BANK OF BOSTON CORP
10-K405, 1997-03-20
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>
 
                                   FORM 10-K

          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
[X]     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                      OR
[ ]        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
           FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________ TO __________

                        Commission file number:  1-6522

                          BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

MASSACHUSETTS                                                   04-2471221
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)
 
100 FEDERAL STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS                           02110
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:            (6l7) 434-2200

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
                -----------------------------------------------

Title of each class
- ----------------
Common Stock, par value $1.50 per share
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (liquidation preference $50
per share)
Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (liquidation preference $50
per share)
Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C (liquidation preference
$100 per share)
Depositary Shares, each representing one-tenth of a share of 8.60% Cumulative
  Preferred Stock, Series E
     (liquidation preference $25 per Depositary Share)
Depositary Shares, each representing one-tenth of a share of 7 7/8% Cumulative
  Preferred Stock, Series F
     (liquidation preference $25 per Depositary Share)

                  NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED:
                     -------------------------------------
Each class is registered on the New York Stock Exchange and the Boston Stock
Exchange

       SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:  NONE
               -------------------------------------------------

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

     Yes [X]  No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K ((S) 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [X]

Aggregate market value of shares of common            Number of shares of common
stock held by non-affiliates of Registrant             stock outstanding as of
           as of March 1, 1997                               March 1, 1997
           -------------------                               -------------
            $11,566,085,355                                   154,257,660


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
- ----------------------
1.  Pertinent extracts from Registrant's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders
    (Parts I, II and IV).
2. Pertinent extracts from Registrant's Proxy Statement in connection with the
   Registrant's 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III).
<PAGE>
 
                                     INDEX

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Name of Item                                                     Page
- ------------                                                     ----
                                     PART I
<S>         <C>                                                   <C>
Item 1.     Business............................................   3
               Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding 
                Companies.......................................  12
Item 2.     Properties..........................................  18
Item 3.     Legal Proceedings...................................  18
Item 3A.    Executive Officers of the Corporation...............  20
Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security 
             Holders............................................  21

                                    PART II
 
Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
           Related Stockholder Matters......................      22
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data..........................      22
Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial      
           Condition and Results of Operations..............      22
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data......      22
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
           Accounting and Financial Disclosure..............      23

                                    PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    23
Item 11.    Executive Compensation............................    23
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
             and Management...................................    23
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions....    23

                                    PART IV

 Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
             on Form 8-K......................................    24

                                   SIGNATURES

           Signatures.........................................   II-1
</TABLE> 

                                      -2-

<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I

 ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

                                THE CORPORATION

      Bank of Boston Corporation (the "Corporation") is a registered bank
 holding company, organized in 1970 under Massachusetts law with both national
 and international operations. The Corporation, through its subsidiaries and, in
 certain cases, joint ventures, is engaged in providing a wide variety of
 personal, corporate and global banking services to individuals, corporate and
 institutional customers, governments and other financial institutions. The
 Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates a network of 650 offices
 across the U.S. and more than 100 offices in 24 countries in Latin America,
 Europe, Asia and Africa. As of December 31, 1996, approximately 76% of the
 Corporation's total loan volume consisted of domestic loans and leases, with
 the balance international. As of December 31, 1996, the Corporation's
 subsidiaries employed, in the aggregate, 21,990 full-time equivalent employees
 in their domestic and foreign operations.

      The Corporation's principal subsidiary is The First National Bank of
 Boston ("FNBB"), a national banking association with its headquarters in
 Massachusetts.  Other major banking subsidiaries of the Corporation are
 BayBank, N.A. ("BBNA"), Bank of Boston Connecticut ("BKB Connecticut"), Rhode
 Island Hospital Trust National Bank ("Hospital Trust") and BayBank NH, N.A.
 ("BBNH").

      The executive office of the Corporation and the head office of FNBB are
 located at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 (Telephone (617)
 434-2200).

 ACQUISITION OF BAYBANKS, INC.

      On December 12, 1995, the Corporation and BayBanks, Inc. ("BayBanks")
 entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger providing for the merger of a
 wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation with and into BayBanks (the "
 Merger"), with BayBanks becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation.
 The Merger was consummated on July 29, 1996, and was accounted for as a pooling
 of interests.  Under the terms of the Merger, approximately 43.6 million shares
 of the Corporation's common stock, par value $1.50 per share, were exchanged
 for all of the outstanding shares of BayBanks' common stock, par value $2.00
 per share.  The combination of the two Boston-based institutions created a
 consumer and corporate banking entity with over $60 billion in assets and over
 $40 billion in deposits.  In connection with the Merger, and specifically to
 address competitive issues raised by the United States Department of Justice
 and the Massachusetts Attorney General relative to the transaction, the
 Corporation sold 20 branches of the combined entity, having aggregate deposits
 of approximately $700 million and loans of approximately $500 million, in the
 fourth quarter of 1996.

      In order to facilitate the establishment of a new brand identity for the
 combined Bank of Boston and BayBanks organizations, the Corporation will be
 seeking approval from stockholders at its 1997 Annual Meeting to change the
 name of the Corporation to "BankBoston Corporation." In addition, by the middle
 of 1997, the Corporation intends to merge BBNA into FNBB, with the combined
 bank being called "BankBoston, N.A.," and to make the "BankBoston" name a
 single brand for the advertising and marketing of all of the Corporation's
 branches, products and operations both domestically and internationally.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                          BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION

      During the latter half of 1996, the Corporation announced certain
 organizational and managerial changes, including the creation of a Policy
 Council. The Policy Council, the senior decision-making group of the
 Corporation, consists of 14 members, including Chief Executive Officer Charles
 K. Gifford, Chairman William M. Crozier, Jr., President and Chief Operating
 Officer Henrique de Campos Meirelles, Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer
 and Treasurer William J. Shea, Vice Chairman, Corporate Banking, Paul F. Hogan
 and Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, Susannah M. Swihart (who serves
 as Chair of the corporate-wide Marketing Committee). The remaining members of
 the Policy Council include six executives who manage the Corporation's other
 key line businesses and the Chairs of the corporate-wide Risk Management and
 Human Resources Committees. In addition to the Risk Management and Human
 Resources Committees, the Policy Council oversees the Technology Policy
 Committee, the Asset, Liability and Capital Committee and the Marketing
 Committee. The Corporation was previously managed by a Corporate Working
 Committee, which consisted of the members of the Chairman's Office and a group
 of executives in charge of core business units and corporate-wide support
 areas.

      The Corporation's principal revenue-producing areas are grouped into the
 following major business lines: Corporate Banking, Regional Consumer and Small
 Business, Latin America, Global Asset Management and Other Global.  For a
 discussion of the operating results and other key financial measures of these
 five business lines for 1996 and 1995, as well as discussions of the
 Corporation's business activities, including its lending activities, its cross-
 border outstandings and the management of its off-balance-sheet exposure, see
 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations" on pages 22 through 43 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to
 Stockholders, which pages are included in Exhibit 13 hereto and which
 discussions are incorporated herein by reference.

      Activities in which the Corporation and its subsidiaries are presently
 engaged or which they may undertake in the future are subject to certain
 statutory and regulatory restrictions.  Banks and bank holding companies are
 extensively regulated under both federal and state law. There are various legal
 limitations upon the extent to which bank subsidiaries of the Corporation can
 finance or otherwise supply funds to the Corporation or certain of its
 affiliates.  See "Supervision and Regulation."

      For financial information on the Corporation's revenue, net income and
 assets attributable to its domestic and international operations, see "Segment
 Information" which appears in Note 26 to the Financial Statements and "Cross-
 Border Outstandings" and "Emerging Markets Countries," which appear on pages 35
 through 37 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages
 are included in Exhibit 13 hereto and which information is hereby incorporated
 by reference.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                     COMPETITION AND INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION

      The Corporation's subsidiaries compete with other major financial
 institutions, including commercial banks, investment banks, mutual savings
 banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, consumer finance companies
 and other nonbank institutions, such as insurance companies, major retailers,
 brokerage firms, and investment companies in New England, throughout the United
 States, and internationally.  Principal methods of competing effectively in the
 financial services industry are to improve customer service through the quality
 and range of services available, to improve efficiencies and to price services
 competitively.

      One outgrowth of the competitive environment discussed above has been
 significant consolidation within the financial services industry both on a
 national and regional level.  The Corporation engages on an ongoing basis in
 reviewing and discussing strategic initiatives focused on leveraging its core
 competencies over attractive markets, including the expansion of its global
 banking businesses, increasing the capital markets activities of its corporate
 banking business, the divestiture of non-core business units and the formation
 of strategic alliances.  Consistent with this strategy, in 1996 and early 1997,
 the Corporation engaged in the following transactions in addition to the
 completion of the BayBanks acquisition:

           During the first half of 1996, the Corporation completed a
      transaction with two equity investment firms and Barnett Banks, Inc.
      ("Barnett") to form an independent mortgage company, HomeSide, Inc.
      ("HomeSide"), to which the Corporation and Barnett sold their mortgage
      banking subsidiaries, BancBoston Mortgage Corporation ("BBMC") and Barnett
      Mortgage Company, respectively.  The Corporation, Barnett and the two
      equity investment firms each held an approximate one-third interest in
      HomeSide, which, as a result of an initial public offering in January,
      1997, was reduced to approximately 27 percent.

           In June of 1996, the Corporation completed its acquisition of The
      Boston Bancorp ("Bancorp"), the holding company of South Boston Savings
      Bank, a Massachusetts chartered savings bank with approximately $1.3
      billion in deposits at the time of the acquisition.  In connection with
      this acquisition, the Corporation exchanged 4.6 million shares of its
      common stock, with a value of approximately $229 million, for all of the
      outstanding common stock of Bancorp.  The transaction was accounted for as
      a purchase.

           During the third quarter of 1996, the Corporation completed its
      acquisition of GBFC, Inc. ("GBFC"), a specialty finance company affiliated
      with Gordon Brothers Finance Company, a Boston-based firm offering a
      variety of restructuring services to the retail industry.  GBFC, the
      largest asset-based lender in the country exclusively devoted to meeting
      the financing needs of retailers, has originated and agented over $300
      million in loans for middle-market retailers throughout North America.

           In the first quarter of 1997, FNBB formed a pension company joint
      venture in Mexico with American International Group, Inc. and The Bank of
      Nova Scotia.  This entity, named "Previnter," was established in response
      to legislation recently adopted in Mexico privatizing that country's
      social security system.

           As previously announced, in February, 1997, the Corporation
      terminated an agreement to sell its consumer finance subsidiary, Fidelity
      Acceptance Corporation ("FAC"), to a third party.  The Corporation is
      continuing its strategic review of this 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
      business and its other national consumer lending businesses (Ganis Credit
      Corporation and the national credit card portfolio).

      The Corporation intends to continue to explore strategic opportunities as
 they arise in order to expand its businesses in its selected markets and
 improve service to its customers.

      In 1994, federal legislation was enacted which permits certain interstate
 banking transactions.  It is anticipated that this legislation may facilitate
 consolidation within financial institutions that currently have separate
 operations in two or more states and within the financial services industry in
 general.  See "Supervision and Regulation" for a discussion of the impact of
 this legislation upon the Corporation and its subsidiaries.


                           SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

      The business in which the Corporation and its subsidiaries are engaged is
 subject to extensive supervision, regulation and examination by various bank
 regulatory authorities and other governmental agencies in the states and
 countries where the Corporation and its subsidiaries operate.  The supervision,
 regulation and examination to which the Corporation and its subsidiaries are
 subject are often intended by the regulators primarily for the protection of
 depositors or are aimed at carrying out broad public policy goals, rather than
 for the protection of security holders.

      Several of the more significant regulatory provisions applicable to banks
 and bank holding companies to which the Corporation and its subsidiaries are
 subject are discussed below along with certain regulatory matters concerning
 the Corporation and its bank subsidiaries.  To the extent that the following
 information describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it is qualified in
 its entirety by reference to the particular statutory provisions.  Any change
 in applicable law or regulation may have a material effect on the business and
 prospects of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.


                                THE CORPORATION

      The Corporation, as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company
 Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"), is registered with the Board of Governors
 of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") and is regulated
 under the provisions of the BHCA.  The BHCA requires every bank holding company
 to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before it may acquire
 substantially all of the assets of any bank, or ownership or control of any
 voting shares of any bank, if, after such acquisition, it would own or control,
 directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank.

      Under the BHCA, the Corporation is prohibited, with certain exceptions,
 from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the
 voting shares of any company which is not a bank and from engaging in any
 business other than that of banking, managing or controlling banks or
 furnishing services to, or acquiring premises for, its affiliated banks.  The
 Corporation may, however, engage in and own voting shares of companies engaging
 in certain activities determined by the Federal Reserve Board, by order or by
 regulation, to be so closely related to banking or to managing or controlling
 banks "as to be a proper incident thereto."  The location of such "nonbank"
 subsidiaries of the Corporation is not restricted geographically under the
 BHCA.  The Corporation is required by the BHCA to file with the Federal Reserve
 Board periodic reports and such additional reports as the Federal Reserve Board
 may require.  The 

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
 Federal Reserve Bank of Boston performs periodic examinations of the
 Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries.

      Since the Corporation is also a bank holding company under the laws of
 Massachusetts, the Commissioner of Banks for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 has authority to require certain reports from the Corporation from time to time
 and to examine the Corporation and each of its subsidiaries other than national
 banking associations.  Prior approval of the Massachusetts Board of Bank
 Incorporation also may be required before the Corporation may acquire any
 additional commercial banks located in Massachusetts.  Acquisitions by the
 Corporation of non-Massachusetts banks or bank holding companies may be subject
 to the prior approval by both the Massachusetts and the applicable state or
 federal banking regulators.  Massachusetts has an interstate bank acquisition
 law which permits banking organizations outside Massachusetts to acquire
 Massachusetts banking organizations if the state law of the acquirer permits
 acquisitions of banking organizations in that state by Massachusetts-based
 banking organizations. In addition, in August, 1996, legislation was passed in
 Massachusetts providing for an early opt-in to the federal interstate banking
 legislation enacted in 1994.  See "Legislation" below with respect to federal
 interstate banking legislation.

      Massachusetts has a business combinations law which provides that if any
 acquirer buys 5% or more of a target company's stock without the prior approval
 of the target company's board of directors, it generally may not (i) complete
 the acquisition through a merger, (ii) pledge or sell any assets of the target
 company, or (iii) engage in other self-dealing transactions with the target
 company for a period of three years. The prior board approval requirement does
 not apply if the acquirer buys at least 90% of the target company's outstanding
 stock in the transaction in which it crosses the 5% threshold or if the
 acquirer, after crossing the threshold, obtains the approval of the target
 company's board of directors and two-thirds of the target company's stock held
 by persons other than the acquirer. This legislation automatically applies to
 Massachusetts corporations, including the Corporation, which did not elect to
 "opt out" of the statute. Massachusetts law also provides for classified boards
 of directors for most public companies incorporated in Massachusetts, unless
 the company elected to "opt out" of the law. As a result of this law, the
 Corporation's Board of Directors is divided into three classes of Directors and
 the three-year terms of the classes are staggered.

      Other Massachusetts legislation exists which is intended to provide
 limited anti-takeover protection to certain Massachusetts corporations by
 preventing an acquirer of certain percentages of such corporation's stock from
 obtaining voting rights in such stock unless the corporation's other
 stockholders authorize such voting rights.  The legislation automatically
 applies to certain Massachusetts corporations which have not elected to "opt
 out" of the statute.  The Corporation, by vote of its Board of Directors, has
 "opted out" of the statute's coverage.

      In June 1990, the Board of Directors of the Corporation adopted a
 stockholder rights agreement (the "Rights Agreement") providing for a dividend
 of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of common
 stock of the Corporation (the "Rights").  Under certain circumstances, the
 Rights would enable stockholders to purchase common stock of the Corporation or
 of an acquiring Corporation at a substantial discount.  The dividend was
 distributed on July 12, 1990 to stockholders of record on that date.  Holders
 of shares of the Corporation's common stock issued subsequent to that date
 receive the Rights with their shares.  The Rights trade automatically with
 shares of the Corporation's common stock and become exercisable only under
 certain circumstances.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
      The purpose of the Rights Agreement is to encourage potential acquirers to
 negotiate with the Corporation's Board of Directors prior to attempting a
 takeover and to provide the Board with leverage in negotiating on behalf of all
 stockholders the terms of any proposed takeover.  The Rights may have certain
 anti-takeover effects.  The Rights should not interfere, however, with any
 merger or other business combination approved by the Board of Directors.  The
 Rights Agreement was amended in December, 1995 to exclude the BayBanks merger
 agreement, the stock option agreement granted by the Corporation to BayBanks in
 connection with the merger agreement, and all transactions contemplated
 thereby, from the scope of the Rights Agreement.  For a further discussion of
 the Corporation's Rights Agreement, see the description of the Rights set forth
 in the Corporation's registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the Rights
 (including the Rights Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1990, between the
 Corporation and FNBB, as Rights Agent, which is attached as an exhibit to the
 Form 8-A) and the amendment thereto, which are incorporated herein by
 reference.


                      THE CORPORATION'S BANK SUBSIDIARIES

 GENERAL

      The Corporation's bank subsidiaries that are national banks are subject to
 the supervision of, and are regularly examined by, the Office of the
 Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"). BKB Connecticut, the Corporation's
 state-chartered bank subsidiary, is subject to the supervision of, and is
 regularly examined by, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC")
 and the Connecticut Banking Commissioner. The domestic deposits of the
 Corporation's subsidiary banks are insured (to the extent allowed by law) by
 the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC (the "BIF") and, accordingly, those banks
 are subject to the regulations of the FDIC. As members of the Federal Reserve
 System, the Corporation's nationally-chartered banks are also subject to
 regulation by the Federal Reserve Board. BBNA, BKB Connecticut and Hospital
 Trust, as members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, are also subject to
 the regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Board.

 FIRREA

      Under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of
 1989 ("FIRREA"), a bank can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or
 reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the
 default of a commonly controlled bank or (ii) any assistance provided by the
 FDIC to a commonly controlled bank in danger of default.  The term "default" is
 defined as the appointment of a conservator or receiver for such bank and "in
 danger of default" as the existence of certain conditions indicating that a
 "default" is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance.  In
 addition, FIRREA broadened the enforcement powers of the federal banking
 agencies, including the power to impose fines and penalties over all financial
 institutions.  Further, under FIRREA the failure to meet capital guidelines
 could subject a financial institution to a variety of regulatory actions,
 including the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC.

 FDICIA

      The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991
 ("FDICIA") also provided for expanded regulation of financial institutions.
 Under FDICIA, banks are placed in one of five capital categories, ranging from
 "well-capitalized" to "critically undercapitalized," for 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
 which the federal banking agencies have established specific capital ratio
 levels. Pursuant to the agencies' regulations, an institution is considered
 "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%,
 a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, a leverage capital ratio of
 at least 5% and is not subject to a cease and desist order, formal agreement,
 capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive that requires it to
 achieve or maintain a higher level of capital. At December 31, 1996, all of the
 Corporation's banking subsidiaries met the requirements of the "well
 capitalized" category. The capital categories of the Corporation's bank
 subsidiaries are determined solely for purposes of applying FDICIA's
 provisions, and such capital categories may not constitute an accurate
 representation of the overall financial condition or prospects of any of the
 Corporation's bank subsidiaries.

 OTHER REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS

      The FDIC's deposit insurance assessments are based on a risk-based system.
 The risk-based system places a bank in one of nine risk categories, principally
 on the basis of its capital level and an evaluation of the bank's risk to the
 BIF, and bases premiums on the probability of loss to the FDIC with respect to
 each individual bank. During 1996, the assessment premiums for the BIF risk-
 based system ranged from $0 to $.27 per $100 of insured deposits.

      The Corporation's domestic subsidiary banks and the subsidiaries of such
 banks are subject to a large number of other regulatory restrictions, including
 certain restrictions upon: (i) any extensions of credit by such banks to, from
 or for the benefit of the Corporation and the Corporation's nonbank affiliates
 (collectively with the Corporation, the "Affiliates"), (ii) the purchase of
 assets or services from or the sale of assets or the provision of services to
 Affiliates, (iii) the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit
 on behalf of or for the benefit of Affiliates, (iv) the purchase of securities
 of which an Affiliate is a principal underwriter during the existence of the
 underwriting and (v) investments in stock or other securities issued by
 Affiliates or acceptance thereof as collateral for an extension of credit.  The
 Corporation and all of its subsidiaries, including FNBB, are also subject to
 certain restrictions with respect to engaging in the issue, flotation,
 underwriting, public sale or distribution of certain types of securities.  The
 Federal Reserve Board permits subsidiaries of bank holding companies to
 underwrite and deal in securities consistent with the provisions of Section 20
 of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933.  In the first quarter of 1997, following
 approval by the Federal Reserve Board, BancBoston Securities Inc. ("BSI"), a
 wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, commenced operations under Section
 20.  BSI will offer corporate financing options and investments, including
 underwriting and dealing in high-yield public debt securities.  In addition,
 under both the BHCA and regulations which have been issued by the Federal
 Reserve Board, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are prohibited from
 engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of
 credit, lease or sale of any property or the furnishing of any service.  In
 operations in other countries, the Corporation and FNBB are also subject to
 restrictions imposed by the laws and banking authorities of such countries.

      The Corporation's bank subsidiaries are also required to maintain cash
 reserves against deposits and are subject to restrictions, among others, upon
 (i) the nature and amount of loans which they may make to a borrower; (ii) the
 nature and amount of securities in which they may invest; (iii) the amount
 which may be invested in bank premises; (iv) the geographic location of their
 branches; and (v) the nature and extent to which they can borrow money.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
 DIVIDENDS

      The payment of dividends by the Corporation is determined by its Board of
 Directors based on the Corporation's liquidity, asset quality profile, capital
 adequacy and recent earnings history, as well as economic conditions and other
 factors, including applicable government regulations and policies and the
 amount of dividends payable to the Corporation by its subsidiaries.

      In 1996, the aggregate dividends declared by the Corporation on its common
 and preferred stock were approximately $284 million.  For the first quarter of
 1996, a dividend of $.37 per share was declared and paid on the Corporation's
 common stock.  In each of the last three quarters of 1996 and in the first
 quarter of 1997, the Corporation declared and paid a dividend on its common
 stock of $.44 per share.

