the terms of the Indenture or to deliver Common
Stock, securities or other property upon conversion of Securities pursuant to
the terms of the Indenture, (x) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities of
any series the holders of which are required to consent to any such supplemental
indenture or reduce the percentage of securities of any series the holders of
which are required to waive any past Default or Event of Default, as described
in the next following sentence, or (xi) modify the foregoing provisions of
clauses (i) through (x). It is also provided in the Indenture that, prior to any
declaration accelerating the maturity of the Securities of any series, the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that
series at the time outstanding may on behalf of the holders of all Securities of
that series waive any past Default or Event of Default under the Indenture and
its consequences except a Default in the payment of the principal of (or
premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of that series (or in
the delivery of Capital Securities in exchange for any Securities of that series
when required). Any such consent or waiver by the holder of this Security
(unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and binding
upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of this Security and any
Security which may be issued in exchange or substitution herefor, irrespective
of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon this Security or
such other Security.

      Subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness and Additional
Senior Obligations of the Company set forth in this Security and the Indenture
referred to above, no reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on this Security at the places, at the respective
times, at the rates and in the coin or currency herein prescribed.


                                       13
<PAGE>   14

      Unless otherwise indicated herein, the Securities of this series are
issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and
any integral multiple of $1,000. In the manner and subject to the limitations
provided in the Indenture, but without the payment of any service charge,
Securities of this series may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal
amount of Securities of this series of other authorized denominations at the
office or agency of the Company for such exchange in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York.

      Subject to the limitations set forth in the Indenture and herein, upon due
presentment for registration of transfer of this Security at the office or
agency of the Company for such registration in the Borough of Manhattan, The
City of New York, a new Security or Securities of this series of authorized
denominations for an equal aggregate principal amount will be issued to the
transferee in exchange herefor without charge except for any tax or other
governmental charge imposed in connection therewith.

      Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this Security,
the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Security Registrar may deem
and treat the registered holder hereof as the absolute owner of this Security
(whether or not this Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation
of ownership or any writing hereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or
on account of the principal hereof (and premium, if any, hereon), and subject to
the provisions herein, interest hereon and for all other purposes, and neither
the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security Registrar
shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. All payments made to or upon
the order of such registered holder shall, to the extent of the sum or sums
paid, effectually satisfy and discharge the Company's liability for moneys
payable on this Security.

      No recourse for the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on this Security or for any claim based hereon or otherwise in respect
hereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of
the Company in the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto or in this
Security, or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby,
shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as
such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any successor corporation,
either directly or through the Company, or any successor corporation, whether by
virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance
hereof and as part of the consideration for the issue hereof, expressly waived
and released by each holder of this Security.


                                       14
<PAGE>   15

      This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.


      This Security shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
until the Certificate of Authentication hereon shall have been signed by the
Trustee under the Indenture referred to above or an Authenticating Agent, by
manual signature.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
duly executed by its duly authorized officers and has caused its corporate seal,
or a facsimile thereof, to be affixed hereto..

                                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN CORPORATION


                                          By:  
                                               ---------------------------------
                                          Name:
                                          Title:


                  [SEAL]                  Attest: 
                                                  ------------------------------
                                          Name:
                                          Title:

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION:
This is one of the Securities issued under the Indenture described herein.

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee

By:  The Chase Manhattan Bank
     as Authenticating Agent


By:
   ---------------------------
   Authorized Signer



                                       15
<PAGE>   16

                                  ABBREVIATIONS

      The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on this
instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according
to applicable laws or regulations.

            TEN COM--as tenants in common
            TEN ENT--as tenants by the entireties
            JT TEN-- as joint tenants with right of survivorship
                      and not as tenants in common

            UNIF GIFT MIN ACT--.............Custodian...........................
                                          (Cust)                    (Minor)

                  under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

                  .................................
                                 (State)

    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.


                                       16
<PAGE>   17

                         -----------------------------

      FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and
transfer(s) unto

Please Insert Social Security or Other
      Identifying Number of Assignee:

_____________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

                   PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS
                     INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

the within Security and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting
and appointing ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________ attorney to transfer said
Security on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:  ___________________   _________________________

                              _________________________

NOTICE: The signature(s) to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the within instrument in every particular, without alteration or
enlargement or any change whatever.

SIGNATURE GUARANTEED: __________________________
NOTICE: The signature(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution
(e.g., banks, securities brokers or dealers, credit unions, national securities
exchanges and savings associations) which is a member of or participant in a
signature guarantee program recognized by the Security Registrar pursuant to
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


                                       17

<PAGE>   1
 
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
    

   
                                                      PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                                                     1177 Avenue of the Americas
                                                        New York, New York 10036
                                                        Telephone (212) 596-8000
                                                        Facsimile (212) 596-8910
    

   
August 18, 1998
    
 
   
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
    
 
   
     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of The Chase Manhattan Corporation (the "Corporation") of
our report dated January 20, 1998 which appears on page 45 of the 1997 Annual
Report to Stockholders of the Corporation which is incorporated by reference in
the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Registration Statement.
    
 
   
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
    
 
   
    


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