      The Corporation is a legal entity separate and distinct from its
 subsidiary banks and its other nonbank subsidiaries.  The Corporation's
 revenues (on a parent company only basis) result primarily from interest and
 dividends paid to the Corporation by its subsidiaries.  The right of the
 Corporation, and consequently the right of creditors and stockholders of the
 Corporation, to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of
 any subsidiary through the payment of such dividends or otherwise is
 necessarily subject to the prior claims of creditors of the subsidiary
 (including depositors, in the case of banking subsidiaries), except to the
 extent that claims of the Corporation in its capacity as a creditor may be
 recognized.

      It is the policy of the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board that banks and
 bank holding companies, respectively, should pay dividends only out of current
 earnings and only if after paying such dividends the bank or bank holding
 company would remain adequately capitalized.  Federal banking regulators also
 have authority to prohibit banks and bank holding companies from paying
 dividends if they deem such payment to be an unsafe or unsound practice.  In
 addition, it is the position of the Federal Reserve Board that a bank holding
 company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary
 banks.

      Various federal and state laws, regulations and policies limit the ability
 of the Corporation's subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Corporation.  Federal
 banking law requires the approval of the OCC if the aggregate total of the
 dividends declared by any of the Corporation's national bank subsidiaries in
 any calendar year will exceed the bank's net profits, as defined by applicable
 regulation, for that year combined with retained net profits for the preceding
 two years.  Also, state law requires the approval of state bank regulatory
 authorities if the dividends declared by state banks exceed similar prescribed
 limits.  In 1996, an aggregate of approximately $560 million of dividends were
 declared and paid by the Corporation's subsidiaries.  The payment of any future
 dividends by the Corporation's subsidiaries will be determined based on a
 number of factors, including the subsidiary's liquidity, asset quality profile,
 capital adequacy and recent earnings history.  Information concerning the
 Corporation and its bank subsidiaries with respect to dividends is set forth in
 Note 15 to the Financial Statements in the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to
 Stockholders which is included in Exhibit 13 hereto and which discussion is
 incorporated herein by reference.  See the related discussions set forth below
 in "Capital" and "Legislation."

 CAPITAL

      Information concerning the Corporation and its bank subsidiaries with
 respect to capital is set forth in Note 14 to the Financial Statements and
 under "Capital Management," which appears on page 42 of the Corporation's 1996
 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages are 

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
 included in Exhibit 13 hereto and which information is incorporated herein by
 reference. See also "Legislation" below and "Dividends" above.

 LEGISLATION

      In addition to extensive existing government regulation, laws and
 regulations in the states and countries where the Corporation and its
 subsidiaries do business can change in unpredictable ways, often with
 significant effects on the way in which financial institutions may conduct
 business.  The enactment of banking legislation such as FIRREA and FDICIA has
 affected the banking industry by, among other things, broadening the powers of
 the federal banking agencies in a number of areas.  Other legislation which has
 been enacted in recent years has substantially increased the level of
 competition among commercial banks, thrift institutions and non-banking
 institutions, including insurance companies, brokerage firms, mutual funds,
 investment banks and major retailers.  In 1994, the Riegle-Neal Interstate
 Banking and Branching Act of 1994 (the "Interstate Act") was enacted.  The
 Interstate Act's provisions, among other things: (i) permit bank holding
 companies to acquire control of banks in any state beginning September 28,
 1995, subject to (a) specified maximum national and state deposit concentration
 limits; (b) any applicable state law provisions requiring that the acquired
 bank has to have been in existence for a specified period of up to 5 years; (c)
 any applicable nondiscriminatory state provisions that make an acquisition of a
 bank contingent upon a requirement to hold a portion of such bank's assets
 available for call by a state sponsored housing entity; and (d) applicable
 anti-trust laws; (ii) authorize interstate mergers by banks in different
 states, including branching through bank mergers, beginning June 1, 1997,
 subject to the provisions noted in (i) and to any state laws that opt in as of
 an earlier date or opt out of the provision entirely; (iii) authorize states to
 enact legislation permitting interstate de novo branching; and (iv) provide for
 certain additional limitations on foreign bank activities.

      The full impact of the Interstate Act will not be completely known until
 the enactment and implementation by the various federal banking agencies of the
 underlying regulations and actions required by the Act.  However, it is
 anticipated that the Interstate Act may facilitate consolidation within
 financial institutions that currently have separate operations in two or more
 states and within the financial services industry.

      Additional laws and regulations are considered from time to time that
 could affect the business of the Corporation, including a number of significant
 legislative proposals which, if adopted, would result in a fundamental
 restructuring of the financial services industry. The effect of any such 
 legislation on the business of the Corporation and its subsidiaries cannot be 
 accurately predicted. See also "Supervision and Regulation -- the Corporation"
 above.


                 GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

      In 1996, the U.S. economy remained on a path of steady growth and moderate
 inflation.  Despite the longevity of the current expansion now about to enter
 its seventh year, there is little evidence of the kinds of imbalances and
 excesses which typically threaten ongoing economic growth.  The New England
 economy fully participated in the 1996 expansion.  Though the region has yet to
 fully regain all of the jobs lost in the last recession, at year-end New
 England's unemployment rate stood at 4.4 per cent, almost a full percentage
 point below the nation's jobless rate.

      The Corporation's earnings and business are also affected by the policies
 of various government and regulatory authorities in New England and throughout
 the United States, as well as foreign governments and international agencies,
 including, in the United States, the Federal Reserve Board.  Important
 functions of the Federal Reserve Board, in addition to those 

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
 enumerated under "Supervision and Regulation" above, are to regulate the supply
 of money and of bank credit, to deal with general economic conditions within
 the United States and to be responsive to international economic conditions.
 From time to time, the Federal Reserve Board and the central banks of foreign
 countries have taken specific steps to effect changes in the value of the
 United States dollar in foreign currency markets as well as to control domestic
 inflation and to control the country's money supply. The instruments of
 monetary policy employed by the Federal Reserve Board for these purposes
 (including interest rates and the level of cash reserves banks are required to
 maintain against deposits) influence, in various ways, the interest rates paid
 on interest bearing liabilities and the interest received on earning assets, as
 well as the overall level of bank loans, investments and deposits. Inflation
 has generally had a minimal impact on the Corporation because substantially all
 of its assets and liabilities are of a monetary nature and a large portion of
 its operations are based in the United States, where inflation has been low.
 Prospective domestic and international economic and political conditions and
 the policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the Central Banks of Argentina
 and Brazil, as well as other domestic and international regulatory authorities,
 may affect the future business and earnings of the Corporation.

      The Corporation continues to monitor the economic situation in those
 countries in which the Corporation has local operations or cross-border
 exposure, particularly in Argentina and Brazil.  Additional information with
 respect to the countries where the Corporation has local operations or cross-
 border exposure is included in "Cross-Border Outstandings" and "Emerging
 Markets Countries" on pages 35 through 37 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual
 Report to Stockholders, which pages are included in Exhibit 13 hereto and which
 discussions are incorporated herein by reference.

      This section should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion
 and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations" contained in
 the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders on pages 22 through 43,
 which pages are included in Exhibit 13 hereto and which discussion is
 incorporated herein by reference.


                STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE BY BANK HOLDING COMPANIES

      The information set forth below is being provided in accordance with
 Industry Guide 3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
 "Exchange Act").  Such information reflects the Corporation's acquisition of
 BayBanks for all periods presented, as described in Note 2 to the Financial
 Statements in the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders.

 AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

      The information required by this item is presented on pages 44 through 46
 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages are
 included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein by
 reference.

 CHANGE IN NET INTEREST REVENUE-VOLUME AND RATE ANALYSIS:  1996 COMPARED WITH
 1995, AND 1995 COMPARED WITH 1994

      The information required by this item is presented on page 47 of the
 Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which page is included in
 Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
 SECURITIES

 The following table sets forth the carrying values of securities held to
 maturity on the dates indicated:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


 December 31                                  1996      1995      1994        
 (In millions)                                                                
<S>                                         <C>       <C>       <C> 
 U.S. Treasury                              $     3   $     4   $ 2,146       
 U.S. government agencies                                                     
     and corporations -                                                       
     mortgage-backed securities                 535       523     1,449       
 States and political subdivisions                6         5       201       
 Foreign debt securities                         11        11       123       
 Other debt securities                                              200       
 Other equity securities                        125       117       119       
                                              -----     -----     -----       
                                            $   680   $   660   $ 4,238       
                                              =====     =====     =====       
</TABLE> 
                                                                              
 The following table sets forth the carrying values of securities available for
 sale on the dates indicated:                                                 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
                                                                             
 December 31                                   1996      1995      1994       
 (In millions)                                                                
<S>                                         <C>       <C>       <C> 
 U.S. Treasury                              $ 1,675   $ 2,591   $ 1,487       
 U.S. government agencies                                                     
     and corporations -                                                       
     mortgage-backed securities               3,801     3,037       766       
 States and political subdivisions              173       248         9       
 Foreign debt securities                      1,133       685       384       
 Other debt securities                          256       334       142       
 Marketable equity securities                   217       222       144       
 Other equity securities                        549       465       330       
                                              -----     -----     -----       
                                            $ 7,804   $ 7,582   $ 3,262       
                                              =====     =====     =====       
</TABLE> 

 The following tables set forth the relative maturities and weighted average
 interest rates of securities available for sale and held to maturity at
 December 31, 1996, excluding equity securities.  Certain securities, such as
 mortgage-backed securities, may not become due at a single maturity date.  Such
 securities have been classified within the category that represents the due
 dates for the majority of the instrument.  Rates for states and political
 subdivisions are stated on a fully taxable equivalent basis assuming a 35%
 federal income tax rate, adjusted for applicable state and local income taxes
 net of related federal tax benefit.
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                    After One But         After Five But
                             Within One Year      Within Five Years      Within Ten Years     After Ten Years                 Total
                             Amount     Rate      Amount       Rate      Amount       Rate    Amount      Rate   Amount       Rate
<S>                          <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>          <C> 
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
(Dollars in millions)
U.S. Treasury                $   551    6.5%     $ 1,000      6.3%       $   124      6.1%                        $ 1,675      6.3%
U.S. government agencies
      and corporations -
      mortgage-backed
      securities                  75    7.6        1,248      6.3            882      6.6     $ 1,596     6.5%      3,801      6.5
States and political
      subdivisions                57    4.0           57      5.2             57      5.5           2     8.2         173      4.9
Foreign debt securities          639   16.1          272     12.8            161     15.4          61     9.7       1,133     14.9
Other debt securities             18    9.7           30     13.2            208      9.1           .                 256      9.6
                               -----               -----                   -----                -----               -----
    Total carrying value     $ 1,340   11.1%     $ 2,607      7.0%       $ 1,432      7.9%    $ 1,659     6.7%    $ 7,038      7.9%
                               =====               =====                   =====                =====               =====
</TABLE> 
 

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
                                                   After One But          After Five But
                            Within One Year      Within Five Years      Within Ten Years       After Ten Years                Total
                            Amount     Rate      Amount       Rate      Amount       Rate      Amount       Rate    Amount    Rate
HELD TO MATURITY
<S>                          <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C> 
(Dollars in millions)
U.S. Treasury                $     3    5.0%                                                                      $     3      5.0%
U.S. government agencies
  and corporations -
  mortgage-backed
  securities                                     $   110      6.5%       $   237      7.0%    $   188     6.5%        535      6.7
States and political
  subdivisions                     6    3.1                                                                             6      3.1
 
Foreign debt securities             2   7.8            4      7.9              4      7.1           1     7.8          11      7.5
                                -----              -----                   -----                -----               -----
    Total carrying value      $    11   4.6%     $   114      6.5%       $   241      7.0%    $   189     6.5%      $ 555      6.7%
                                =====              =====                   =====                =====               =====
 
</TABLE>

 LOANS AND LEASES

 A portion of the information required by this item is presented on page 30 of
 the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which page is included in
 Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 MATURITIES AND SENSITIVITIES OF LOANS TO CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES

 The following table presents the maturities and interest rate sensitivity,
 based on original contractual terms, of the Corporation's loans at December 31,
 1996, exclusive of domestic office loans secured by 1-4 family residential
 properties, domestic office loans to individuals and lease financing:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          After One
                                                                But
                                               Within        Within     After
December 31, 1996                            One Year          Five      Five     Total
<S>                                        <C>          <C>           <C>       <C> 
(In millions)                                                 Years     Years
Commercial, industrial and financial       $    4,947   $     5,687   $ 2,528   $13,162
Real estate
    Construction                                  183            93         8       284
    Other                                       1,687         1,419       134     3,240
Overseas offices                                8,611           822       178     9,611
                                               ------         -----     -----   -------
                                           $   15,428   $     8,021   $ 2,848   $26,297
                                               ------         -----     -----   -------
 
Loans with predetermined interest rates    $    4,705   $     2,050   $   491   $ 7,246
Loans with floating interest rates             10,723         5,971     2,357    19,051
                                               ------         -----     -----   -------
                                           $   15,428   $     8,021   $ 2,848   $26,297
                                               ======         =====     =====   =======
</TABLE>

 The Corporation does not have an automatic renewal policy for maturing loans.
 Rather, loans are renewed at the maturity date only at the request of those
 customers who are deemed to be creditworthy by the Corporation.  Additionally,
 the Corporation reviews such requests in substantially the same manner as
 applications by new customers for extensions of credit.  The maturity dates and
 interest terms of renewed loans are based, in part, upon the needs of the
 individual customer and the Corporation's credit review and evaluation of
 current and future economic conditions.  Since these factors have varied
 considerably, and will most likely continue to do so, the Corporation believes
 it is impracticable to estimate the amount of loans in the portfolio which may
 be renewed in the future.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
 NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES

 The majority of the information required by this item is presented on pages 32
 and 33 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages are
 included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein by
 reference.

 The following table presents a five-year analysis of the Corporation's loans
 and leases that were over ninety days past due and remained on accrual status:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                               1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
(In millions)
<S>                                       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Loans and leases over ninety days past    $  41  $  56  $  49  $  59  $  98
 due and on accrual status..............  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>

 RENEGOTIATED LOANS

 Loans are renegotiated when the Corporation determines that it will ultimately
 receive greater economic value by revising the terms than through foreclosure,
 liquidation or bankruptcy. Candidates for renegotiation must meet specific
 guidelines and undergo extensive due diligence reviews. Once a renegotiation
 takes place, the loan is subject to the accounting and disclosure rules
 prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 15, "Accounting
 by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings."

 Renegotiated loans at the end of each of the last five years were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31               1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
(In millions)
<S>                       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Renegotiated loans   .    $   8  $  33  $  82  $ 243  $ 413
                          =====  =====  =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>

 CROSS-BORDER OUTSTANDINGS

 The information required by this item is presented on pages 35 through 37 and
 40 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages are
 included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein by
 reference.

 RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES:  ALLOCATION OF RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES AND
 ANALYSIS OF RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

 The majority of the information required by this item is presented on pages 33
 and 34 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages are
 included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein by
 reference.

 ALLOCATION OF RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

 The following table presents the allocation of the reserve for credit losses by
 loan and lease financing category, with the excess between the total reserve
 and the amounts specifically allocated to each loan category identified as
 ''unallocated.''  The unallocated reserve is part of the general reserve of the
 Corporation and, as such, is available for both Domestic and International
 credit losses.  The percentage of loans outstanding in each category to total
 loans is presented on page 30 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to
 Stockholders, which page is included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information
 is incorporated herein by reference.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
DECEMBER 31                                           1996              1995              1994               1993               1992

(Dollars in millions)                              Percent            Percent           Percent            Percent           Percent

                                        Amount    of Total   Amount  of Total  Amount  of Total  Amount   of Total  Amount  of Total

UNITED STATES
<S>                                       <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>
Commercial, industrial and financial.    $230      26.0%    $221      24.8%    $284      34.3%    $290      30.8%  $  340      30.4%

Commercial real estate, including
 construction.......................       83       9.4      158      17.8      194      23.5      300      31.9      394      35.3
Consumer related loans
 Secured by 1-4 family
 residential properties.................   13       1.5       36       4.0       34       4.1       47       5.0       49       4.4
 Other..................................  193      21.9      131      14.7      104      12.6       97      10.3       89       8.0
Lease financing.........................   16       1.8       22       2.5       21       2.5       18       1.9        4        .4
                                         ----     -----     ----     -----     ----     -----     ----     -----   ------     -----
                                          535      60.6      568      63.8      637      77.0      752      79.9      876      78.5
INTERNATIONAL...........................  217      24.6      171      19.2       99      12.0       89       9.5      121      10.8
                                         ----     -----     ----     -----     ----     -----     ----     -----   ------     -----
                                          752      85.2      739      83.0      736      89.0      841      89.4      997      89.3
UNALLOCATED.............................  131      14.8      151      17.0       91      11.0      100      10.6      119      10.7
                                         ----     -----     ----     -----     ----     -----     ----     -----   ------     -----
                                         $883     100.0%    $890     100.0%    $827     100.0%    $941     100.0%  $1,116     100.0%
                                         ====     =====     ====     =====     ====     =====     ====     =====   ======     =====
</TABLE>
 The above allocation reflects provisions for credit losses for International
 operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 of
 $84 million, $60 million, $25 million, $26 million and $12 million,
 respectively. International reserve transfers (to)from unallocated reserves and
 Domestic operations were $0, $67 million, $4 million, $0 and $19 million,
 respectively, for the same periods.

 DEPOSITS

 A portion of the information required by this item is presented on pages 44
 through 46 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages
 are included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein
 by reference.

 The aggregate amount of deposits by foreign depositors in domestic offices
 averaged $1,412 million in 1996, $1,131 million in 1995 and $863 million in
 1994.  The following table presents the maturities of time certificates of
 deposit and other time deposits issued by domestic offices in denominations of
 $100,000 or more, at December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Certificates     Time
                                          of Deposit    Deposits   Total
<S>                                    <C>            <C>        <C>
(In millions)
Maturing within three months           $      1,890   $     18   $ 1,908
After three but within six months               245         17       262
After six but within twelve months              632         18       650
After twelve months                             304         84       388
                                              -----        ---     -----
                                       $      3,071   $    137   $ 3,208
                                              =====        ===     =====
</TABLE>

 The majority of foreign office deposits are in denominations of $100,000 or
 more.

 RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

 The information required by this item is presented on page 21 of the
 Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which page is included in
 Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
 SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

      The following table summarizes the Corporation's short-term borrowings for
 the three years ended December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                        Maximum         Average      Average
                                                        Weighted        Amount          Amount      Interest
                                              Balance    Average      Outstanding     Outstanding     Rate
(Dollars in millions)                        At end of  Interest      During the      During the   During the
Category of Aggregate Short-Term              Period    Rate (1)        Period          Period       Period
 Borrowings
<S>                                        <C>          <C>         <C>             <C>            <C>
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
Federal funds purchased (2)                $       527      5.21%   $       2,523   $       1,348        5.35%
Term federal funds purchased (2)                 1,442      5.51            2,140           1,413        7.35
Securities sold under agreements to              
 repurchase (3)                                  2,034      5.06            2,236           1,848        5.28 
Demand notes issued to the U.S.                    
 Treasury (4)                                      704      6.01            1,183             390        5.37 
All other (5)                                    3,801     10.93            3,801           2,372       12.65
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 1995
Federal funds purchased (2)                $     1,869      5.25%   $       1,920   $       1,119        5.86%
Term federal funds purchased (2)                   870      5.80            2,058           1,409        5.16
Securities sold under agreements to              
 repurchase (3)                                  1,688      6.24            2,935           1,983        7.31 
Demand notes issued to the U.S.                    
 Treasury (4)                                      361      4.85            1,051             406        5.75 
All other (5)                                    2,511     13.37            3,724           3,006       17.31
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 1994
Federal funds purchased (2)                $       416      5.51%   $       1,240   $         763        4.28%
Term federal funds purchased (2)                   765      5.77            2,504           1,793        3.62
Securities sold under agreements to              
 repurchase (3)                                  2,680      5.86            2,950           1,921        7.05 
Demand notes issued to the U.S.                    
 Treasury (4)                                      395      4.63            1,060             329        4.34 
All other (5)                                    2,734     18.44            3,807           2,895       17.36
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

(1) The weighted average interest rates at year-end are not necessarily
indicative of the Corporation's normal borrowing rates since interest rates for
certain categories of borrowing are subject to abnormal short-term movements.

(2) Federal funds purchased are overnight transactions while term federal funds
purchased have maturities in excess of one day. A large portion of federal funds
purchased arise because of money market activity in federal funds for regional
correspondent banks.

(3) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase by domestic offices mature
within one year and are collateralized by U.S. Treasury and U.S. government
agencies and corporations securities. The majority of securities sold under
agreements to repurchase by overseas offices in 1996, 1995 and 1994 related to
Brazilian operations of FNBB for which various Brazilian government securities
served as collateral.

(4) Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury represent depository liabilities
that are not subject to reserve requirements and bear interest at one-quarter of
one percent below the weekly average federal funds effective interest rate as
published by the Federal Reserve Board.

(5) The majority of other short-term borrowings represent short-term bank notes
issued by FNBB and secured and unsecured obligations of the Corporation's
overseas branches and subsidiaries.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

   The head offices of the Corporation and FNBB are located in a 37-story
 building at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts.  In 1996, FNBB leased
 approximately 90% of the building's approximately 1.3 million square feet.
 FNBB's data processing and record keeping operations are located at Columbia
 Park in Boston.  The Columbia Park facility, comprising approximately 425,000
 square feet, and the land on which it is situated are owned by FNBB.  In
 Waltham, Massachusetts the Corporation owns a facility housing 189,000 square
 feet of administrative space and 117,000 square feet of operations space.  In
 addition, FNBB leases operations facilities in Dedham and Canton,
 Massachusetts, which comprise approximately 180,000 square feet and 105,000
 square feet, respectively.

   The headquarters for FNBB's operations in Argentina are located in a 12-story
 historic landmark building in the center of Buenos Aires.  The building
 consists of approximately 256,000 square feet and is owned by FNBB.  The
 headquarters for FNBB's operations in Brazil are in three interconnected
 buildings in the center of Sao Paulo. FNBB owns a total of 119,000 square feet
 in the three buildings and leases another 102,000 square feet. In addition,
 FNBB owns a 10-story, 99,000 square foot building in Sao Paulo where it has
 consolidated part of its Brazilian operations.

   Hospital Trust owns a 30-story building and a building adjacent thereto at
 One Hospital Trust Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island. Hospital Trust occupies
 approximately 40% of the complex's approximately 546,000 square feet. In
 addition, Hospital Trust maintains an operations center in East Providence,
 Rhode Island that also serves as the primary backup for FNBB's Columbia Park
 facility. The East Providence operations center, which consists of
 approximately 141,000 square feet, is owned by Hospital Trust.

   BKB Connecticut's headquarters are in Hartford, Connecticut, where it has
 offices at 31 Pratt Street and 100 Pearl Street.  BKB Connecticut owns and
 occupies approximately 50,000 square feet at the Pratt Street location, and
 owns an undivided one-half interest in the Pearl Street location where it
 currently occupies approximately 54,000 square feet.  BKB Connecticut also
 maintains regional offices in Connecticut, the largest of which is in Waterbury
 and comprises approximately 157,000 square feet of owned space in three
 interconnected buildings.

   None of these properties is subject to any material encumbrance.  The
 Corporation's subsidiaries also own or lease numerous other premises used in
 their domestic and foreign operations.

 ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

   The Corporation and its subsidiaries in 1996 were or currently are parties to
 a number of legal proceedings that have arisen in connection with the normal
 course of business activities of the Corporation, FNBB and the Corporation's
 other subsidiaries, including the following matters:

   Society Class Action.  As previously reported, in 1990 a class action
 complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
 against Society for Savings Bancorp, Inc. ("Society"), two of its then senior
 officers and one former officer.  The complaint, as subsequently amended,
 alleges that Society's financial reports for fiscal years 1988, 1989, and the
 first half of 1990 contained material misstatements or omissions concerning its
 real estate 

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
 loan portfolio and other matters, in violation of Connecticut common law and of
 Sections 10(b) and 20 of the Exchange Act. The action was brought by a Society
 shareholder, individually and as a class action on behalf of purchasers of
 Society's stock from January 19, 1989 through November 30, 1990 and seeks
 damages in an unspecified amount. Society and the defendant officers have
 denied the allegations of the amended complaint and on July 14, 1995 filed a
 motion for summary judgment. On December 11, 1996, a hearing was held on the
 motion, but the court has not yet rendered a decision.

   Lender Liability Litigation.  The Corporation's subsidiaries, in the normal
 course of their business in collecting outstanding obligations, are named as
 defendants in complaints or counterclaims filed in various jurisdictions by
 borrowers or others who allege that lending practices by such subsidiaries have
 damaged the borrowers or others.  Such claims, commonly referred to as lender
 liability claims, frequently request not only relief from repayment of the debt
 obligation, but also recovery of actual, consequential, and punitive damages.

   Fidelity Acceptance Corporation Litigation.  Fidelity Acceptance Corporation
 ("FAC"), an indirect subsidiary of the Corporation that is engaged in consumer
 lending, and/or certain of FAC's subsidiaries (collectively referred to as
 FAC), are defendants in class action and other lawsuits brought in various
 states by FAC borrowers. These lawsuits, which include claims for punitive
 damages, often for large dollar amounts, challenge various of FAC's lending and
 insurance practices, including, among others, the placing of collateral
 protection insurance, calculating the amount of credit life insurance, and the
 determination of applicable interest rates.

   Management, after reviewing all actions and proceedings pending against the
 Corporation and its subsidiaries, considers that the aggregate loss, if any,
 resulting from the final outcome of these proceedings should not be material to
 the Corporation's results of operations or financial condition.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 3A.   EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION.

   Information with respect to the executive officers of the Corporation, as of
 March 1, 1997, is set forth below. Executive Officers are generally elected
 annually by the Board of Directors and hold office until the following year and
 until their successors are chosen and qualified, unless they sooner resign,
 retire, die or are removed. Except where otherwise noted, the positions listed
 for the officers are for both the Corporation and FNBB.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                                               -----------------
           NAME              AGE       CURRENT POSITION              SINCE
- ---------------------------  ---  ---------------------------  -----------------
 
<S>                          <C>  <C>                          <C>
Charles K. Gifford            54  Chief Executive Officer of                1987
                                  the Corporation and
                                  Chairman and Chief
                                  Executive Officer of FNBB
William M. Crozier, Jr.       64  Chairman of the Board of                  1996
                                  the Corporation and Senior
                                  Chairman of FNBB
Henrique de Campos            
 Meirelles                    51  President and Chief                       1994
                                  Operating Officer                              
William J. Shea               49  Vice Chairman, Chief                      1993
                                  Financial Officer and
                                  Treasurer of the
                                  Corporation and Vice
                                  Chairman and Chief
                                  Financial Officer of FNBB
Paul F. Hogan                 52  Vice Chairman, Corporate                  1993
                                  Banking
Susannah M. Swihart           41  Executive Vice President,                 1993
                                  Chief of Staff
Guilliaem Aertsen IV          49  Executive Vice President,                 1993
                                  Global Asset Management
Melville E. Blake III         42  Executive Director,                       1993
                                  Strategic Planning
Robert L. Champion, Jr.       52  Executive Director,                       1993
                                  Corporate Administrative
                                  Services
Carlos Craide                 49  Regional Manager, Brazil                  1996
Helen G. Drinan               49  Executive Vice President,                 1993
                                  Human Resources
Thomas J. Hollister           42  Executive Vice President,                 1993
                                  Consumer and Small
                                  Business Banking
Ali Inanilan                  52  Executive Director, Finance               1996
Ira A. Jackson                48  Executive Vice President,                 1987
                                  External Affairs
Robert T. Jefferson           49  Comptroller                               1993
John A. Kahwaty               46  Executive Director,                       1996
                                  Investor Relations
Lindsey C. Lawrence           59  Executive Vice President,                 1996
                                  Consumer Marketing and
                                  Technology Banking
Michael R. Lezenski           49  Executive Director,                       1993
                                  Technology and System
                                  Services
Mark A. MacLennan             43  Executive Vice President,                 1993
                                  Global Financial Services
Peter J. Manning              58  Executive Vice President,                 1990
                                  Mergers and Acquisitions
John L. Mastromarino          43  Executive Vice President,                 1995
                                  Risk Management
Kathleen M. McGillycuddy      47  Executive Director, Global                1996
                                  Treasury
Joanne E. Nuzzo               54  Executive Director,                       1994
                                  Banking Operations
Richard A. Remis              42  Executive Vice President, New             1993
                                  England Corporate Banking
Manuel R. Sacerdote           54  Regional Manager, Southern                1994
                                  Cone (Argentina, Uruguay,
                                  Chile)
Gary A. Spiess                56  General Counsel and Clerk                 1987
                                  of the Corporation and
                                  General Counsel, Secretary
                                  & Cashier of FNBB
Bradford H. Warner            45  Executive Vice President,                 1989
                                  Global Capital Markets
 
</TABLE>

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
   All of the foregoing individuals have been officers of the Corporation or one
 of its subsidiaries for the past five years, except for Messrs. Crozier, Blake,
 Craide and Inanilan, Ms. Lawrence and Messrs. Mastromarino and Shea.  Prior to
 joining the Corporation in July, 1996, Mr. Crozier had served as Chairman of
 the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BayBanks since 1974.  Mr. Blake joined
 the Corporation in 1992 and prior to that time had been Vice President of the
 MAC Group/Gemini Consulting since 1988.  Mr. Craide came to the Corporation in
 October, 1996 from Citibank, N.A., where he had served for several years as
 head of Corporate Banking and Bank Products in Brazil.  Mr. Inanilan joined the
 Corporation in 1993 from Coopers & Lybrand, where he had served as a partner
 since 1986.  Prior to assuming her current position with the Corporation, Ms.
 Lawrence was employed by BayBank Systems, Inc., a BayBanks subsidiary, as
 President and Chief Operating Officer from 1988 to 1994 and as President and
 Chief Executive Officer from 1994 to September, 1996.  Mr. Mastromarino came to
 the Corporation in 1995 from the OCC, where he had served as Examiner-in-Charge
 of the OCC's London office from 1993 to 1995, and prior to that time had been
 the OCC's Examiner-in-Charge at the Corporation since 1988.  Mr. Shea joined
 the Corporation in 1993 from Coopers & Lybrand, where he had served as a
 partner since 1983 and as Vice Chairman since 1991.

 ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

    Not applicable.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

 ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

   The information required by this Item is presented on pages 20, 21 and 48 of
 the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages are included
 in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is hereby incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

   The "Consolidated Selected Financial Data" of the Corporation for the six
 years ended December 31, 1996 appears on pages 20 and 21 of the Corporation's
 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which pages are included in Exhibit 13
 hereto, and such information is hereby incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

   The information in response to this Item is included in "Management's
 Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on
 pages 22 through 43 of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders,
 which pages are included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such information is hereby
 incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

   The financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item are
 included on the pages of the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders
 indicated below, which pages are included in Exhibit 13 hereto, and such
 statements and data are hereby incorporated by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                              PAGE OF 1996 ANNUAL
                                                             REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
<S>                                                          <C>
 
Summary of Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information
    and Common Stock Data..................................            48
 
Report of Independent Accountants..........................            50
 
Bank of Boston Corporation:
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996
    and 1995...............................................            51
Consolidated Statement of Income for the years
    ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.................            52
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
    for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...            53
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years
    ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.................            54
Notes to Financial Statements..............................      55 through 80
</TABLE>


                                      -22-
<PAGE>

   In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share."  The standard 
specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings
per share, and will simplify the computation required by existing guidelines.  
The standard is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending 
after December 15, 1997, and must be applied prospectively.  The Corporation 
does not expect that, upon adoption, this standard will have a material effect 
on its calculation of earnings per share.

 ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
 FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

      Not applicable.

                                    PART III

 ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

      Information concerning the Executive Officers of the Corporation which
 responds to this Item is contained in the response to Item 3A contained in Part
 I of this Report and is hereby incorporated by reference herein. The
 information that responds to this Item with respect to Directors is contained
 under the heading "Election of Directors" in the Corporation's definitive proxy
 statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement").
 Information with respect to compliance by the Corporation's directors and
 executive officers with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is contained under
 the heading "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act" in the Proxy
 Statement. The foregoing information from the Proxy Statement is hereby
 incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

      The information required in response to this Item is contained under the
 heading "Compensation of Executive Officers" in the Proxy Statement. The
 foregoing information from the Proxy Statement, with the exception of the
 section entitled "Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation," is
 hereby incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

      The information required in response to this Item is contained under the
 headings "Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers" and "Security
 Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" in the Proxy Statement. The foregoing
 information from the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

      The information required in response to this Item is contained under the
 heading "Indirect Interest of Directors and Executive Officers in Certain
 Transactions" in the Proxy Statement. The foregoing information from the Proxy
 Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV

 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(1) The financial statements required in response to this Item are listed in
 response to Item 8 of this Report and are incorporated herein by reference.

 (a)(2) Financial statement schedules have been omitted because the information
 is either not required, not applicable, or is included in the financial
 statements or notes thereto.

 (a)(3) Exhibits

      3(a) -    Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation, as amended
                through April 26, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 3 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
                the quarter ended March 31, 1996 (File No. 1-6522).

      3(b) -    By-Laws of the Corporation, as amended through October 24, 1996,
                incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the
                Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                ended September 30, 1996 (File No. 1-6522).

      4(a) -    Fiscal and Paying Agency Agreement dated as of February 10, 1986
                defining rights of holders of the Corporation's Subordinated
                Floating Rate Notes Due 2001, incorporated herein by reference
                to Exhibit 4(d) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                for the year ended December 31, 1985 (File No. 1-6522).

      4(b) -    Fiscal and Paying Agency Agreement dated as of August 26, 1986
                defining rights of holders of the Corporation's Floating Rate
                Subordinated Equity Commitment Notes Due 1998 incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the Corporation's Annual
                Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 (File
                No. 1-6522).

      4(c) -    Indenture dated as of June 15, 1987 defining the rights of
                holders of the Corporation's 9 1/2% Subordinated Equity Contract
                Notes due 1997, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(g)
                to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                ended December 31, 1987 (File No. 1-6522).

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3)  Exhibits (cont'd)

      4(d) -    Subordinated Indenture dated as of June 15, 1992, as amended by
                the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 24, 1993, and
                forms of notes defining rights of the holders of the
                Corporation's 6 7/8% Subordinated Notes due 2003, the 6 5/8%
                Subordinated Notes due 2005, and the 6 5/8% Subordinated Notes
                due 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to
                the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                (Registration Numbers 33-48418 and 33-52571), Exhibits 4(e) and
                4(f) to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June
                24, 1993, Exhibit 4 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form
                8-K dated November 15, 1993, and Exhibit 4 to the Corporation's
                Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 1994 (File No. 1-
                6522).

      4(e) -    Senior Indenture dated as of June 15, 1992, and forms of notes
                defining rights of the holders of the Corporation's Senior
                Floating Rate Medium-Term Notes Due Nine Months or More from the
                Date of Issue, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(c)
                to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                (Registration Numbers 33-48418 and 33-52571), Exhibit 4 to the
                Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 15, 1994 and
                Exhibit 4(b) to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K
                dated December 16, 1994 (File No. 1-6522).

      4(f) -    Rights Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1990, between the
                Corporation and FNBB, as Rights Agent, and the description of
                the Rights, incorporated herein by reference to the
                Corporation's registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the
                Rights and to Exhibit 1 of such registration statement (File No.
                1-6522).

      4(g) -    Amendment, dated December 12, 1995, to the Corporation's Rights
                Agreement, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to
                the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 1996
                (File No. 1-6522).

      4(h) -    Deposit Agreement, dated August 13, 1992 between the Corporation
                and FNBB, as Depositary, relating to the Corporation's
                Depositary Shares, each representing a one-tenth interest in the
                Corporation's 8.60% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E,
                incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to the
                Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 13, 1992
                (File No. 1-6522).

      4(i) -    Deposit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1993 between the
                Corporation and FNBB, as Depositary, relating to the
                Corporation's Depositary Shares, each representing a one-tenth
                interest in the Corporation's 7 7/8% Cumulative Preferred Stock,
                Series F, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to
                the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 1993
                (File No. 1-6522).

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3) Exhibits (cont'd)

      4(j) -  Indenture dated as of November 26, 1996 defining the rights of
              holders of the Corporation's 8.25% Series A Junior Subordinated
              Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2026 and its 8.25% Series B
              Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2026,
              incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
              Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
              Number 333-19083).

      4(k) -  Form of Certificate for the Corporation's 8.25% Series B Junior
              Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2026, incorporated
              herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation's
              Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration Number 333-
              19083).

      4(l) -  Certificate of Trust of BankBoston Capital Trust I dated as of
              November 20, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3
              to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
              (Registration Number 333-19083).

      4(m) -  Declaration of Trust of BankBoston Capital Trust I dated as of
              November 20, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4
              to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
              (Registration Number 333-19083).

      4(n) -  Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of BankBoston Capital
              Trust I dated as of November 26, 1996, incorporated herein by
              reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Corporation's Registration
              Statement on Form S-4 (Registration Number 333-19083).

      4(o) -  Form of Certificate for the 8.25% Series B Capital Securities of
              BankBoston Capital Trust I, incorporated herein by reference to
              Exhibit 4.5 to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-
              4 (Registration Number 333-19083).

      4(p) -  Form of Guarantee Agreement in respect of the 8.25% Series B
              Capital Securities of BankBoston Capital Trust I, incorporated
              herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Corporation's
              Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration Number 333-
              19083).

      4(q) -  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 26, 1996,
              relating to the 8.25% Series A Capital Securities of BankBoston
              Capital Trust I, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8
              to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
              (Registration Number 333-19083).

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3) Exhibits (cont'd)

      4(r) -  Indenture dated as of December 10, 1996 defining the rights of
              holders of the Corporation's 7  3/4% Series A Junior Subordinated
              Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2026 and its 7  3/4% Series B
              Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2026,
              incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
              Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
              Number 333-19111).

      4(s) -  Form of Certificate for the Corporation's 7  3/4% Series B
              Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2026,
              incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
              Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
              Number 333-19111).

      4(t) -  Certificate of Trust of BankBoston Capital Trust II dated as of
              December 3, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3
              to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
              (Registration Number 333-19111).

      4(u) -  Declaration of Trust of BankBoston Capital Trust II dated as of
              December 3, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4
              to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
              (Registration Number 333-19111).

      4(v) -  Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of BankBoston Capital
              Trust II dated as of December 10, 1996, incorporated herein by
              reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Corporation's Registration
              Statement on Form S-4 (Registration Number 333-19111).

      4(w) -  Form of Certificate for the 7  3/4% Series B Capital Securities
              of BankBoston Capital Trust II, incorporated herein by reference
              to Exhibit 4.5 to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form
              S-4 (Registration Number 333-19111).

      4(x) -  Form of Guarantee Agreement in respect of the 7  3/4% Series B
              Capital Securities of BankBoston Capital Trust II, incorporated
              herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Corporation's
              Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration Number 333-
              19111).

      4(y) -  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 10, 1996,
              relating to the 7  3/4% Series A Capital Securities of BankBoston
              Capital Trust II, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8
              to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
              (Registration Number 333-19111).

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3) Exhibits (cont'd)

      10(a)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation 1982 Stock Option Plan, as amended,
                effective February 13, 1995, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10(a) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(b)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation 1986 Stock Option Plan, as amended,
                effective February 13, 1995, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10(b) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(c)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation and its Subsidiaries Performance
                Recognition Opportunity Plan, as amended effective June 23,
                1994, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to the
                Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(d)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan,
                as amended, effective June 23, 1994, incorporated herein by
                reference to Exhibit 10(d) to the Corporation's Annual Report on
                Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-
                6522).*

      10(e)  -  The First National Bank of Boston Bonus Supplemental Employee
                Retirement Plan, as amended, through June 23, 1994, incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the Corporation's Annual
                Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File
                No. 1-6522).*

      10(f)  -  Description of the Corporation's Supplemental Life Insurance
                Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the
                Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                December 31, 1988 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(g)  -  The First National Bank of Boston Excess Benefit Supplemental
                Employee Retirement Plan, as amended, effective June 23, 1994,
                incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the
                Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(h)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation 1991 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan,
                as amended, effective February 13, 1995, incorporated herein by
                reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Corporation's Annual Report on
                Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-
                6522).*

 -----------------------------------------------
 * Indicates that document is a management contract or compensatory plan or
 arrangement that is required to be filed as an exhibit to this Report pursuant
 to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

                                      -28-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3)  Exhibits (cont'd)

      10(i)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation Relocation Policy, as amended through
                October, 1990, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(j)
                to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                ended December 31, 1990 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(j)  -  Description of the Corporation's Supplemental Long-Term
                Disability Plan effective as of February 10, 1994, incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 10(l) to the Corporation's Annual
                Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 (File
                No. 1-6522).*

      10(k)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation's Director Stock Award Plan effective
                as of January 1, 1995, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10(m) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(l)  -  Form of Severance Agreement for certain officers, incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Corporation's
                Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
                1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(m)  -  Form of Severance Agreement for certain officers, incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Corporation's
                Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
                1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(n)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation Directors Deferred Compensation Plan
                effective March 28, 1991, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10(q) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-6522).*

      10(o)  -  The First National Bank of Boston Directors Deferred
                Compensation Plan effective March 28, 1991, incorporated herein
                by reference to Exhibit 10(r) to the Corporation's Annual Report
                on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-
                6522).*

      10(p)  -  Bank of Boston Corporation 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan
                effective as of January 1, 1997, incorporated herein by
                reference to Exhibit G to the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus
                included in the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                (Registration No. 333-01761).*

 -------------------------------------------------
 * Indicates that document is a management contract or compensatory plan or
 arrangement that is required to be filed as an exhibit to this Report pursuant
 to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

                                      -29-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3)  Exhibits (cont'd)

      10(q)  -  1978 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees of BayBanks, Inc., and
                Affiliates, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10.1 to BayBanks' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1991 (File No. 0-959).*

      10(r)  -  Amendment dated October 27, 1994 to 1978 Stock Option Plan for
                Key Employees of BayBanks, Inc. and Affiliates, incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to BayBanks' Quarterly
                Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994
                (File No. 0-959).*

      10(s)  -  1988 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees of BayBanks, Inc., and
                Affiliates, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10.2 to BayBanks' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                quarter ended September 30, 1994 (File No. 0-959).*

      10(t)  -  BayBanks, Inc., Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended,
                incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to BayBanks'
                Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
                30, 1994 (File No. 0-959).*

      10(u)  -  BayBanks Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 19.6 to BayBanks' Quarterly
                Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1991 (File
                No. 0-959).*

      10(v)  -  First Amendment dated February 26, 1992, to BayBanks
                Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated herein by
                reference to Exhibit 10.8 to BayBanks' Annual Report on Form 10-
                K for the year ended December 31, 1991 (File No. 0-959).*

      10(w)  -  Second Amendment dated July 19, 1994 to BayBanks Supplemental
                Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10.2 to BayBanks' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                quarter ended June 30, 1994 (File No. 0-959).*

      10(x)  -  Third Amendment dated October 27, 1994 to BayBanks Supplemental
                Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated herein by reference to
                Exhibit 10.8 to BayBanks' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                quarter ended September 30, 1994 (File No. 0-959).*

 -------------------------------------------------
 * Indicates that document is a management contract or compensatory plan or
 arrangement that is required to be filed as an exhibit to this Report pursuant
 to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

                                      -30-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3)  Exhibits (cont'd)

      10(y)  -  Fourth Amendment dated December 10, 1996 to BayBanks
                Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.*

      10(z)  -  Fifth Amendment dated November 27, 1996 to BayBanks Supplemental
                Executive Retirement Plan.*

      10(aa)  - BayBanks Profit Sharing Excess Benefit Plan, incorporated herein
                by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to BayBanks' Quarterly Report on
                Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993 
                (File No. 0-959).*

      10(bb)  - First Amendment to BayBanks Profit Sharing Excess Benefit Plan,
                incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to BayBanks'
                Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
                1994 (File No. 0-959).*

      10(cc)  - BayBanks Deferred Payment Plans Trust Agreement, incorporated
                herein by reference to Exhibit 19 to BayBanks' Quarterly Report
                on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1992 (File No. 0-
                959).*

      10(dd)  - First Amendment dated October 27, 1994 to BayBanks Deferred
                Payment Plans Trust Agreement, incorporated herein by reference
                to Exhibit 10.10 to BayBanks' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
                the quarter ended September 30, 1994 (File No. 0-959).*

      10(ee)  - Employment Agreement dated as of December 12, 1995 by and among
                the Corporation, BayBanks, Inc., and William M. Crozier, Jr.,
                incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99(d) to the
                Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration
                No. 333-01761).*

      10(ff)  - Lease dated as of September 1, 1991 between The First National
                Bank of Boston and Equitable Federal Street Realty Company
                Limited Partnership, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
                10(l) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1991 (File No. 1-6522).

      10(gg)  - Amendment of Lease dated as of July 2, 1993 between The First
                National Bank of Boston and Equitable Federal Street Realty
                Company Limited Partnership.

 -------------------------------------------------
 * Indicates that document is a management contract or compensatory plan or
 arrangement that is required to be filed as an exhibit to this Report pursuant
 to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

                                      -31-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
(a)(3)  Exhibits (cont'd)
 
    10(hh)    -  Amendment of Lease dated as of March 31, 1994 between The First
                 National Bank of Boston and Equitable Federal Street Realty
                 Company Limited Partnership.
 
    10(ii)    -  Amendment of Lease dated as of April 1, 1994 between The First
                 National Bank of Boston and Equitable Federal Street Realty
                 Company Limited Partnership.
 
    10(jj)    -  Amendment of Lease dated as of March 31, 1996 between The First
                 National Bank of Boston and Equitable Federal Street Realty
                 Company Limited Partnership.

    10(kk)    -  Amendment of Lease dated as of October 1, 1996 between The
                 First National Bank of Boston and Equitable Federal Street
                 Realty Company Limited Partnership.
 
    11        -  Computation of earnings per common share.
 
    12(a)     -  Computation of the Corporation's Consolidated Ratio of Earnings
                 to Fixed Charges (excluding interest on deposits).
 
    12(b)     -  Computation of the Corporation's Consolidated Ratio of Earnings
                 to Fixed Charges (including interest on deposits).

    12(c)     -  Computation of the Corporation's Consolidated Ratio of Earnings
                 to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend
                 Requirements (excluding interest on deposits).

    12(d)     -  Computation of the Corporation's Consolidated Ratio of Earnings
                 to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend
                 Requirements (including interest on deposits).

    13        -  Pages 20 through 48 and 50 through 80 of the Corporation's 1996
                 Annual Report to Stockholders.
 
    21        -  List of subsidiaries of Bank of Boston Corporation.
 
    23        -  Consent of Independent Accountants.
 
    24        -  Power of attorney of certain officers and directors (included
                 on pages II-1 through II-2).
 

                                      -32-
<PAGE>
 
 ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a)(3)  Exhibits (cont'd)

    27        -  Financial Data Schedule

    99        -  Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement for the Annual
                 Meeting of the Corporation's Stockholders to be held April 24,
                 1997, incorporated herein by reference to the Corporation's
                 filing under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act. (File No.
                 1-6522).

 (b)  During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Corporation filed one Current
      Report on Form 8-K.  The current report, dated October 17, 1996, contained
      information pursuant to items 5 and 7 of Form 8-K.  The Corporation also
      filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 16, 1997, which contained
      information pursuant to items 5 and 7 of Form 8-K.

                                      -33-
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
 Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
 on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
 Boston, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 19th day of March,
 1997.

                               BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION


                               By  /s/ CHARLES K. GIFFORD
                                 -----------------------------
                                      (Charles K. Gifford)
                                     (Chief Executive Officer)


      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
 report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
 dates listed below.  By so signing, each of the undersigned, in his or her
 capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of the
 Corporation, does hereby appoint Charles K. Gifford, William M. Crozier, Jr.,
 Henrique de Campos Meirelles, William J. Shea, Kathleen M. McGillycuddy, Robert
 T. Jefferson and Gary A. Spiess, and each of them severally, or if more than
 one acts, a majority of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys or attorney
 to execute in his or her name, place and stead, in his or her capacity as a
 director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Corporation, any and
 all amendments to said report and all instruments necessary or incidental in
 connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange
 Commission.  Each of said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do
 and perform in the name and on behalf of each of the undersigned, in any and
 all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the
 premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as each of the undersigned
 might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the acts of said
 attorneys and each of them.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                          TITLE                           DATE
        -----------                         -----                          ------
<S>                                 <C>                              <C>
 
/s/ CHARLES K. GIFFORD              Chief Executive Officer and
- --------------------------------    Director (Chief Executive           March 19, 1997
   (Charles K. Gifford)             Officer)
 
/s/ WILLIAM M. CROZIER, JR.         Chairman of the Board               March 19, 1997
- --------------------------------    and Director
  (William M. Crozier, Jr.)
 
/s/ HENRIQUE DE CAMPOS MEIRELLES    President and Chief Operating
- --------------------------------    Officer and Director                March 19, 1997
(Henrique de Campos Meirelles)
 
/s/ WILLIAM J. SHEA                 Vice Chairman, Chief Financial
- --------------------------------    Officer and Treasurer (Chief
     (William J. Shea)              Financial Officer)                  March 19, 1997

/s/ ROBERT T. JEFFERSON 
- --------------------------------    Comptroller(Chief Accounting        March 19, 1997
   (Robert T. Jefferson)            Officer)
 
</TABLE>

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
           SIGNATURE              TITLE                   DATE
           ---------              -----                   ----

/s/ WAYNE A. BUDD                 Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------                                              
    (Wayne A. Budd)


/s/ JOHN A. CERVIERI JR.          Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
  (John A. Cervieri Jr.)


/s/ WILLIAM F. CONNELL            Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (William F. Connell)


/s/ GARY L. COUNTRYMAN            Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Gary L. Countryman)


/s/ ALICE F. EMERSON              Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Alice F. Emerson)


/s/ THOMAS J. MAY                 Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Thomas J. May)


/s/ DONALD F. MCHENRY             Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Donald F. McHenry)


/s/ PAUL C. O'BRIEN               Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Paul C. O'Brien)


/s/ THOMAS R. PIPER               Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Thomas R. Piper)


/s/ JOHN W. ROWE                  Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------                                             
   (John W. Rowe)


/s/ RICHARD A. SMITH              Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Richard A. Smith)


/s/ GLENN P. STREHLE              Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Glenn P. Strehle)


/s/ WILLIAM C. VAN FAASEN         Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (William C. Van Faasen)


/s/ THOMAS B. WHEELER             Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
   (Thomas B. Wheeler)


/s/ ALFRED M. ZEIEN               Director           March 19, 1997
- -------------------------
    (Alfred M. Zeien)

                                      II-2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(y)


                BAYBANKS SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

                                FOURTH AMENDMENT


     The BayBanks Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as heretofore amended,
is hereby further amended effective as of July 1, 1996, as follows:


     1.  The parenthetical phrase in the second sentence of the second paragraph
of Section 6.2(b) is amended in its entirety to read as follows: "(determined
under Section 4.1 but without applying the subsection 4.1(a)(iii) offset for the
participant's Retirement Plan accrued benefit)".


     2.   The Plan is amended by adding the following new Schedule A:


                                  "SCHEDULE A

     Special Retirement Benefits under the Early Retirement Window Program


          A.1  Applicability of this Schedule.  This Schedule A provides
               ------------------------------                           
enhanced benefits for persons who are participants in this Plan who retire
during a limited time period.  The enhanced benefits (which are specified in
Section A.3) are available only to participants who meet the requirements
specified in Section A.2.  A participant who does not meet the requirements
specified in Section A.2 will not be eligible for the enhanced benefits provided
under this Schedule A.

     A participant who elects to participate in the Early Retirement Window
Program will receive the benefits payable under this Schedule A in lieu of
benefits payable to such participant under the provisions of Article 4.


          A.2  Eligibility.
               ----------- 

          (a) Each participant who meets each of the following requirements of
this subsection (a) and who is not excluded from eligibility under subsection
(b) below will receive the enhanced benefits specified in Section A.3:

               (i) Except as provided in subsection (c) below, as of July 1,
     1996 and as of his date of retirement under this Schedule A, the
     participant is an active participant in the Plan.  For purposes of the
     preceding sentence, an individual is not considered an active participant
     in the Plan as required if he retired or otherwise terminated employment
     before July 1, 1996, unless such individual had been rehired (as such term
     of "rehired" is defined by the regular personnel policies and practices of
     the Employer) prior to, and was again an active participant in the Plan on,
     July 1, 1996.

<PAGE>
 
               (ii) As of July 1, 1996, the participant is at least age 52 and
     has at least 10 years of service.

               (iii) The participant files a signed Early Retirement Window
     Program election form with the Human Resources Department electing to
     participate in the Early Retirement Window Program, and such election form
     is filed no earlier than July 1, 1996 and no later than August 15, 1996
     (or, if later, no later than the date that is six weeks after the date
     Early Retirement Window Program descriptive materials and a related
     personal estimate of benefits are sent by the Human Resources Department to
     the participant).

               (iv) The participant retires from active employment on the date
     specified below that is applicable to him:

                    (A) Except as provided in subsection (B) below, all
               participants in the Early Retirement Window Program must retire
               from active employment on October 1, 1996.

                    (B) Notwithstanding subsection (A) above, if a participant's
               continued services after October 1, 1996, are required for
               reasons of business necessity in order to complete the transition
               activities of the participant's business line related to the
               merger of BayBanks, Inc. with a subsidiary of Bank of Boston
               Corporation, a participant's retirement date may be extended by
               the head of the participant's business line to a date when such
               participant's transition duties are completed. Any such extended
               retirement date must be specified in writing by the head of the
               participant's business line in a notice filed with both the
               affected participant and the Human Resources Department, which
               notice also summarizes the business necessity requiring the
               extension.

          (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, (i) participants in this
plan who are assigned after the merger to the combined entity's Asset Management
business unit (including Private Banking and Trust) are not eligible to
participate in the Early Retirement Window Program, and (ii) any employee who
has a written individual employment agreement with his Employer (or with any
affiliate thereof) that provides for severance or termination pay for such
employee is not eligible to participate in the Early Retirement Window Program.

          (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(i), any participant who retired or
terminated employment on or after May 1, 1996 and before October 1, 1996, and
who met the requirements of subsection (a) at his date of termination of
employment (based on his actual age and number of years of service as of his
actual date of termination without any additions to his age or years of service
hereunder), will nevertheless receive the enhanced benefits provided under
Section A.3, with such enhanced benefits (including monthly payments under
Section A.3(b)) beginning effective October 1, 1996 (if payable in the form of a
monthly annuity).  In addition, each such participant will be given an
opportunity to elect a lump sum payment of his enhanced benefit amount in
accordance with Section A.3(c); provided that, if a participant electing a lump
sum has received payments from the Plan before payment of such lump sum amount,
the lump sum amount will be reduced to reflect the actuarial value of the
payments already received (using the actuarial factors specified in Section
A.3(c). If such a person dies before October 1, 1996, his surviving spouse's
benefits (if applicable) will be determined under Section A.4(a)(i).

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          A.3 Early Retirement Window Program Special Benefits.
              ------------------------------------------------ 

          (a) Each eligible participant who meets the requirements of Section
A.2 will have his Plan benefits calculated under the following rules:

               (i) His benefit amount under Section 4.1 of the Plan will be
     determined as if such participant had three years of benefit service in
     addition to his number of years of benefit service as of his date of
     retirement under the Early Retirement Window Program.  However, the maximum
     number of years of benefit service counted under Section 4.1 will not be
     changed by this Schedule A.

               (ii) For purposes of determining a participant's benefit under
     Section 4.1, a participant's final average annual earnings will be the
     higher of (A) his current annual rate of salary in effect on his retirement
     date plus his Incentive Compensation Plan eligibility percentage for 1996;
     or (B) his final average annual earnings under Section 4.6(b).

               (iii) For purposes of determining under any applicable
     provision of the plan the reduction (if any) in a participant's monthly
     benefit amount resulting from the commencement of payments before any
     specific age, the participant will be deemed to have three additional years
     of service and three additional years of age beyond his actual number of
     years of service and age as of his date of retirement under the Early
     Retirement Window Program.

               (iv) For purposes of determining a participant's benefit amount
     under Section 4. 1, in the case of a participant who retires under the
     Early Retirement Window Program during 1997, the participant's primary
     Social Security benefit will be computed as if the participant had retired
     in calendar year 1996 and as if the participant had the additional years of
     service and years of age provided for under subsection (iii) above.

          (b) Social Security Bridge Benefit.  For purposes of determining the
              ------------------------------                                  
reduction in benefits under this plan to reflect benefits payable under the
Retirement Plan, the Social Security Bridge Benefit payable under Section H.3(b)
of the Retirement Plan will be disregarded.

          (c) Form of Payment.  In addition to the forms of payment of his
              ---------------                                             
retirement benefit available to a participant under the other provisions of this
plan, if a participant is eligible to and elects to receive his Retirement Plan
benefit in the form of a lump sum payment, his benefit under this plan also will
be paid in the form of a lump sum payment that is actuarially equivalent in
value to the participant's enhanced benefit amount calculated under the
provisions of subsection (a) above.  For purposes of determining such
actuarially equivalent lump sum payment, the actuarial assumptions specified in
Section H.3(c) of the Retirement Plan will be used (in lieu of the actuarial
assumptions that would normally be used in converting benefit amounts from one
form of payment to another).


          A.4  Special Rules.
               ------------- 

          (a) Death.  If a participant who is eligible for and has elected to
              -----                                                          
participate in the Early Retirement Window Program dies, the following rules
will apply to determine any death benefits:

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
               (i) if the participant dies before October 1, 1996, any death
     benefits will be determined under the applicable provisions of this plan
     (other than this Schedule A), and such death benefits (if any) will not
     reflect any enhanced benefits under this Schedule A;

               (ii) if the participant dies on or after October 1, 1996, any
     death benefits will be determined under the applicable provisions of this
     plan, but calculated using the enhancements of Section A.3(a).

          (b) Disability.  If a participant who is eligible for and has elected
              ----------                                                       
to participate in the Early Retirement Window Program incurs a covered
disability (as defined in Section 5. 1), the following rules apply: if the
participant incurs a covered disability before the retirement date applicable to
the participant under Section A.2(a)(iv), such participant may reject his
election to participate in the Early Retirement Window Program, in which case
his benefits under this plan will be determined in accordance with the
provisions of Article 4 and the other applicable provisions of the plan (other
than this Schedule A), or he may decide not to reject his election to
participate in the Early Retirement Window Program, in which case he will be
deemed to retire on the date such participant incurred such covered disability
and he will receive the enhanced benefits provided under this Schedule A in
accordance with its terms.

          (c) Social Security Adjustment Option.  If an eligible participant who
              ---------------------------------                                 
has elected to participate in the Early Retirement Window Program elects the
Social Security adjustment option form of payment under Section 6.2(c) of the
Retirement Plan, the calculation of monthly benefit payments under this Plan
before and after the participant reaches age 62 will reflect the Social Security
bridge benefits payable to such participant under Section H.3(b) of the
Retirement Plan."


                                    THE BAYBANKS CORPORATE 
                                    COMPENSATION COMMITTEE



                                    By: /s/ ILENE BEAL
                                       --------------------
                                        Ilene Beal, pursuant to authority
                                        delegated by the BayBanks Corporate
                                        Compensation Committee

                                    Dated: December 10, 1996


          BayBanks, Inc. consents to the foregoing amendment.

                                    BAYBANKS, INC.


                                    By: /s/ ILENE BEAL
                                       --------------------
                                        Ilene Beal

                                    Dated: December 10, 1996

                                       4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(z)


                BAYBANKS SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

                                Fifth Amendment
                                ---------------


     The BayBanks Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan is hereby amended
effective as of January 1, 1996, as follows:


     1.   The introductory paragraph of subsection 4.1(e)(i) (preceding
subsections (A), (B) and (C)) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

     "(i) If a participant is terminated under circumstances that entitle him to
     benefits under the BayBanks Severance Benefits Plan (this reference and any
     other reference herein to the BayBanks Severance Benefits Plan will be
     deemed to include reference to any other contract or agreement, plan,
     arrangement or personnel policy or practice that provides severance
     benefits, separation pay or the like to a participant upon termination of
     employment or constructive discharge, which contract or agreement, plan,
     arrangement or personnel policy or practice replaces the BayBanks Severance
     Benefits Plan for such participant), then:

     2.   Subsection 4.1(e)(i)(A) is amended by deleting the words "BayBanks,
Inc. Severance Benefits Plan", and by inserting in their place the words
"BayBanks Severance Benefits Plan".



                                    THE CORPORATE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF
                                    BAYBANKS, INC.

                                    By: /s/ ILENE BEAL (Authorized Signatory)
                                       --------------------------------------
                                    Dated: November 27, 1996
                                          ---------------------

     BayBanks, Inc. hereby consents to the foregoing Fifth Amendment.

                                    BAYBANKS, INC.

                                    By: /s/ ILENE BEAL
                                       ---------------------
                                    Dated: November 27, 1996
                                          ---------------------

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10(gg)


                              AMENDMENT OF LEASE
                              ------------------

     THIS AMENDMENT OF LEASE (this "Amendment") effective as of the 2nd day of
July, 1993 between EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
a Massachusetts limited partnership, having an address at 75 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ("Landlord") and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
a national banking association duly organized and existing under the laws of The
United States of America having its principal place of business at 100 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 ("Tenant").

                                  BACKGROUND
                                  ----------

     Landlord and Tenant are Landlord and Tenant, respectively, under an
Indenture of Lease having an effective date of September 1, 1991 (the "Lease"),
covering certain premises at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts (the
"Building").  The parties desire to add the entire 28th and 35th Floors of the
Building to the Premises under the Lease and to amend the Lease in certain other
respects, all as hereinafter set forth.  Capitalized terms not defined herein
shall have the same meaning ascribed to them in the Lease.

                                  WITNESSETH:
                                  ---------- 

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

     A.   Additional 28th Floor Premises
          ------------------------------

       1.   Effective on the "28th Floor Commencement Date" (defined herein),
there shall be added to the Premises under the Lease the portion of the 28th
Floor of the Building shown as the "Additional 28th Floor Premises" on Exhibit A
                                                                       ---------
hereto (the "Additional 28th Floor Premises").  The Additional 28th Floor
Premises consists of approximately 14,392 rentable square feet of space.  All
terms and provisions of the Lease (as amended hereby) shall be applicable to the
Additional 28th Floor Premises, including, without limitation, Tenant's
obligation to make Operating Expense and Imposition payments with respect to the
Additional 28th Floor Premises in accordance with Section 2 of Article III of
the Lease, except: (i) the term for the Additional 28th Floor Premises shall be
the period commencing on the 28th Floor Commencement Date and ending on the last
day of the month in which the tenth (10th) anniversary of the 28th Floor
Commencement Date shall occur (the "Additional 28th Floor Premises Term"); (ii)
Tenant shall have no right to extend the term of the Lease with respect to the
Additional 28th Floor Premises beyond the Additional 28th Floor Premises Term;
(iii) the Additional 28th Floor Premises shall not be considered to be part of
either Space A or Space B; and (iv) the Base Rent and the Tenant Improvement
Allowance for the Additional 28th Floor Premises shall be as set forth in
Sections 2 and 3 hereof.

       2.   Commencing on the 28th Floor Commencement Date, Tenant shall pay
Base Rent for the Additional 28th Floor Premises at the rate of $418,375.44 per
annum (i.e., $29.07 per s.f. of the Additional 28th Floor Premises) during the
entire Additional 28th Floor Premises Term.

<PAGE>
 
       3.   Landlord shall provide Tenant with an improvement allowance for the
Additional 28th Floor Premises in the amount of $633,248 (i.e., $44.00 per s.f.
of the Additional 28th Floor Premises).  Such allowance shall be subject to the
provisions regarding the Tenant Improvement Allowance set forth in Section 3 of
Article XVI of the Lease.

  B.   Relocated 28th Floor Space
       --------------------------

       4.   Upon the 28th Floor Commencement Date, the portion of Floor B1 of
the Building shown on Exhibit B hereto as the "Deleted Floor B1 Space" (the
                      ---------                                            
"Deleted Floor B1 Space"), consisting of approximately 13,082 rentable square
feet of space, shall cease to be part of the Premises under the Lease, and there
shall be added to the Premises under the Lease the portion of the 28th Floor of
the Building shown as the "Relocated 28th Floor Space" on Exhibit A attached
                                                          ---------         
hereto (the "Relocated 28th Floor Space").  The Relocated 28th Floor Space
consists of approximately 13,082 rentable square feet.

       The Deleted Floor B1 Space shall be delivered to Landlord on the 28th
Floor Commencement Date in "as is" condition.

       Tenant hereby consents to the use of the Deleted Floor B1 Space as a
fitness center.

       5.   All terms and provisions of the Lease (as amended hereby) shall be
applicable to the Relocated 28th Floor Space, including, without limitation,
Tenant's obligation to make Operating Expense and Imposition payments with
respect to the Relocated 28th Floor Space in accordance with Section 2 of
Article III of the Lease, except as modified by the following Sections of this
Amendment.  The Relocated 28th Floor Space shall be included in Space B under
the Lease, and the term therefor shall expire on the same date (i.e., August 31,
2009) scheduled for Areas of the Premises included in Space B.

       6.   Commencing on the 28th Floor Commencement Date, Schedule R to the
Lease is hereby amended by adding the following thereto:

Relocated 28th Floor Space               Rent Per S.F.
- --------------------------               -------------
 
From 28th Floor Commencement
Date through Year 4:                           $26.50
Year 5 and Year 6:                             $28.50
Year 7:                                        $35.00
Year 8:                                        $36.50
Year 9:                                        $38.00
Year 10:                                       $39.50
Year 11:                                       $41.00
Year 12:                                       $42.50
Year 13:                                       $44.00
Year 14:                                       $45.50
Year 15:                                       $47.00
Year 16:                                       $48.50
Year 17:                                       $50.00
Year 18:                                       $51.50

TI per S.F.:                                   $47.50
 
Note:     Year 1 is 9/1/91-8/31/92
          Year 2 is 9/1/92-8/31/93 etc.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       7.   Landlord shall provide Tenant with a Tenant Improvement Allowance
for the Relocated 28th Floor Space in the amount specified in Schedule R as
amended hereby.  Such allowance shall be subject to the provisions regarding the
Tenant Improvement Allowance set forth in Section 3 of Article XVI of the Lease.

       8.   Except for those items included in Schedule COND (the "Schedule COND
28th Floor Exceptions") which (a) require information or input from Tenant as to
Tenant's choice of design, location of installation, type or amount of
materials, or decisions by Tenant regarding removal of existing improvements, or
(b) which cannot be installed until after Tenant has completed its design plans
for the space on the 28th Floor or provided Landlord with the necessary access
to complete the same, or (c) which are normally performed during the course of
Tenant's construction, Landlord shall perform the work in the Additional 28th
Floor Premises and the Relocated 28th Floor Premises necessary to bring such
Premises into the condition required by Schedule COND to the Lease (such work
minus the Schedule COND 28th Floor Exceptions shall be referred to collectively
hereinafter as "Landlord's 28th Floor Work").  Landlord shall make reasonable
efforts to substantially complete Landlord's 28th Floor Work prior to September
30, 1993.  Landlord shall promptly complete the Schedule COND 28th Floor
Exceptions in the normal course in conjunction with Tenant's construction of its
improvements but only after Tenant has completed and presented to Landlord
Tenant's design plans for the space on the 28th Floor.

       9.   The "28th Floor Commencement Date" shall be January 15, 1994.  If on
or before September 30, 1993, Landlord (i) shall not have substantially
completed "Landlord's 28th Floor Work" or (ii) shall not have delivered
possession of the 28th Floor to Tenant for the purpose of completing Tenant's
work (such possession to be concurrent with possession by Landlord to permit it
to complete the Schedule COND 28th Floor Exceptions), Landlord shall have no
liability therefor and this Amendment of Lease shall continue in full force and
effect, except that, in such event and notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Amendment, for all purposes under this Amendment the term
"28th Floor Commencement Date" shall mean January 15, 1994 plus the number of
days between September 30, 1993 and the later of (i) the date Landlord's 28th
Floor Work shall be substantially complete and (ii) the date that Landlord shall
have so delivered possession of the 28th Floor to Tenant for the purpose of
completing Tenant's work.

       10.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Amendment, Tenant may enter the premises on the 28th Floor of the Building prior
to the 28th Floor Commencement Date to perform Tenant's improvements therein
including during the times that Landlord is performing work therein (so long as
Tenant gives reasonable prior notice to Landlord), provided that (i) Tenant does
not interfere with Landlord's work, and (ii) such entry and any work performed
by Tenant therein shall 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
be subject to the terms and conditions of the Lease, including, without
limitation, the provisions of the Lease regarding Tenant's insurance obligations
and Tenant's construction set forth in Section 11 of Article XII and Section 6
of Article V thereof, respectively.

  C.   35th Floor Premises.
       --------------------

       11.  Effective on the "35th Floor Commencement Date" (defined herein)
there shall be added to the Premises under the Lease the entire 35th Floor of
the Building shown as the "35th Floor Premises" on Exhibit C hereto (the "35th
                                                   ---------                  
Floor Premises").  The 35th Floor Premises consists of approximately 28,147
rentable square feet of space.  All terms and provisions of the Lease (as
amended hereby) shall be applicable to the 35th Floor Premises, including,
without limitation, Tenant's obligation to make Operating Expense and Imposition
payments with respect to the 35th Floor Premises in accordance with Section 2 of
Article III of the Lease, except:  (i) the term for the 35th Floor Premises
shall be the period commencing on the 35th Floor Commencement Date and ending on
October 31, 2005 (the "35th Floor Premises Term"); (ii) Tenant shall have no
right to extend the term of the Lease with respect to the 35th Floor Premises
beyond the 35th Floor Premises Term; (iii) the 35th Floor Premises shall not be
considered to be part of either Space A or Space B; and (iv) the Base Rent and
the Tenant Improvement Allowance for the 35th Floor Premises shall be as set
forth in Sections 12 and 13 hereof.

       12.  Tenant shall pay Base Rent for the 35th Floor Premises at the rate
of $900,704 per annum (i.e., $32.00 per square foot of the 35th Floor Premises)
during the entire 35th Floor Premises Term.  Notwithstanding the foregoing
sentence, Tenant shall not be obligated to pay Operating Expense and Imposition
payments or Base Rent for the 35th Floor Premises for the period (the "35th
Floor Free Rent Period") commencing on the 35th Floor Commencement Date and
ending on March 31, 1994, provided, however, if on or before October 15, 1993,
Landlord (i) shall not have substantially completed "Landlord's 35th Floor Work"
(defined herein) or (ii) shall not have delivered possession of the 35th Floor
Premises to Tenant for the purpose of completing Tenant's work (such possession
to be concurrent with possession by Landlord to permit it to complete the
Schedule COND 35th Floor Exceptions), the 35th Floor Free Rent Period shall be
extended by the number of days between October 15, 1993 and the later of (i) the
date Landlord's 35th Floor Work shall be substantially complete and (ii) the
date that Landlord shall have so delivered possession of the 35th Floor Premises
to Tenant for the purpose of completing Tenant's work.

       13.  Landlord shall provide Tenant with an improvement allowance for the
35th Floor Premises in the amount of $1,238,468 (i.e., $44.00 per square foot of
the 35th Floor Premises).  Such allowance shall be subject to the provisions
regarding the Tenant Improvement Allowance set forth in Section 3 of Article XVI
of the Lease.

       14.  Except for those items included in Schedule COND (the "Schedule COND
35th Floor Exceptions") which (a) require information or input from Tenant as to
Tenant's choice of design, location of installation, type or amount of
materials, or decisions by Tenant regarding removal of existing improvements, or
(b) which cannot be 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
installed until Tenant has completed its design plans for the the 35th Floor
Premises or provided Landlord with the necessary access to complete the same, or
(c) which are normally performed during the course of Tenant's construction,
Landlord shall perform the work in the 35th Floor Premises necessary to bring
such premises into the condition required by Schedule COND to the Lease (such
work minus the Schedule COND 35th Floor Exceptions shall be referred to
collectively hereinafter as "Landlord's 35th Floor Work"). Landlord shall make
reasonable efforts to substantially complete the Landlord's 35th Floor Work
prior to September 30, 1993. Landlord shall promptly complete the Schedule COND
35th Floor Exceptions in the normal course in conjunction with Tenant's
construction of its improvements but only after Tenant has completed and
presented to Landlord Tenant's design plans for the 35th Floor Premises.

       15.  The "35th Floor Commencement Date" shall be the later of (a) the
date Landlord shall have substantially completed the Landlord's 35th Floor Work
and shall have delivered possession of the 35th Floor Premises to Tenant for the
purpose of completing Tenant's work (such possession to be concurrent with
possession by Landlord to permit it to complete the Schedule COND 35th Floor
Exceptions) and (b) the earlier of (i) November 1, 1993 or (ii) the date that
Tenant shall occupy all or any portion of the 35th Floor Premises for Tenant's
intended use, it being understood that so long as Landlord has completed
Landlord's 35th Floor Work and the Schedule COND 35th Floor Exceptions, Tenant,
at Tenant's option, may occupy the 35th Floor Premises for Tenant's intended use
prior to November 1, 1993.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Amendment,
Tenant may enter the 35th Floor Premises prior to the 35th Floor Commencement
Date to perform Tenant's improvements therein, including during the times that
Landlord is performing work therein (so long as Tenant gives Landlord reasonable
prior notice), provided that (i) Tenant does not interfere with Landlord's work,
and (ii) such entry and any work performed by Tenant therein shall be subject to
the terms and conditions of the Lease, including, without limitation, the
provisions of the Lease regarding Tenant's insurance obligations and Tenant's
construction set forth in Section 11 of Article XII and Section 6 of Article V
thereof, respectively.

       16.  Notwithstanding any term or provision of the preceding Sections of
this Amendment of Lease to the contrary, Landlord's and Tenant's rights and
obligations with respect to the Additional 28th Floor Premises, the Relocated
28th Floor Space, and the Deleted Floor B1 Space are expressly conditioned upon
and subject to the execution and delivery of a lease for the Deleted Floor B1
Space between Landlord and Fitcorp Health Care Centers, Inc. (or an
affiliate)("Fitcorp") on or before September 30, 1993 for use as a fitness
center, it being understood that (i) if a lease for the Deleted Floor B1 Space
with Fitcorp shall not be so executed and delivered on or before September 30,
1993, Landlord shall have no liability therefor and, except as provided in
Section 18 hereof, Sections 1 through 10 of this Amendment of Lease shall be
null and void, of no force or effect, and without recourse to the parties
hereto, and (ii) in any event, the provisions of this Amendment of Lease (i.e.,
Sections 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15) relating to the 35th Floor Premises shall remain
in full force and effect.  Landlord shall promptly notify Tenant in the event
that either (i) a lease for the Deleted Floor B1 Space 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
with Fitcorp is not executed and delivered by September 30, 1993 or (ii)
negotiations with Fitcorp for the Deleted Floor B1 Space are terminated sooner
than September 30, 1993.

       17.  Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that Tenant has dealt
with no broker, finder or other person claiming to be entitled to a commission
in connection with this Amendment of Lease other than U.S. Equities Realty,
Inc., the compensation of which shall be paid by Tenant.  Landlord represents to
Tenant that it has dealt with no broker, finder or other person claiming to be
entitled to a commission in connection with this Lease other than U.S. Equities
Realty, Inc.

       18.  Notwithstanding any terms or provisions of this Lease to the
contrary, including, without limitation, Section 16 hereof, if requested by
notice from Tenant given prior to August 31, 1993, Landlord shall deliver to
Tenant the entire 28th Floor (i.e., the Additional 28th Floor Premises and the
Relocated 28th Floor Space) (collectively, the "28th Floor Option Space") for
leasing by Tenant on the same terms and provisions (except Section 16)
applicable hereunder to the Additional 28th Floor Premises, except that:  (i)
the Base Rent for the 28th Floor Option Space shall be $798,669.18 per annum
(i.e., $29.07 per s.f. of the 28th Floor Option Space); (ii) in lieu of the
allowance set forth in Section 3 of this Amendment of Lease, Landlord shall
provide Tenant with a Tenant Improvement Allowance in the amount of $1,208,856
(i.e., $44.00 per s.f. of the 28th Floor Option Space) and (iii) the Deleted
Floor B1 Space shall continue to be part of the Premises under the Lease.  Such
allowance shall be subject to the provisions regarding the Tenant Improvement
Allowance set forth in Section 3 of Article XVI of the Lease.

       If, however, (i) Tenant so exercises its option to lease the 28th Floor
Option Space and (ii) a lease for the Deleted Floor B1 Space is executed and
delivered with Fitcorp on or before September 30, 1993, (x) all terms and
provisions of this Amendment of Lease (except for Section 16 and the prior
provisions of this Section 18) applicable to Relocated 28th Floor Space and the
Additional 28th Floor Premises shall apply to Tenant's leasing of space on the
28th Floor of the Building just as if (a) Tenant had not exercised its option to
lease the 28th Floor Option Space and (b) Tenant were separately leasing the
Additional 28th Floor Premises and the Relocated 28th Floor Space in accordance
with such terms and provisions, and (y) all terms and provisions of this
Amendment of lease applicable to the Deleted Floor B1 Space shall remain in full
force and effect.

       20.  Upon request, each of Landlord and Tenant shall execute and deliver
an amendment to the Notice of Lease previously executed in connection with the
Lease in order to reflect Tenant's leasing of additional space in the Building
under this Amendment of Lease.

       21.  Except as only expressly amended hereby, the Lease shall continue in
full force and effect.

  WITNESS the execution hereof as an instrument under seal as of the date first
above written.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                           LANDLORD:

                           EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY 
                           COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                           By: 100 Federal Street Realty Corporation, its
                               General Partner



                            By:  /s/ CLARENCE T. HARWOOD
                               -------------------------
                                Its President


                           TENANT:

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON



                           By:  /s/ ROBERT L. CHAMPION
                              ------------------------
                               Its Director, Corporate Administrative Services
                               Hereunto duly authorized

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit A
                                   ---------

              [Floor plan showing relocated 28th Floor space and 
              --------------------------------------------------
                        additional 28th floor premises]
                        ------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit B
                                   ---------

                 [Floor plan showing deleted Floor B-1 space]
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit C
                                   ---------

                   [Floor plan showing 35th Floor premises]
                   ----------------------------------------

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10(hh)

                              AMENDMENT OF LEASE
                              ------------------

     THIS AMENDMENT OF LEASE effective as of March 31, 1994 between EQUITABLE
FEDERAL STREET REALTY COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts limited
partnership having an address at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02109
("Landlord"), and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON, a national banking
association duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America having its principal place of business at 100 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts  02110 ("Tenant").

                                  BACKGROUND
                                  ----------

     Landlord and Tenant are Landlord and Tenant, respectively, under an
Indenture of Lease having an effective date as of September 1, 1991 (the
"Original Lease") covering certain premises at 100 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, as amended by a letter agreement dated February 5, 1992 and by an
Amendment of Lease dated July 1, 1993 (as so amended, the Original Lease shall
be referred to hereinafter as the "Lease").  The parties desire to amend the
Lease in certain respects all as hereinafter set forth.  Capitalized terms not
defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Lease.

                              W I T N E S S E T H
                              -------------------

     Now therefore, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree that the Lease is hereby
amended as follows:

     A.   The Lease is hereby amended by adding the following Articles XXI and
XXII thereto:

                                  ARTICLE XXI
                                  -----------
                                 THE CAFETERIA
                                 -------------

     1.  Schedule P is hereby amended by adding a new classification of Space
entitled Space C, consisting of the area on Floor 1B of the Building presently
used as a cafeteria and shown on Schedule C hereto.  The term of the Lease for
Space C shall be ten (10) years commencing on September 1, 1993 and expiring on
August 31, 2003.  Space C is leased "as is".  Without limitation, Landlord has
no obligation to bring Space C into the condition required by Schedule COND or
into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (except that Landlord
shall bring the employee restrooms in Space C into compliance with such Act, if
required) or to provide any Tenant Improvement Allowance.  Except as provided in
the preceding sentence, Tenant shall be responsible for compliance with all
legal requirements applicable to Space C, including the Americans With
Disabilities Act.

     Space C is not a part of Space A or Space B during such ten-year term.

     However, Tenant shall have the option to extend the term of the Lease for
Space C for a period which will end with the expiration of the initial term of
the Lease for Space B.  Tenant shall exercise such option of extension by notice
to Landlord given not later than the last to 

<PAGE>
 
occur of (i) August 31, 2002 or (ii) the expiration of thirty (30) days
following notice from Landlord to Tenant, given not sooner than July 1, 2002,
that Tenant's option of extension has not been exercised by Tenant. However, in
any event, the term of the Lease for Space C shall expire on the day scheduled
therefor, viz., August 31, 2003, without extension if such option to extend
shall not have been exercised prior to such day even if Landlord shall not have
given Tenant such notice.

     If Tenant shall exercise such option to extend, then Space C shall become a
part of Space B for purposes of establishing the duration of the term of the
Lease for Space C and the rights of Tenant to extend the term of the Lease for
Space C.

     2.  Tenant agrees, with reference to Space C (the "Cafeteria") and its
operations, as follows:

     a)   Promptly after the execution hereof, to carry out a program (the
          "Program") of capital improvements, including improvements to the
          kitchen facilities of the Cafeteria, as may be required, in Tenant's
          judgment, to up-grade the existing Cafeteria to first-class quality
          and modern condition.  The Program shall be subject to Landlord's
          approval on the same basis, and subject to the same qualifications, as
          are applicable to alterations, additions and improvements to the
          Premises as provided in Section 6 of Article V, except that (x) the
          reference in the cited Section to "readapt[ation of] the Premises to
          normal office use" shall not be applicable, nor shall the reference to
          Schedule COND be applicable, (y) Landlord's rights of approval shall
          not extend to interior decor and layout (which shall not affect
          structure or building systems), except at the points where Space C is
          entered from Common Areas of the Building and any other areas which
          are visible from such Common Areas, and (z) "$500,000" appearing in
          the second paragraph of such Section 6 shall be deemed amended to
          "$100,000."

          Tenant has represented to Landlord that, in carrying out the Program,
          it is Tenant's intention that there shall be expended approximately
          SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100 DOLLARS ($700,000.00).  However,
          Tenant shall not be in breach of such representation so long as the
          aggregate expenditure in the modernization Program is in the order of
          magnitude of $700,000.00, the $700,000.00 figure not being intended as
          a minimum.

     b)   Tenant agrees that the Cafeteria shall be operated in a first-class
          fashion and in accordance with Schedule REST to the Lease.  To that
          end, Tenant agrees that, if the Cafeteria is operated by a food
          service management company and not by Tenant, such company shall be
          obligated in the instrument effecting the legal arrangement between
          such company and Tenant so to operate the Cafeteria and such
          instrument shall explicitly provide that a failure on the part of such
          company to meet such standards shall entitle Tenant to terminate
          further employment, or the license or subtenancy, of such company, as
          the case may be, for the operation of the Cafeteria.  Tenant agrees to
          use all reasonable efforts to enforce the food service management
          company's undertaking relative to standards of operation.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          Tenant has advised Landlord that Tenant has engaged Sodexho
          ("Sodexho"), to operate the Cafeteria and has provided Landlord with a
          copy of that part of Tenant's contract with Sodexho relating to the
          Cafeteria.  If Tenant shall at any time propose to make an arrangement
          with some other food service operation, the identity of the operator
          thereof shall be subject to the prior approval of Landlord, such
          approval not unreasonably to be withheld.  To facilitate the approval
          process, Tenant may submit to Landlord a list of proposed operators
          (together with information describing such operators and their other
          operations) for Landlord's approval in advance of the selection of a
          specific operator, and Landlord shall give or expressly deny such
          approval to those operators on such list within ten (10) business days
          after such list and information are presented to Landlord.  The
          failure of Landlord to disapprove any operator on such list shall
          constitute approval thereof.  Tenant may, thereafter, select any
          operator of the Cafeteria from such list which shall not have been
          disapproved without further approval by Landlord.  Any dispute
          relative to the acceptability of a proposed food service management
          company or any one or more of such companies in a list thereof
          presented by Tenant shall be resolved by arbitration pursuant to
          Schedule ARB.

          The form of legal arrangement into which Tenant enters with any food
          service management company, i.e., whether by way of sublease, license,
          management contract or other formulation shall be at Tenant's
          discretion but the substance of such arrangement shall be subject to
          the approval of Landlord which Landlord agrees not unreasonably to
          withhold.  Landlord's approval of any such proposed substitute food
          management company and the arrangement with reference thereto shall be
          given or explicitly denied not later than ten (10) business days after
          notice of the identity or identities of food service management
          companies (together with information describing such companies and
          their other operations) is given to Landlord and, in respect of the
          legal arrangement Tenant proposes to enter into, not later than ten
          (10) business days after delivery to Landlord of a true and correct
          copy of the instrument effecting the legal arrangement to the extent
          that such instrument relates to the Cafeteria (to the exclusion of any
          part of such instrument solely relating to other locations occupied by
          Tenant).  The failure by Landlord to disapprove any proposed food
          service management company or the legal arrangement embodied in the
          instrument delivered to Landlord shall constitute approval thereof.
          Landlord's right of approval of the legal arrangement shall relate
          solely to the provisions of the relevant instrument intended to assure
          operation of the Cafeteria at least to the standards required hereby
          and by Schedule REST, and to the term of the arrangement between
          Tenant and such food service management company, to assure Landlord
          that no claim against Landlord or the Premises might arise upon the
          expiration or termination of this Lease, and Landlord shall have no
          right of disapproval in respect of any other aspect thereof.

The instrument effecting the legal arrangement with the food service management
company shall require such food service management company to maintain books and
records appropriate to the computation of that part of Cafeteria Rent payable
under paragraph b) of Section 3 below and to make such books and records for any
lease year during which such 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
management company is operating Space C available to Tenant for inspection and
audit by Landlord during the thirty-six (36) calendar month period following
such lease year.

     3.  Tenant agrees to pay Landlord an annual rate of rent (the "Cafeteria
Rent") for the Cafeteria space as follows:

     a)   an amount equal to the Operating Expenses and Impositions of and for
          the Building per square foot of floor area for each twelve (12)
          calendar month period of the term of the Lease for Space C multiplied
          by twenty-nine thousand five hundred thirty-eight (29,538), which
          Landlord and Tenant agree is the number of square feet of rentable
          floor area in Space C.

          For any partial year, the annual rate of rent shall be prorated
          according to the number of days in such partial year Space C is under
          lease from Landlord to Tenant.

          Inasmuch as Operating Expenses are calculated on a calendar year
          basis, Operating Expenses which are payable by Tenant for any partial
          calendar year shall be based on a proration of Operating Expenses for
          the calendar year in which such partial calendar year falls.
          Impositions shall be payable according to that part of the term of
          this Lease for Space C which corresponds to the then current fiscal
          tax period, i.e., the period over which Impositions are payable; and

          Payment of that part of Cafeteria Rent on account of Operating
          Expenses shall be made monthly, in advance, concurrently with monthly
          installments on account of Base Rent.  Each such monthly installment
          shall be based on the last computation of actual Operating Expenses,
          utilizing the same methodology of payment set forth in the grammatical
          paragraph beginning on Page 12 of this Lease as executed prior to any
          amendment thereof and ending on the top of Page 13 thereof for
          payments by Tenant on account of Operating Expenses, with an
          adjustment after the determination of actual Operating Expenses for
          any period during the term of this Lease for the Cafeteria space.
          Payment of Cafeteria Rent on account of Impositions shall be made
          concurrently with payments to be made on account of Impositions for
          other space leased to Tenant under this Lease, all as provided in
          Article X of this Lease; and

     b)   the amount, if any, representing fifty percent (50%) of the net income
          received by Tenant for each calendar year during the term of this
          Lease for Space C, determined as follows.

          "Net income" means the amount by which payments to Tenant paid by the
          operator of the Cafeteria on account of the operation of the Cafeteria
          exceeds the sum of the following items: --

          i)   a sum equal to SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND and 00/100 DOLLARS
               ($75,000.00), representing an agreed upon allowance for Tenant's
               overhead in the operation of the Cafeteria,

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          ii)  Cafeteria Rent payable for such calendar year, and

          iii) a sum on account of Tenant's Capital Cost, as hereinafter
               defined.

               The amount allocable to Tenant's Capital Cost for any calendar
               year shall be the total of: --

               A)   the annual amortization amount determined by dividing (i)
                    the dollar amount of each capital expenditure for the
                    Cafeteria made by Tenant prior to or during such calendar
                    year by (ii) the number of years, expressed in terms of
                    whole and fractional numbers, remaining in the initial or
                    then extended term, as the case may be, at the time such
                    capital item was first placed in service (the "Annual
                    Amortization Amount"), and

               B)   an annual interest amount (adjusted for partial years) equal
                    to the product achieved by multiplying (i) each capital
                    expenditure which is the subject of the computation in
                    clause A) above minus the cumulated Annual Amortization
                    Amounts theretofore recovered by deductions from net income
                    by (ii) a percentage equal to the Base Rate plus two percent
                    (2%).

                    The purpose of making this computation is to take into
                    account Tenant's cost of funds in making capital
                    expenditures.

     If Tenant is operating the Cafeteria itself, then for the purpose of this
Section 3, net income means, for each calendar year, the amount by which net
income from such operation computed in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles determined before the payment of fifty percent (50%) of
net income to Landlord and without any allowance for depreciation or
amortization or for Tenant's general overhead exceeds the sum of (x) SEVENTY-
FIVE THOUSAND and 00/100 DOLLARS ($75,000.00), representing an agreed upon
dollar figure for Tenant's general overhead, and (y) the amount allocable to
Tenant's Capital Cost for such calendar year computed as set forth in clause
iii) above.

     Appropriate adjustments to any calculation called for by this Section 3
shall be made where any period of operation of the Cafeteria by Tenant is not
for a full calendar year or is less than a full calendar year and for any period
during which there is a total cessation of Cafeteria operations.  For example,
if the services of a food management company are terminated in the middle of a
calendar year and Cafeteria operations are suspended for some period of time,
the computation of net income shall be made for the "short" calendar year, and
the deductions from net income for Tenant's general overhead and allocable
Tenant's Capital Cost shall be proportionately adjusted.  Not later than the
later to occur of ninety (90) days following the end of each such calendar year
and thirty (30) days following notice from Landlord to Tenant of the Operating
Expenses and Impositions for such calendar year, Tenant shall compute the amount
of rent, if any, remaining to be paid for such calendar year and, concurrently
therewith, pay the same to Landlord.  Tenant shall maintain appropriate records
for the computation of net income from the Cafeteria and shall, on Landlord's
reasonable request from time to time, make available to Landlord Tenant's
records in support of Tenant's computation of net income during 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
the thirty-six (36) calendar month period following the expiration of a calendar
year for which such request is made.

     4.  If Tenant shall exercise Tenant's option to extend the term of the
Lease for Space C following the initial ten (10) year term thereof or following
the expiration of the original term of the Lease for Space B, the annual rate of
rent payable by Tenant to Landlord on account of Space C shall be the amount
payable under Section 3 of this Article, Section 3 of Article III having no
application to Space C.

     5.  Tenant shall have no obligation continuously to operate a Cafeteria in
Space C but, in all events, Tenant shall be obligated to make payment of the
annual rate of rent specified in paragraph a) of Section 3 above.

     If Tenant shall elect to cease operating Space C as a Cafeteria (except for
temporary cessations thereof), Landlord shall have the right to recapture Space
C by giving notice to Tenant of Landlord's desire so to do no later than six (6)
months following Tenant's notice of Tenant's intention to cease operation of
Space C as a Cafeteria.  A cessation of operations which is not temporary in
nature but where Tenant shall have failed to give notice to Landlord of Tenant's
election to cease such operation shall be treated as a notice of such intention
given as of such cessation.  Any such recapture shall be effective as of the
later of the date of which Tenant notifies Landlord that Tenant's intends to
cease operation of Space C as a Cafeteria or the date of such notice from
Landlord to Tenant.  If Landlord elects so to recapture Space C, this Lease
shall terminate as to Space C as of the effective date of recapture with the
same force and effect as if this Lease, only as to Space C, had expired as of
such effective recapture date, and Landlord shall have the right to use Space C
for any use permitted under Article IV of this Lease, subject to all of the
provisions of such Article.  Likewise, if Landlord shall not so elect to
recapture Space C, Tenant shall have the right to put Space C to such use as may
be consistent with a first-class office building in the financial district of
Boston.

     6.  If Landlord shall not have exercised Landlord's right of recapture
thereof, Tenant shall have the right to sublet Space C with the prior consent of
Landlord, such consent not unreasonably to be withheld.  If any subletting for a
use other than as a cafeteria shall occur, in lieu of the portion of the
Cafeteria Rent described in Section 3 b) of this Article, the profit ("CS
Profit") shall be divided between Landlord and Tenant on a 50%/50% basis.  "CS
Profit" is hereby defined to mean the amount by which rental received by Tenant
from such subletting exceeds the leasing cost (the "Cafeteria Subleasing Cost")
thereof.  "Cafeteria Subleasing Cost" is hereby defined to mean Leasing Cost, as
defined in Section 1 of Article VIII of this Lease, except the reference to Base
Rent and additional rent referred to therein shall be treated as referring to
Cafeteria Rent.  Further, the last two grammatical paragraphs on Page 36 of this
Lease, as originally executed prior to any amendment thereof, shall govern any
obligation of Tenant to pay a share of profit to Landlord.  A subletting by a
Successor or Affiliate (except to a Successor or Affiliate) shall be subject to
the provisions of this Section.  The provisions of Section 1 (other than clause
(g) and (i)) and the second sentence of Section 2 of said Article VIII shall
have no application to Space C.  The second sentence of clause (i) of Section 1
of said Article VIII, with respect to Space C only, shall be deemed to read:
"Any governmental use, including, without limitation, an office of the Internal
Revenue Service, Post Office or a United States employment office, shall be
prohibited".

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
     7.  If any such subletting shall occur, Landlord shall have the right to
recapture Space C upon the expiration of the term of such subletting, as it may
have been extended according to the terms of the sublease therefor, or earlier
termination of each such sublease by giving notice to Tenant of Landlord's
desire so to do no later than sixty (60) days following notice from Tenant
(given not more than one (1) year prior to the expiration or earlier termination
of such subletting) of the date of such expiration or earlier termination.  Such
recapture shall be on the terms and conditions provided above.

                                 ARTICLE XXII
                                 ------------
                                   THE CAFE
                                   --------

     1.  Schedule P is hereby further amended by adding another classification
of Space entitled Space S, consisting of approximately the area on the Lobby
Floor of the Building formerly occupied by First Shop and the space on the
loading dock level currently known as the Captain's office, all of which area is
shown on Schedule CAFE, to be used by Tenant as a cafe, serving food, beer and
wine (but beer and wine shall not be served until after 5:00 P.M. of Monday
through Friday of the week; beer and wine may be sold at any lawful time on
Saturday and Sunday) and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
and on a take-out basis.  When weather permits, Tenant shall also have the right
to use outside areas adjoining Space S and shown on Schedule CAFE, as a cafe and
for no other purpose.  During such use, such outside areas shall be treated as a
part of Space S for all purposes, except for the computation of minimum rent.

     If Tenant or the operator of Space S shall sell alcoholic beverages
therein, (a) Tenant or such operator shall obtain and maintain, for the benefit
and protection of and naming as insureds Landlord, Landlord's managing agent,
Tenant and such operator, liquor liability insurance in form and amount
reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, and (b) Tenant or such operator shall be
responsible for obtaining all permits and approvals required to so sell
alcoholic beverages.

     The term of the Lease for Space S shall commence on the Commencement Date
(hereinafter defined) and expire on August 31, 2003.

     The commencement date for Space S shall be the first to occur of (x) the
date when Tenant shall open for business in Space S and (y) the expiration of
ninety (90) days following the date when Landlord delivers to Tenant possession
of Space S free of any other occupant and in the condition in which Space S is
required to be put by Landlord pursuant to Schedule TFI annexed hereto (except
for those items in Schedule TFI which will be performed during or after Tenant's
construction).  However, the Commencement Date shall not occur, in any event,
before substantial completion by Landlord of the Congress Street Lobby and Plaza
renovation work which is required by the terms of the Lease.  Space S is leased
"as is", without any obligation on the part of Landlord to bring Space S into
the condition required by Schedule COND, but subject to Landlord's obligations
specified in Schedule TFI annexed hereto.  No Tenant Improvement Allowance shall
be payable by Landlord except as provided in Schedule TFI.

     Space S is not a part of Space A or Space B during such term expiring on
August 31, 2003.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     If at the time Tenant is and intends to continue operating Space S as a
Cafe (and Tenant's exercise of the option hereinafter described shall constitute
a representation that, at the time of such exercise, Tenant intends so to
continue such use of Space S), Tenant shall have the option to extend the term
of this Lease for Space S for a period which will end with the expiration of the
initial term of the Lease for Space B.  Tenant shall exercise such option of
extension by notice to Landlord given not later than the last to occur of (i)
August 31, 2002 or (ii) the expiration of thirty (30) days following notice from
Landlord to Tenant, given not sooner than July 1, 2002, that Tenant's option of
extension has not been exercised by Tenant.  However, in any event, the term of
the Lease for Space S shall expire on the day scheduled therefor, viz., August
31, 2003, without extension if such option to extend shall not have been
exercised prior to such day even if Landlord shall not have given Tenant such
notice.

     If Tenant shall exercise such option to extend, then Space S shall become a
part of Space B for purposes of establishing the duration of the term of the
Lease for Space S and the right of Tenant to extend the term of the Lease for
Space S.  Such rights of extension may be exercised only if at the time of such
exercise Tenant is, and intends to continue, operating Space S as a Cafe (and
Tenant's exercise of such rights of extension shall constitute a representation
that, at the time of such exercise, Tenant intends so to continue such use of
Space S).

     2.  With reference to Space S, Tenant agrees as follows:

     a)   plans for the interior decor of Space S, and incidental decorative
          items proposed to be used on the Plaza which will be operated from
          time to time as a part of Space S, shall be submitted to Robert
          Brannen of Jung/Brannen Associates, Inc. for his approval and Tenant
          agrees to follow only those plans for such decor and incidental
          decorative features approved by Mr. Brannen or, if he is unavailable,
          by another  individual associated with Jung/Brannen Associates, Inc.

          In other respects (i.e., other than interior decor),  Tenant shall
          comply with the requirements of Section 6 of Article V of this Lease
          (even if the cost thereof shall be less than $500,000, but not if the
          cost thereof shall be less than $50,000); and

     b)   the Cafe shall be operated in a first-class fashion suitable to and
          compatible with a first-class office building in the financial
          district of Boston.  All of the terms and provisions of Section 2 b)
          of Article XXI shall be applicable to the Cafe, mutatis mutandis.
                                                          ------- -------- 

          Tenant has advised Landlord that Tenant presently intends to retain
          Sodexho to operate the Cafe for the account of Tenant, and Landlord
          hereby specifically approves Sodexho as an operator for the Cafe. If
          the engagement of Sodexho shall expire or is terminated, the
          applicable provisions of Section 2 b) of Article XXI shall govern the
          substitution of another food service management company, mutatis
                                                                   -------
          mutandis.
          -------- 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     3.  Tenant shall have no obligation continuously to operate a Cafe in Space
S but, in all events, Tenant shall be obligated to make payment of the annual
rate of rent specified in Section 4 a) below.  If no Cafe is being operated in
Space S, no payment on account of percentage rent shall be a part of the annual
rate of rent payable by Tenant.

     However, if, during the term of this Lease as to Space S, Tenant shall
elect to cease operating Space S as a Cafe (other than a cessation of operations
which is temporary in nature), Landlord shall have the right to recapture Space
S by giving notice to Tenant of Landlord's desire so to do no later than twelve
(12) months (except that, after the first five (5) Lease Years of the term of
this Lease for Space S, the notice period shall be six (6) months rather than
twelve (12) months) following Tenant's notice of Tenant's intention to cease
operation in Space S as a Cafe.  A cessation of operations which is not
temporary in nature but where Tenant shall have failed to give notice to
Landlord of Tenant's election to cease such operations shall be treated as a
notice of such intention given as of such cessation.

     Any such recapture shall be effective as of the later of the date as of
which Tenant notifies Landlord that Tenant intends to cease operation of Space S
as a Cafe or the date of such notice from Landlord to Tenant.  If Landlord
elects so to recapture Space S, this Lease shall terminate as to Space S as of
the effective date of recapture with the same force and effect as if this Lease
as to Space S had expired as of such effective recapture date, and Landlord
shall have the right use Space S for any use which may be consistent with the
street floor of a first-class office building in the financial district of
Boston, subject, however, to the provisions contained in Section 1 of Article IV
of this Lease.  Likewise, if Landlord shall not so elect to recapture Space S,
Tenant shall have the right to put Space S to such use as may be consistent with
the street floor of a first-class office building in the financial district of
Boston, which use shall have been approved by Landlord, such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld.

     4.  Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord an annual rent ("Cafe Rent") for Space
S of the greater of:

     a)   a minimum annual rent ("Minimum Annual Cafe Rent") at the rate of
          FIFTY-FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY and 00/100 DOLLARS
          ($54,990.00), representing $30.00 multiplied by 1,833, the number of
          square feet of rentable area in Space S, exclusive of 398 square feet
          of adjacent storage space, which is not to be included in the
          computation of annual rent, plus the amount, if any, by which
          experienced Operating Expenses and experienced Impositions for each
          calendar year (or partial calendar year) of the term of this Lease for
          Space S exceeds, respectively, the Cafe Operating Expenses Stop and
          the Cafe Impositions Expense Stop (the "Escalations").

          The "Cafe Operating Expenses Stop" means experienced Operating
          Expenses per square foot as computed in accordance with Section 2 of
          Article III of this Lease for calendar year 1994.

          The "Cafe Impositions Stop" means Impositions (as defined in Article X
          of this Lease) experienced during tax fiscal year 1993 on the same per
          square foot basis.  Both Stops shall be computed on a square foot
          basis, and the appropriate 

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
          computations made by reference to the number of square feet of
          rentable area for which minimum annual rent for the Cafe is charged;
          and

     b)   the sum of the Minimum Annual Cafe Rent and the Escalations specified
          in paragraph a) above and a percentage rent equal to the amount, if
          any, by which eight percent (8%) of gross sales from Space S and the
          outdoor area exceeds Minimum Annual Cafe Rent and the Escalations
          payable for each calendar year (or partial calendar year) of the term
          of the Lease for Space S.

          The term "gross sales" means the total dollar amount of sales, for
          cash or on credit, of all sales of food, beverages, merchandise and
          service at, in, on or from Space S and the outdoor area but not
          including any sums collected and paid out by Tenant for any sales or
          retail tax imposed by governmental authority or gratuities collected
          by Tenant and paid out to employees.

     Payments on account of Minimum Annual Cafe Rent shall be made in monthly
installments, in advance, on the first day of each calendar month during the
term of the Lease for Space S equal to FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO and
50/100 DOLLARS ($4,582.50), and a proportionate amount thereof for any
fractional month during the term plus one-twelfth (1/12th) of amounts, if any,
payable on account of Operating Expenses and Impositions Escalations, as
reasonably estimated by Landlord for the relevant period.

     Landlord shall certify to Tenant the experienced Operating Expenses and
experienced Impositions, each on a square foot basis, for each calendar year.
Upon the later to occur of ninety (90) days following the end of each calendar
year of the term of this Lease for Space S and thirty (30) days following notice
from Landlord to Tenant of such experienced Operating Expenses and experienced
Impositions, respectively, Tenant shall certify to Landlord the dollar amount of
gross sales from Space S and the outdoor area for such calendar year and shall
compute the amount of rent, if any, remaining to be paid for the relevant
calendar year and, concurrently therewith, pay the same to Landlord or Landlord
shall thereupon refund any overpayment of Escalations to Tenant.  Tenant shall
maintain appropriate records of gross sales from Space S and the outdoor area
throughout the term of this Lease for Space S and shall, on Landlord's
reasonable request from time to time, make available to Landlord Tenant's
records in support of Tenant's certificate of gross sales during the thirty-six
(36) calendar month period following the expiration of the calendar year for
which such request is made.

     5.   If Tenant shall exercise  Tenant's option to extend the term of this
Lease for Space S following the initial ten (10) year  term thereof or following
the expiration of the original term of this Lease for Space B, the annual rate
of rent payable by Tenant to Landlord on account of Space S shall be the amount
payable under Section 4 of this Article, Section 3 of Article III having no
application to Space S.

     6.   If Landlord shall not have exercised Landlord's right of recapture
thereof upon Tenant discontinuance of a Cafe in Space S, Tenant shall have the
right to sublet Space S with the prior consent of Landlord, such consent not
unreasonably to be withheld.  If any subletting shall occur, the profit ("Cafe
Subletting Profit") shall be divided between Landlord and Tenant on a 50%/50%
basis.  "Cafe Subletting Profit" is hereby defined to mean the amount by which
rental received by Tenant from such subletting exceeds the leasing cost (the
"Cafe Subleasing 

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
Cost") thereof. "Cafe Subleasing Cost" is hereby defined to mean Leasing Cost,
as defined in Section 1 of Article VIII of this Lease, except the reference to
Base Rent and additional rent referred to therein shall be treated as referring
to Cafe Rent. Further, the last two grammatical paragraphs on Page 36 of this
Lease, as originally executed prior to any amendment thereof, shall govern any
obligation of Tenant to pay a share of profit to Landlord. A subletting by a
Successor or Affiliate (except to a Successor or Affiliate) shall be subject to
the foregoing provisions of this Section 6. The provisions of Section 1 (other
than clauses (g) and (i)) and the second sentence of Section 2 of said Article
VIII shall have no application to Space S. The second sentence of clause (i) of
Section 1 of said Article VIII, with respect to Space S only, shall be deemed to
read: "Any governmental use, including, without limitation, an office of the
Internal Revenue Service, Post Office or a United States employment office,
shall be prohibited."

     7.   If Tenant shall sublet Space S pursuant to Section 6 above, Landlord
shall have the right to recapture Space S upon the expiration of the term of
such sublease (as it may be extended pursuant to the provisions of such
sublease) or earlier termination of each such sublease by giving notice to
Tenant of Landlord's desire so to do no later than sixty (60) days following
notice from Tenant (given not more than one (1) year  prior to the expiration or
earlier termination of such subletting) of the date of such expiration or
earlier termination.  Such recapture shall be on the terms and conditions
provided above.

     B.   The Schedules attached hereto and referred to in Articles XXI and XXII
added to the Lease by this Amendment are hereby added to the Lease.

     C.   Tenant agrees with Landlord that the operation of a sundries shop on
Floor 1B of the Building is a permitted use of space on that Floor.

     D.   Except only as expressly amended hereby, the Lease shall continue in
full force and effect.

     WITNESS the execution hereof as an instrument under seal as of the date
first above written.

                              LANDLORD:

                              EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY 
                              COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                              By: 100 FEDERAL STREET REALTY 
                              CORPORATION, Its General Partner


                              By:  /s/ CLARENCE T. HARWOOD
                                 -------------------------
                                 Its President

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
                              TENANT:

                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                              By:  /s/ THEODORE M. EDSON
                                 -----------------------
                                 Its Director, Facilities

36697

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
                                 SCHEDULE TFI
                                 ------------
                        Improvements to Lobby Cafe Area
                        -------------------------------

    Landlord and Tenant have agreed that the division of responsibility for the
lobby cafe area will be as follows:

    1.    Landlord will provide, at its sole cost, all the requirements of
          Schedule COND, as appropriate, and the following:

          a.   An exterior door to the plaza in the location specified on
               Schedule DOOR which complies with the Americans with Disabilities
               Act.

          b.   Final connections to building utility systems of Tenant installed
               equipment at the perimeter of the space.

    2.    Tenant will be responsible for the following:

          a.   Design and layout of the space, which will be subject to
               Landlord's approval, which will not be unreasonably withheld or
               delayed.  Failure of Landlord to approve or disapprove Tenant's
               plans within 30 days of submission shall constitute Landlord's
               approval.

          b.   The procurement and delivery of all trade fixtures to the site.

          c.   Location of trade fixtures within the site, all prepared for
               Landlord's final connection to building systems at the perimeter
               of the space.

          3.   Landlord will pay to Tenant, as a Tenant Improvement Allowance
for the work required in Space S to prepare the same for its intended use, not
exceeding the sum of $137,475.  Such Allowance shall be subject to the terms and
condition of Section 3 of Article XVI.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10(ii)

                                 AMENDMENT OF LEASE
                                 ------------------

     THIS AMENDMENT OF LEASE (this "Amendment") effective as of the 1st day of
April, 1994 between EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
a Massachusetts limited partnership, having an address at 75 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ("Landlord"), and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
a national banking association duly organized and existing under the laws of The
United States of America having its principal place of business at 100 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 ("Tenant").

                                 BACKGROUND
                                 ----------

     Landlord and Tenant are Landlord and Tenant, respectively, under an
Indenture of Lease having an effective date of September 1, 1991 (the "Original
Lease"), covering certain premises at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts
(the "Building"), as amended by a Letter Agreement dated February 5, 1992, an
Amendment of Lease dated July 2, 1993 and an Amendment of Lease dated as of
March 31, 1994 (as so amended, the Original Lease shall be referred to
hereinafter as the "Lease").  The parties desire to add certain floors of the
Building to the Premises under the Lease and to amend the Lease in certain other
respects, all as hereinafter set forth.  Capitalized terms not defined herein
shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Lease.

                                 WITNESSETH:
                                 ---------- 

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

     1.  Effective as of the date hereof, the Areas shown on Schedule P-1
attached hereto (collectively, "Space D") are hereby added to the Premises under
the Lease.  Space D shall be treated as a "Space" for all purposes of the Lease.
All terms and provisions of the Lease (as amended hereby) shall be applicable to
Space D, including, without limitation, Tenant's obligation to make Operating
Expense and Imposition payments with respect to Space D in accordance with
Section 2 of Article III of the Lease, except: (i) the term of the Lease for
Space D shall commence as of the date hereof and shall expire on December 31,
2008 (the "Space D Initial Term"); (ii) Space D shall not be considered to be
part of either Space A or Space B; (iii) the Base Rent and the Tenant
Improvement Allowance for Space D shall be as set forth in Sections 2 and 3
hereof; (iv) Tenant's right to extend the term of the Lease with respect to
Space D shall be as set forth in Section 4 hereof; and (v) the Operating
Expenses Stop for Space D shall be $8.00 per square foot and the Impositions
Stop for Space D shall be $6.00 per square foot.

     2.  Tenant shall pay Base Rent for the Areas included in Space D at the
annual rates specified in Schedule R-1 for such Areas, including the adjustments
in such rates noted in Schedule R-1 for different time periods during the Space
D Initial Term.

     3.  Landlord shall provide Tenant with a Tenant Improvement Allowance for
the Areas included in Space D in amounts not exceeding the amounts specified in
Schedule R-1.  Such Tenant Improvement Allowance shall be subject to the
provisions regarding the Tenant 

<PAGE>
 
Improvement Allowance set forth in Section 3 of Article XVI of the Lease,
provided, however, that in no event shall Landlord be obligated to pay any
portion of the Tenant Improvement Allowance for any portion of any Space if such
payment would result in the total unexpended Tenant Improvement Allowance for
all Spaces to be less than the portion of the Tenant Improvement Allowance
applicable to the Areas in Space D for which Base Rent shall not have become
payable under Schedule R-1.

     4.  In addition to its options to extend the term of the Lease for other
Spaces, Tenant shall have the successive options to extend the term of the Lease
(with respect to Space D only) for two (2) successive five (5) year periods from
and after December 31, 2008, which options shall be otherwise subject to the
same terms and conditions that are applicable to the options for Space A and
Space B under Section 3 of Article II of the Original Lease.  With respect to
each floor included in Space D, "$48.50 per square foot per annum" appearing in
clause (a) of the third paragraph of Section 3 of Article III of the Original
Lease shall be deemed to read "the annual rate of Base Rent per square foot for
such floor in effect during year 2008 according to Schedule R-1".

     5.  Landlord shall perform the work to the Areas included in Space D
necessary to bring such Premises into the condition required by Schedule COND to
the Lease.  Landlord's work under this Section 5 shall be accomplished in a
timely manner in phases on a floor-by-floor basis on a schedule to be determined
in consultation with, and as reasonably approved by, Tenant.  Each floor in
Space D in which Landlord shall perform work under this Section 5 shall remain
part of the Premises during such work, and during such work all of Tenant's
obligations under the Lease with respect to each such floor shall remain in full
force and effect, including any obligation to pay rent and additional rent
therefor.

     6.  In order to defray certain of Landlord's costs incurred in constructing
improvements to the main lobby of the Building and the Building plaza, Tenant
shall pay on the first day of each month, in addition to Tenant's monthly
payments on account of Base Rent, Operating Expenses and Impositions, an
additional monthly amount of rent equal to the monthly payment required to pay
in full, on a direct reduction basis over an amortization period equal to the
length of the "Repayment Period" (defined herein), an amount equal to Tenant's
Share (hereinafter defined) of the amount, if any, by which the "project cost"
(hereinafter defined) shall exceed $10,000,000, with interest at a rate equal to
the sum of one percent (1%) plus Tenant's Base Rate in effect on the date the
first portion of such excess shall have been expended by Landlord, in equal
monthly installments of principal and interest commencing on January 1, 1995 and
continuing through the expiration of the Space D Initial Term (the "Repayment
Period").

     As used herein, "Tenant's Share" shall mean, with respect to the first
$700,000 of such excess, 50% and, with respect to the balance of such excess,
the share required to be paid by Tenant under the second paragraph of Section 2
of Article XVI of the Lease.

     For the purpose hereof and for the purpose of Section 2 of Article XVI of
the Lease, "project cost" shall mean the sum of the fees and expenses of the
design architect and the consulting architect, engineering, project supervision
and similar soft costs (but expressly excluding costs of money), cost of permits
and other associated reasonable out-of-pocket costs and the "hard" costs payable
to the approved contractor for the work to be done pursuant to 

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
Schedule RENOV of the Lease, but exclusive of the cost of any related asbestos
abatement, installation of sprinkler and life safety systems and modifications
required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

     The payment obligations of Tenant under the second paragraph of Section 2
of such Article XVI of the Lease shall be deemed modified by this Section 6.

     7.  The provisions of Section 3 of Article XVI which require Landlord to
make available to Tenant up to 168,000 square feet of temporary substitute space
in the Building shall cease to be of any further force or effect as of the date
hereof, subject to the following paragraph.

     Solely for the purpose of the provisions of Section 3 of Article XVI which
require Landlord to reimburse Tenant for certain of Tenant's expenses in
temporarily relocating personnel to the Swing Space, each of Floors 20, 21, 22
and 23 shall be deemed to be Swing Space until such time as Tenant shall
construct improvements in such Floor (other than minor temporary improvements
for temporary occupancy).

     8.  Commencing on the date hereof, Tenant shall pay Base Rent for Floor 15
at the annual rate set forth in Schedule R of the Original Lease for Floor 15,
including the adjustments in such rate noted in Schedule R for the different
time periods during the lease term for Floor 15.  Landlord acknowledges that
Tenant owes no Base Rent for Floor 15 for any period prior to April 1, 1994.

     9.  Tenant shall have no obligation to pay Base Rent for any of Floors 31,
32 and 34 for the period commencing on April 1, 1994 and ending on the day
before the date Base Rent for such floor shall commence as provided in Schedule
R-1 hereto.

     Promptly after the execution of this Amendment of Lease, Landlord and
Tenant shall account to each other with respect to Base Rent for Floors 15, 31,
32 and 34, and Tenant shall pay any net amount due to Landlord or Landlord shall
refund any net amount due to Tenant.

     10.  Section 5 of Article XIV of the Lease is hereby amended by deleting
the chart appearing at the end of the second paragraph thereof (which sets forth
Space, Date of Availability and Option) and inserting the following in place
thereof:



Space                         Date of Availability
- -----                         --------------------

26th and 27th floors          On or about May 31, 2000 if the current tenant of
                              such space shall not exercise any option to extend
                              the term of its lease; or

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                              On or about May 31, 2005 if the current tenant of
                              such space shall extend the term of its lease for
                              one five year period but not for a second five
                              year period; or

                              On or about May 31, 2010 if the current tenant of
                              such space shall exercise its options to extend
                              the term of its lease for two periods of five
                              years.

30th floor                    On or about June 1, 1996 if the current tenant of
                              such space shall not exercise its option to extend
                              the term of its lease.

                              On or about June 1, 2001 if the current tenant of
                              such space shall exercise its option to extend the
                              term of its lease.

37th floor                    On or about November 1, 2003 if the current tenant
                              of such space shall not exercise its option to
                              extend the term of its lease; or

                              On or about November 1, 2008 if the current tenant
                              of such space shall exercise its option to extend
                              the term of its lease.

     Section 5 of Article XIV of the Lease is hereby further amended as follows:

     (a)  By deleting the words "eighteen (18) months" appearing in the second
     sentence of the third paragraph thereof and inserting "twelve (12) months"
     in place thereof.

     (b)  By deleting the words "twelve months" appearing in the third sentence
     of the third paragraph thereof and inserting "eleven (11) months" in place
     thereof.

     (c)  By deleting the second sentence of the fourth paragraph thereof and
     inserting the following in place thereof:

          "The time period is thirty days after such notice from Landlord."

     (d)  By deleting the words "Option 1 space" and "sixty (60) days" appearing
     in the fifth paragraph thereof and inserting in place thereof the words
     "such space" and "thirty (30) days", respectively.

     (e)  By deleting the words "sixty (60) days" appearing in the sixth
     paragraph thereof and inserting "thirty (30) days" in place thereof.
 
     11.  Article XIII of the Lease is hereby amended as follows:

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     (a) In the first paragraph of Section 2, the words "either Space A or Space
     B" are hereby deleted and the words "any of Space A, Space B or Space D"
     substituted therefor.

     (b) In Clause (b) of Section 2, (i) the words "either or both Space A or
     Space B (whichever or both shall have been affected by such casualty)" are
     hereby deleted and the words  "any one or more or all of Space A, Space B
     or Space D (whichever one or more or all shall have been affected by such
     casualty)" substituted therefor and (ii) the words "for Space A or Space B
     (whichever or both shall have been affected by such casualty)" are hereby
     deleted and the words "for Space A, Space B or Space D (whichever one or
     more or all shall have been affected by such casualty)" substituted
     therefor.

     (c) In Section 3, (i) the words "whether Space A or Space B (or both)" are
     hereby deleted and the words "whether Space A, Space B or Space D (or any
     one or more or all thereof)" substituted therefor and (ii) the words
     "either Space A or Space B" are hereby deleted and the words "any of Space
     A, Space B or Space D" substituted therefor.

     12.  During the period from the date hereof through December 31, 2000, the
restriction on rental and offering rates for sublettings by Tenant provided in
Article VIII of the Lease shall not be applicable to a total of any three floors
in Space D designated by Tenant.  With respect to the remainder of Space D
(other than the three floors referred to in the preceding sentence) during the
period ending on December 31, 2000 and with respect to all of Space D
thereafter, the restriction on rental and offering rates for sublettings by
Tenant provided in Article VIII of the Lease shall not be applicable to Space D
when Landlord has no competing space (in terms of size) available in the
Building.

     13.  Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that Tenant has dealt with
no broker, finder or other person claiming to be entitled to a commission in
connection with this Amendment of Lease other than U.S. Equities Realty, Inc.,
the compensation of which shall be paid by Tenant.  Landlord represents to
Tenant that it has dealt with no broker, finder or other person claiming to be
entitled to a commission in connection with this Lease other than U.S. Equities
Realty, Inc.

     14.  Upon request, each of Landlord and Tenant shall execute and deliver an
amendment to the Notice of Lease previously executed in connection with the
Lease in order to reflect Tenant's leasing of additional space in the Building
under this Amendment of Lease.

     15.  Except as only expressly amended hereby, the Lease shall continue in
full force and effect.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     WITNESS the execution hereof as an instrument under seal as of the date
first above written.


                           LANDLORD:

                           EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY 
                           COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                           By: 100 Federal Street Realty Corporation, its
                               General Partner



                            By:  /s/ CLARENCE T. HARWOOD
                               -------------------------
                               Its President

                           TENANT:

                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                           By:  /s/ THEODORE M. EDSON
                              -----------------------
                               Its Director, Facilities
                               Hereunto duly authorized

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                  Schedule P-1
                                  ------------


                   Areas Included in Space D, Term and Rights
                    of Extension With Reference to Each Area
                    ----------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                    Rentable          Period of         Options        Term of Each
Floor             Sq. Footage            Term          to Extend          Option
- -----             -----------            ----          ---------          ------ 
<S>               <C>             <C>                   <C>            <C>
 
  20                27,002        4/1/1994-12/31/2008      2              5 Years
                                                                              
  21                27,002        4/1/1994-12/31/2008      2              5 Years
                                                                              
  22                27,002        4/1/1994-12/31/2008      2              5 Years
                                                                              
  23                27,002        4/1/1994-12/31/2008      2              5 Years
                                                                              
  31                28,147        4/1/1994-12/31/2008      2              5 Years
                                                                              
  32                28,147        4/1/1994-12/31/2008      2              5 Years
                                                                              
  34                28,147        4/1/1994-12/31/2008      2              5 Years 
 
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10(jj)


                              AMENDMENT OF LEASE
                              ------------------

     This AMENDMENT OF LEASE (this "Amendment") made as of March 31, 1996
between EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts limited partnership, having an address at 75 State Street, Suite
2450, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ("Landlord"), and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
BOSTON, a national banking association duly organized and existing under the
laws of the United States of America, having its principal place of business at
100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 ("Tenant").

                                  BACKGROUND
                                  ----------

     Landlord and Tenant are Landlord and Tenant, respectively, under an
Indenture of Lease having an effective date as of September 1, 1991 (the
"Original Lease") covering certain premises at 100 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, as amended to date (as so amended, the Original Lease shall be
referred to hereinafter as the "Lease").  The parties desire to amend the Lease
in certain respects as hereinafter set forth.  Capitalized terms not defined
herein shall have the same meaning ascribed to them in the Lease.

                                  WITNESSETH:
                                  ---------- 

     NOW, THEREFORE, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree to amend the Lease as
follows:

     1.   Effective as of July 1, 1996, there shall be added to the Premises
under the Lease the portion of space located on Floor 5M of the Building shown
as the "Additional 5M Premises" on the plan attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
                                                               ---------     
"Additional 5M Premises").  The Additional 5M Premises consists of approximately
1,827 rentable square feet of space.

     2.   Except as expressly provided herein, all terms and provisions of the
Lease that are applicable to the existing space located on Floor 5M of the
Building that is leased by Tenant under the Lease (the "Existing 5M Premises")
shall be applicable to the Additional 5M Premises, except that the Additional 5M
Premises shall be leased to Tenant "as is", it being understood that Landlord
shall have no obligation to bring the Additional 5M Premises into the condition
required by Schedule COND or into compliance with the Americans With
Disabilities Act or to provide any allowance for the Additional 5M Premises.

     3.   Without limiting the generality of Section 2 of this Amendment of
Lease, commencing on April 1, 1996:  (a) the Additional 5M Premises shall be
part of Space B under the Lease; (b) Tenant shall pay Base Rent for the
Additional 5M Premises at the same times and at the same per square foot annual
rates as are specified for the Existing 5M Premises in Schedule R annexed to the
Original Lease, as such per square foot annual rates shall be adjusted from time
to time during the term of the Lease pursuant to such Schedule R; and (c) Tenant
shall make payments on account of Impositions and Operating Expenses escalations

<PAGE>
 
for the Additional 5M Premises at the same times that such payments are due, and
in the same manner that such payments are calculated, for the Existing 5M
Premises.

     4.   Except as only expressly amended hereby, the Lease shall continue in
full force and effect as heretofore.

     WITNESS the execution hereof as an instrument under seal as of the date
first above written.


                              LANDLORD:

                              EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY 
                              COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a 
                              Massachusetts limited partnership

                              By:   100 Federal Street Realty
                                    Corporation, its general partner



                              By:  /S/ STEPHEN M. WOLF
                                 -------------------------
                                  Its: Investment Officer


                              TENANT:

                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON



                              By:  /s/ THEODORE M. EDSON
                                 -------------------------
                                  Its: Director, Facilities



220662

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit A
                                   ---------


                     [Plan Showing Additional 5M Premises]

                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10(kk)


                              AMENDMENT OF LEASE
                              ------------------


          THIS AMENDMENT OF LEASE made as of October 1, 1996 between EQUITABLE
FEDERAL STREET REALTY COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts limited
partnership, having an address at One Boston Place, Suite 2020, Boston,
Massachusetts 02108 ("Landlord"), and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON, a
national banking association duly organized and existing under the laws of the
United States of America, having its principal place of business at 100 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 ("Tenant").

                                  BACKGROUND
                                  ----------

          Landlord and Tenant are Landlord and Tenant, respectively, under an
Indenture of Lease having an effective date as of September 1, 1991, as amended
(the "Lease"), covering certain premises at 100 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts.  The parties desire to amend the Lease in certain respects as
hereinafter set forth.  Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the
meaning ascribed to them in the Lease.

                                  WITNESSETH:
                                  ---------- 

          NOW, THEREFORE, Landlord and Tenant hereby amend the Lease as follows:

          1. Effective as of October 1, 1996 or such later date as the current
occupant shall vacate such space (the "Commencement Date for the 850 SF 5M
Premises"), there shall be added to the Premises under the Lease the space
located on Floor 5M of the Building shown as the "850 SF 5M Premises" on the
plan attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "850 SF 5M Premises"). The 850 SF 5M
                        ---------
Premises consists of approximately 850 rentable square feet.

          2. Except as expressly provided herein, all terms and provisions of
the Lease that are applicable to the existing space located on Floor 5M of the
Building leased by Tenant under the Lease (the "Existing 5M Premises") shall be
applicable to the 850 SF 5M Premises, except that the 850 SF 5M Premises shall
be leased to Tenant "as is", it being understood that Landlord shall have no
obligation to bring the 850 SF 5M Premises into the condition required by
Schedule COND or into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act or to
provide any allowance for the 850 SF 5M Premises.

          3. Without limiting the generality of Section 2 of this Amendment of
Lease, commencing on the Commencement Date for the 850 SF 5M Premises: (a) the
850 SF 5M Premises shall be part of Space B under the Lease; (b) Tenant shall
pay Base Rent for the 850 SF 5M Premises at the rates set forth in Section 4
hereof; and (c) Tenant shall make payments on account of Impositions and
Operating Expenses escalations for the 850 SF 5M Premises at the same times that
such payments are due, and in the same manner that such payments are calculated,
for the Existing 5M Premises.

<PAGE>
 
          4. The annual Base Rent for the 850 SF 5M Premises shall be as
follows:

             Commencement Date for the
             850 SF 5M Premises to                        
             August 31, 1998:               $10.00 per rentable square foot

             September 1, 1998 to                         
             August 31, 2001:               $12.00 per rentable square foot
                                                          
             September 1, 2001 to                         
             August 31, 2006:               $16.00 per rentable square foot
                                                          
             September 1, 2006 to                         
             August 31, 2009:               $18.00 per rentable square foot

          If Tenant shall exercise any option to extend the term of the 850 SF
          5M Premises, the Base Rent therefor shall be the same per square foot
          annual rate as shall be applicable to the existing 5M Premises from
          time to time.

          5. Except as only expressly amended hereby, the Lease shall continue
in full force and effect as heretofore.

          WITNESS the execution hereof as an instrument under seal as of the
date first above written.


                              LANDLORD:

                              EQUITABLE FEDERAL STREET REALTY 
                              COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a 
                              Massachusetts limited partnership

                              By:   100 Federal Street Realty
                                    Corporation, its general partner


                              By:  /s/ JOHN C. SCHOSER 
                                  -------------------------
                                  Its: Investment Officer

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                              TENANT:

                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                              By:  /s/ THEODORE M. EDSON
                                  ---------------------------
                                  Its:  Director, Facilities

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit A
                                   ---------


[Lease plan showing 850 square feet of space on Floor 5M at 100 Federal Street]

                                      -4-

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT 11
                                  -----------

                           BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION

                       Computation of Per Share Earnings

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
EARNINGS (in millions)                                                  Years Ended December 31
                                                     
                                                                           1996         1995        1994           
                                                                         -------      -------     -------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>         <C>
 1.   Net income                                                        $    650     $    678    $    542

 2.   Less:  Preferred dividends                                              37           37          37
                                                                        --------     --------    --------
 3.   Net income applicable to primary
       earnings per common share                                        $    613     $    641    $    505 
                                                                                                          
 4.   Add: Interest expense on convertible
       debentures, net of tax                                                                           4
                                                                        --------     --------    --------
                                                        
 5.   Net income applicable to fully                                          
       diluted earnings per common share                                $    613     $    641    $    509 
                                                                        ========     ========    ========

      SHARES (in thousands)
      ------ 
                             
 6.   Weighted average number of common shares                 
       outstanding                                                       153,529      153,856     148,913 
                             
 7.   Incremental shares from assumed exercise               
       of dilutive stock options as of the                 
       beginning of the period using the treasury           
       stock method                                                        2,583        2,027         674 
                             
 8.   Incremental shares from assumed conversion             
       of debentures at date of issuance                                                  885       4,029     
                                                                        --------     --------    --------

     
 9.   Adjusted number of common shares                                   156,112      156,768     153,616 
                                                                        ========     ========    ========
     
      PER SHARE CALCULATION
      ---------------------
     
 10.  Primary net income per common share                               $   3.99     $   4.17    $   3.39  
      (Item 3 / Item 6); see note below                                                                     
     
 11.  Fully diluted net income per common share
       (Item 5 / Item 9); see note below                                $   3.93     $   4.09    $   3.31 

</TABLE>

Note - Income per common share before extraordinary item, net of tax, on both a
primary and fully diluted basis for the year ended December 31, 1994 is computed
by adding to the numerator the extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of
debt of $7 million.

<PAGE>
 
                                                           EXHIBIT 12(a)

                           BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
        COMPUTATION OF CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

                        (Excluding Interest on Deposits)

The Corporation's ratios of earnings to fixed charges (excluding interest on
deposits) for the five years ended
December 31, 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                    ------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in millions)        
                                        1996       1995      1994      1993      1992
                                       -----      -----     -----     -----      ----
<S>                                  <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>                            
Net income                            $  650     $  678    $  542    $  367      $338
Extraordinary items, net                                        
 of tax                                                          7                (73) 
Cumulative effect of         
 changes                     
  in accounting principles,  
  net of tax                                                            (24)
Income tax expense                       483        529       422       262       190
                                      ------     ------    ------    ------       ---
     Pretax earnings                   1,133      1,207       971       605       455
                                       -----      -----     -----     -----       ---
                             
Fixed charges:               
     Portion of rental       
      expense                
     (net of sublease        
     rental income) which    
     approximates the        
     interest factor                      40         38        35        36        37
                             
Interest on borrowed funds               873      1,079     1,038       384       352
                                       -----      -----     -----     -----      ----
                             
          Total fixed                    913      1,117     1,073       420       389
           charges                     -----      -----     -----     -----      ----
                             
                             
Earnings (for ratio calculation)      $2,046     $2,324    $2,044    $1,025      $844
                                      ======     ======    ======    ======      ====
                             
                             
Total fixed charges                   $  913     $1,117    $1,073    $  420      $389
                                      ======     ======    ======    ======      ====
                             
Ratio of earnings to fixed   
   charges                              2.24       2.08      1.90      2.44      2.17
                                      ======     ======    ======    ======      ====
 
</TABLE>

For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges
"earnings" represent income (before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of
changes in accounting principles) plus applicable income taxes and fixed
charges. "Fixed charges" include gross interest expense (excluding interest on
deposits) and the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor of
rent expense, net of income from subleases.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 12(B)
                           BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
        COMPUTATION OF CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

                        (Including Interest on Deposits)

The Corporation's ratios of earnings to fixed charges (including interest on
deposits) for the five years ended
December 31, 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Years Ended December 31,
                                             ----------------------------------------------- 
(Dollars in millions)
                                             1996      1995      1994      1993       1992
                                            ------    ------    ------    ------     ------
<S>                                         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C> 
Net income                                  $  650    $  678    $  542    $  367     $  338
Extraordinary items, net of tax                                      7                  (73)
Cumulative effect of changes
   in accounting principles, net of tax                                      (24)
Income tax expense                             483       529       422       262        190
                                             -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
     Pretax earnings                         1,133     1,207       971       605        455
                                             -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
 
Fixed charges:
     Portion of rental expense
     (net of sublease
     rental income) which
     approximates the
     interest factor                            40        38        35        36         37
 
Interest on borrowed funds                     873     1,079     1,038       384        352
 
Interest  on deposits                        1,680     1,791     1,301     1,177      1,640
                                             -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
 
          Total fixed charges                2,593     2,908     2,374     1,597      2,029
                                             -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
 
 
Earnings (for ratio calculation)            $3,726    $4,115    $3,345    $2,202     $2,484
                                             =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
 
 
Total fixed charges                         $2,593    $2,908    $2,374    $1,597     $2,029
                                             =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed
   charges                                    1.44      1.42      1.41      1.38       1.22
                                             =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
</TABLE>

For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges
"earnings" represent income before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of
changes in accounting principles plus applicable income taxes and fixed charges.
"Fixed charges" include gross interest expense (including interest on deposits)
and the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor of rent expense,
net of income from subleases.

<PAGE>
 
                                                              EXHIBIT 12(C)

                           BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
  COMPUTATION OF CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND
                     PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS

                        (Excluding Interest on Deposits)

The Corporation's ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred
stock dividend requirements (excluding interest on deposits) for the five years
ended December 31, 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                       Years Ended December 31,
                                            ----------------------------------------------- 
(Dollars in millions)
                                             1996       1995       1994       1993      1992
                                             -----     ------      -----     ------     ----

<S>                                        <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>        <C> 
Net income                                 $   650   $    678    $   542   $   367    $  338
Extraordinary items, net of tax                                        7                 (73)
Cumulative effect of changes
   in accounting principles, net of tax                                        (24)
Income tax expense                             483        529        422       262       190
                                             -----      -----      -----     -----      ----
     Pretax earnings                       $ 1,133   $  1,207    $   971   $   605    $  455
                                             =====      =====      =====     =====      ====
Fixed charges:
  Portion of rental expense
    (net of sublease
     rental income) which
     approximates the
     interest factor                       $    40   $     38    $    35   $    36    $   37
  Interest on borrowed funds                   873      1,079      1,038       384       352
                                             -----      -----      -----     -----      ----
     Total fixed charges                       913      1,117      1,073       420       389
 
Preferred stock dividend
  requirements                                  65         68         67        61        33
                                             -----      -----      -----     -----      ----
Total combined fixed charges
  and preferred stock dividend
  requirements                             $   978   $  1,185    $ 1,140   $   481    $  422
                                             =====      =====      =====     =====      ====
 
Earnings (for ratio calculation)
  (Pretax earnings
  plus total fixed charges)                $ 2,046   $  2,324    $ 2,044   $ 1,025    $  844
                                             =====      =====      =====     =====      ====
 
Ratio of earnings to combined
  fixed charges and preferred
  stock dividend requirements                 2.09       1.96       1.79      2.13      2.00
                                             =====      =====      =====     =====      ====
</TABLE>

For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividend requirements "earnings" represent income
before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles plus applicable income taxes and fixed charges.  "Fixed charges"
include gross interest expense (excluding interest on deposits) and the
proportion deemed representative of the interest factor of rent expense, net of
income from subleases.  Pretax earnings required for preferred stock dividends
were computed using tax rates for the applicable year.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 12(D)
                           BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
  COMPUTATION OF CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND
                     PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS

                        (Including Interest on Deposits)

The Corporation's ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred
stock dividend requirements (including interest on deposits) for the five years
ended December 31, 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)                        -----------------------------------------------
                                              1996      1995      1994      1993       1992
                                             ------    ------    ------    ------     ------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
Net income                                 $   650   $   678   $   542   $   367    $   338
Extraordinary items, net of tax                                      7                  (73)
Cumulative effect of changes
   in accounting principles, net of tax                                      (24)
Income tax expense                             483       529       422       262        190
                                             -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
     Pretax earnings                       $ 1,133   $ 1,207   $   971   $   605    $   455
                                             =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
Fixed charges:
     Portion of rental expense
     (net of sublease
     rental income) which
     approximates the
     interest factor                       $    40   $    38   $    35   $    36    $    37
Interest on borrowed funds                     873     1,079     1,038       384        352
Interest  on deposits                        1,680     1,791     1,301     1,177      1,640
                                             -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
          Total fixed charges                2,593     2,908     2,374     1,597      2,029
 
Preferred stock dividend
  requirements                                  65        68        67        61         33
                                             -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
Total combined fixed charges
  and preferred stock dividend
  requirements                             $ 2,658   $ 2,976   $ 2,441   $ 1,658    $ 2,062
                                             =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
 
Earnings (for ratio calculation)
  (Pretax earnings
  plus total fixed charges)                $ 3,726   $ 4,115   $ 3,345   $ 2,202    $ 2,484
                                             =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
 
Ratio of earnings to combined
  fixed charges and preferred
  stock dividend requirements                 1.40      1.38      1.37      1.33       1.20
                                             =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
</TABLE>

For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividend requirements "earnings" represent income
before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles plus applicable income taxes and fixed charges.  "Fixed charges"
include gross interest expense (including interest on deposits) and the
proportion deemed representative of the interest factor of rent expense, net of
income from subleases.  Pretax earnings required for preferred stock dividends
were computed using tax rates for the applicable year.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 13
  
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31         1996    1995    1994     1993    1992    1991
(dollars in millions, except
per share amounts)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA(1)
Interest income..............  $ 4,893 $ 5,119 $ 4,376  $ 3,330 $ 3,664 $ 4,100
Interest expense.............    2,553   2,870   2,339    1,561   1,992   2,588
                               ------- ------- -------  ------- ------- -------
  Net interest revenue.......    2,340   2,249   2,037    1,769   1,672   1,512
Provision for credit losses..      231     275     154      107     288     684
                               ------- ------- -------  ------- ------- -------
  Net interest revenue after
   provision for credit
   losses....................    2,109   1,974   1,883    1,662   1,384     828
Noninterest income...........    1,344   1,309   1,035      945   1,020     974
Noninterest expense(2).......    2,320   2,076   1,947    2,002   1,949   1,964
                               ------- ------- -------  ------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) before income
 taxes, extraordinary items
 and cumulative effect of
 changes in accounting
 principles..................    1,133   1,207     971      605     455    (162)
  Provision for (Benefit
   from) income taxes........      483     529     422      262     190     (51)
                               ------- ------- -------  ------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) before
 extraordinary items and
 cumulative effect of changes
 in accounting principles....      650     678     549      343     265    (111)
Extraordinary items
 Gains (Losses) from early
  extinguishment of debt, net
  of tax.....................                       (7)                       8
 Recognition of prior year
  tax benefit carryforwards..                                        73
Cumulative effect of changes
 in accounting principles,
 net of tax(3)...............                                24
                               ------- ------- -------  ------- ------- -------
  Net income (loss)..........  $   650 $   678 $   542  $   367 $   338 $  (103)
                               ======= ======= =======  ======= ======= =======
  Net income (loss)
   applicable to common
   stock.....................  $   613 $   641 $   505  $   332 $   318 $  (116)
                               ======= ======= =======  ======= ======= =======
Per common share
 Income (Loss) before
  extraordinary items and
  cumulative effect of
  changes in accounting
  principles
  Primary....................  $  3.99 $  4.17 $  3.44  $  2.09 $  1.77 $  (.95)
  Fully diluted..............     3.93    4.09    3.36     2.05    1.73    (.95)
 Net income (loss)
  Primary....................     3.99    4.17    3.39     2.26    2.30    (.89)
  Fully diluted..............     3.93    4.09    3.31     2.21    2.24    (.89)
 Cash dividends declared(4)..     1.69    1.28     .93      .40     .10     .10
Average number of common
 shares (in thousands)
 Primary.....................  153,529 153,856 148,913  147,033 138,444 129,978
 Fully diluted...............  156,112 156,768 153,616  152,067 144,044 130,313
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Consolidated selected financial data for each of the five years in the pe-
    riod ended December 31, 1995 have been restated to reflect the Corpora-
    tion's acquisition of BayBanks, Inc. (BayBanks), which was completed in
    July 1996 and accounted for as a pooling of interests.
 
(2) Includes, in 1996, $180 million of charges primarily composed of employee
    severance and property related costs recorded in connection with the acqui-
    sition of BayBanks. Includes, in 1995, $28 million of charges mainly re-
    lated to exiting, reorganizing and downsizing certain business and corpo-
    rate staff units. Includes, in 1994, costs of $21 million recorded in con-
    nection with the Corporation's acquisitions of BankWorcester Corporation
    and Pioneer Financial, A Co-operative Bank; and includes, in 1993, acquisi-
    tion-related costs and reorganization charges of $85 million recorded pri-
    marily in connection with the Corporation's acquisitions of Society for
    Savings Bancorp, Inc. (Society) and Multibank Financial Corp., as well as
    estimated costs of downsizing and reconfiguring certain of the Corpora-
    tion's business and corporate units. Also includes, in 1991, reorganization
    charges of $54 million, composed of $7 million in connection with a Society
    reorganization plan and $47 million in connection with the Corporation's
    plans for the consolidation and downsizing of various domestic and interna-
    tional operations and facilities and staff reductions.
 
(3) Includes a cumulative benefit of $77 million resulting from the adoption of
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income
    Taxes," and a cumulative charge of $53 million, net of taxes, relating to a
    change in accounting principles pertaining to the valuation of purchased
    mortgage servicing rights.
 
(4) Amounts represent the historical cash dividends of the Corporation.


                                     20
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31     1996     1995     1994     1993     1992     1991
(dollars in millions,
except per share amounts)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
SELECTED RATIOS(1)
Return on average
assets...................     1.09%    1.22%    1.01%     .76%     .73%    (.22)%
Return on average common
equity(5)................    14.47    16.86    15.50    11.39    12.86    (5.20)
Common dividend payout
ratio(6).................     40.4     28.1     24.9     14.4      3.4       NM
Common equity to total
assets...................      7.1      7.1      6.2      6.1      5.9      4.6
Average total
stockholders' equity to
average total assets.....      8.0      7.7      7.1      7.1      6.0      5.1
Risk-based capital ratios
  Tier 1.................      9.2      8.5      7.7      7.7      7.4      5.5
  Total..................     13.6     12.8     12.7     12.4     11.8      9.7
Leverage ratio...........      8.2      7.4      6.7      6.9      6.6      4.8
Net credit losses to
average loans and lease
financing................      .57      .51      .81      .87     1.38     1.99
Reserve for credit losses
to loans and lease
financing................     2.15     2.29     2.19     2.70     3.57     3.98
Reserve for credit losses
to nonaccrual loans and
lease financing..........    219.6    238.9    197.0    142.2    116.3     72.8
Nonaccrual loans and OREO
as a percent of related
asset categories.........      1.1      1.1      1.5      2.5      4.2      7.1
Market value/book value..    222.4    171.2    112.2    108.9    134.4     67.7
BALANCE SHEET DATA AT
DECEMBER 31(1)
Loans and lease
financing................  $41,061  $38,870  $37,708  $34,819  $31,240  $31,764
Reserve for credit
losses...................     (883)    (890)    (827)    (941)  (1,116)  (1,264)
Total assets.............   62,306   59,423   55,411   50,711   47,222   47,837
Deposits.................   42,831   41,064   40,249   38,316   38,097   38,064
Funds borrowed...........    9,158    9,503    7,211    5,487    3,092    4,762
Notes payable............    2,821    2,189    2,219    2,023    1,736    1,469
Stockholders' equity.....    4,934    4,702    3,931    3,615    3,198    2,420
Common shares outstanding
(in thousands)...........  153,173  155,296  148,343  147,036  145,379  130,265
Common stockholders of
record(7)................   27,672   27,662   27,505   28,233   30,163   32,965
Number of employees......   21,990   23,710   24,009   24,215   24,986   24,283
Per common share
 Book value..............  $ 28.89  $ 27.01  $ 23.07  $ 21.13  $ 18.98  $ 16.98
 Market value............   64 1/4   46 1/4   25 7/8       23   25 1/2   11 1/2
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
DATA(1)
Loans and lease
financing................  $40,589  $38,283  $36,017  $32,565  $31,568  $33,001
Securities...............    8,122    7,463    6,473    5,631    6,272    6,347
Other earning assets.....    4,699    3,821    5,027    4,684    3,818    3,974
                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
  Total earning assets...   53,410   49,567   47,517   42,880   41,658   43,322
                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Cash and due from banks..    2,610    2,591    2,708    2,419    2,200    2,039
Other assets.............    3,503    3,586    3,164    2,638    2,432    2,229
                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
  Total average assets...  $59,523  $55,744  $53,389  $47,937  $46,290  $47,590
                           =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
Deposits.................  $41,603  $38,406  $37,919  $37,163  $37,643  $38,534
Funds borrowed...........    8,751    9,132    8,018    4,500    3,633    3,910
Other liabilities........    1,759    1,760    1,563    1,087    1,000    1,101
Notes payable(8).........    2,666    2,142    2,123    1,797    1,252    1,607
Stockholders' equity.....    4,744    4,304    3,766    3,390    2,762    2,438
                           -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
  Total average
  liabilities and
  stockholders' equity...  $59,523  $55,744  $53,389  $47,937  $46,290  $47,590
                           =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(5) For purposes of this ratio, preferred stock dividends have been deducted
    from net income.
 
(6) Ratios prior to 1996 are based on the historical cash dividends and net in-
    come applicable to common stock of the Corporation.
 
(7) The number of stockholders of record includes banks and brokers who act as
    nominees, each of whom may represent more than one stockholder.
 
(8) Average for 1996 includes guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in the
    Corporation's junior subordinated debt.
 
NM--Not meaningful.


                                     21
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On July 29, 1996, Bank of Boston Corporation (the Corporation) completed its
acquisition of BayBanks, Inc. (BayBanks). The acquisition was accounted for as
a pooling of interests and, accordingly, the information included in this re-
port presents the combined results of the Corporation and BayBanks as if the
Corporation and BayBanks had operated as a combined entity for all periods pre-
sented.
 
The Corporation is a registered bank holding company which, together with its
subsidiaries, operates a network of 650 offices across the U.S. and more than
100 offices in 24 countries in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The Cor-
poration's major banking subsidiaries are The First National Bank of Boston
(FNBB), BayBank, N.A., Bank of Boston Connecticut, Rhode Island Hospital Trust
National Bank and BayBank NH, N.A.
 
ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
 
The Corporation continues to take strategic initiatives focused on leveraging
its core competencies over attractive markets, and continues to explore, on an
ongoing basis, acquisition, divestiture and joint venture opportunities, as
well as analyze each of its businesses in the context of competitive advan-
tages, industry dynamics and growth potential. As previously announced, the
Corporation recently terminated an agreement to sell Fidelity Acceptance Corpo-
ration (FAC) to a third party. The Corporation is continuing its strategic re-
view of this business and its other national consumer lending businesses (Ganis
Credit Corporation and the national credit card portfolio). These businesses
have aggregate loans of approximately $3 billion.
 
ACQUISITIONS
 
BayBanks was acquired in a tax-free exchange of stock, whereby the Corporation
exchanged 2.2 shares of its common stock for each outstanding share of BayBanks
common stock. The combination of the two Boston-based institutions created a
consumer and corporate banking entity with over $60 billion in assets and $40
billion in deposits.
 
In connection with the Corporation's acquisition of BayBanks, and specifically
to address competitive issues raised by the United States Department of Justice
and the Massachusetts Attorney General relative to the transaction, the Corpo-
ration sold 20 branches of the combined entity, having aggregate deposits of
approximately $700 million and loans of approximately $500 million, in the
fourth quarter of 1996, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $47 mil-
lion, or $27 million after-tax.
 
On June 28, 1996, the Corporation completed its acquisition of The Boston
Bancorp (Bancorp), the holding company of South Boston Savings Bank, a Massa-
chusetts chartered savings bank with approximately $1.3 billion in deposits.
The Corporation exchanged 4.6 million shares of its common stock, with a value
of approximately $229 million, for all of the outstanding common stock of
Bancorp. The Corporation purchased an equivalent amount of shares in the open
market for this transaction. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase,
and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Bancorp were recorded at their
estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.
 
DIVESTITURES AND STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
 
In the first half of 1996, the Corporation completed a transaction with two eq-
uity investment firms and Barnett Banks, Inc. (Barnett) to form an independent
mortgage company, HomeSide, Inc. (HomeSide), to which the Corporation and Bar-
nett sold their mortgage banking subsidiaries, BancBoston Mortgage Corporation
(BBMC) and Barnett Mortgage Company, respectively. The Corporation, Barnett and
the two equity investment firms each held an approximate one-third interest in
HomeSide, which, as a result of an initial public offering in January 1997, was
reduced to approximately 27 percent. The Corporation recognized a pre-tax gain
of $106 million ($67 million after-tax) relating to this transaction, which was
offset by a pre-tax loss of $111 million ($70 million after-tax) related to
mortgage prepayment risk management activities (see the "Noninterest Income"
section).
 
In October 1995, the Corporation sold its Corporate Trust business, resulting
in a pre-tax gain of $20 million, or $12 million after-tax.
 
Effective in October 1995, the Corporation formed a joint venture with Boston
Financial Data Services (a joint venture of State Street Bank and Trust Company
and DST Systems, Inc.), which combined their respective stock transfer busi-
nesses into a single entity that is 50 percent owned by each party.
 
In the first quarter of 1995, the Corporation completed the sales of its Ver-
mont and Maine banking subsidiaries, Bank of Vermont (Vermont) and Casco North-
ern Bank, N.A. (Casco), resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $75 mil-
lion, or $30 million after-tax. Vermont and Casco combined had loans of approx-
imately $1.2 billion and deposits of approximately $1.3 billion at December 31,
1994.
 
Additional information with regard to certain of these transactions is included
in Note 2 to the Financial Statements.


                                     22
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of the Corporation's consolidated
results of operations. In order to understand this section in context, it
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements in-
cluded elsewhere in this report.
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Corporation's net income for 1996 was $650 million, compared to $678 mil-
lion for 1995. Net income per common share was $3.99 on a primary basis and
$3.93 on a fully diluted basis in 1996, compared with $4.17 on a primary basis
and $4.09 on a fully diluted basis in 1995. In connection with its acquisition
of BayBanks, the Corporation recorded restructuring and merger-related costs of
$180 million ($117 million after-tax). See the "Noninterest Expense" section
and Note 19 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of restructuring
and merger-related costs. Excluding the effects of the above third quarter re-
structuring and merger-related costs, as well as other charges related to the
BayBanks acquisition and items related to the sale of the mortgage banking sub-
sidiary, 1996 net income was $773 million, or $4.71 per common share on a fully
diluted basis, reflecting 14 percent and 15 percent increases, respectively,
from 1995.
 
The Corporation expects to achieve total annualized cost savings of $230 mil-
lion in connection with the integration of BayBanks. The complex and lengthy
process of integration is well underway and the major systems and branch con-
versions are expected to be completed by the middle of 1997, with the full re-
alization of these savings expected to be achieved in 1998. The $180 million
third quarter 1996 restructuring and merger-related charge described above does
not include costs related to the conversion of systems and various other inte-
gration related activities. These costs will be recorded in the future as they
are incurred during the conversion and integration process. In addition, the
Corporation is evaluating the Regional Consumer business in order to enhance
its profitability and value to stockholders. In this regard, the Corporation
may take various actions to achieve its goals, which could include a further
restructuring of certain components of the business.
 
The Corporation's expectations with respect to potential cost savings are for-
ward-looking statements. Many factors could affect the Corporation's future fi-
nancial performance and cause actual cost savings to differ materially from
estimated amounts. These factors, some of which are beyond the control of the
Corporation, include, but are not limited to, the regulatory environment, re-
gional and national economic conditions, inflation, competition, changes in in-
tegration plans, interest rate fluctuations and unanticipated changes in busi-
ness conditions. Therefore, the ultimate level of such expected cost savings
and the period within which such cost savings may be realized or achieved can-
not be predicted with certainty.
 
NET INTEREST REVENUE
 
This discussion of net interest revenue should be read in conjunction with Av-
erage Balances and Interest Rates and Change in Net Interest Revenue -- Volume
and Rate Analysis, presented elsewhere in this report. Table 1 presents a sum-
mary of net interest revenue, related average earning assets and net interest
margin. For this review of net interest revenue, interest income that is either
exempt from federal income taxes or taxed at a preferential rate has been ad-
justed to a fully taxable equivalent basis. This adjustment has been calculated
using a federal income tax rate of 35 percent, plus applicable state and local
taxes, net of related federal tax benefits.
 
TABLE 1 -- NET INTEREST REVENUE, AVERAGE EARNING ASSETS AND NET INTEREST MARGIN
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31
(dollars in millions)                       U.S.    International Consolidated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>      <C>           <C>
Net interest revenue (fully taxable
equivalent basis)
 1996..................................... $ 1,826     $   534      $ 2,360
 1995.....................................   1,825         446        2,271
 1994.....................................   1,704         348        2,052
Average earning assets
 1996..................................... $40,211     $13,199      $53,410
 1995.....................................  38,688      10,879       49,567
 1994.....................................  37,711       9,806       47,517
Net interest margin
 1996.....................................    4.54%       4.05%        4.42%
 1995.....................................    4.72%       4.10%        4.58%
 1994.....................................    4.52%       3.54%        4.32%
</TABLE>
 




1996 COMPARED WITH 1995
 
The improvement in consolidated net interest revenue of $89 million was primar-
ily driven by an increase in average earning assets. The decrease in consoli-
dated net interest margin of 16 basis points was due to overall narrower
spreads. Net interest margin remained flat throughout 1996, with a slight in-
crease to 4.47 percent in the fourth quarter of 1996, and decreased throughout
1995 to 4.50 percent in the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
Domestic net interest revenue was relatively unchanged from 1995 to 1996. Aver-
age earning assets increased by $1.5 billion, including a $1.1 billion increase
in average loan and lease volume. Contributing to the loan volume increase was
a higher level of consumer-related loans, reflecting growth in the credit card,
home equity and installment loan portfolios, with such growth partially offset
by lower domestic commercial real estate loans and residential mortgages. The
impact of these volume increases on net interest revenue was offset by an 18
basis point decline in net interest margin, reflecting narrower spreads. Nar-
rower spreads resulted from the full year effect of a new higher-rate savings
product introduced in the second quarter of 1995, low introductory credit card
rates and a change in the mix of average earning assets. Information with re-
spect to the Corporation's management of interest rate risk is discussed in the
"Asset and Liability Management" section.
 
International net interest revenue increased $88 million primarily due to in-
creases in average earning assets, reflecting increases in the Corporation's
operations in Latin America, mainly Argentina and Brazil. The increases in av-
erage earning assets included increases of $650 million and $450 million in av-
erage loans and leases from 1995 in Brazil and Argentina, respectively, and in-
creases in other average earning assets of $470 million and $400 million, re-
spectively, in these countries. The effect of the higher level of average earn-
ing assets was partially offset by a 5 basis point decline in net interest mar-
gin reflecting narrower spreads, primarily in Argentina as a result of less
volatile markets as the economy rebounded from the effects of the 1995 Mexican
crisis.


                                     23
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation expects continued pressure on margin in the future. Future lev-
els of net interest revenue and margin will be affected by competitive pricing
pressure on retail deposits, loans and other products; the mix and volume of
assets and liabilities; the current interest rate environment; the economic and
political conditions in the countries where the Corporation does business; and
other factors such as the Corporation's strategic initiatives.
 
NONINTEREST INCOME
 
The composition of noninterest income is presented in Table 2.
 
TABLE 2 -- NONINTEREST INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                    1996    1995   1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>    <C>
Financial service fees
 Deposit and ATM-related fees............................ $  238  $  231 $  236
 Letter of credit and acceptance fees....................     68      72     63
 Syndication and agent fees..............................     58      38     30
 Other loan-related fees.................................     38      34     31
 Net mortgage servicing fees.............................    (82)    172     63
 Other financial service fees............................    154     148    141
                                                          ------  ------ ------
  Total financial service fees...........................    474     695    564
Mutual fund fees.........................................     94      67     35
Personal trust fees......................................    131     112    114
Other trust and agency fees..............................     21      61     73
Trading profits and commissions..........................     76      25     18
Securities portfolio gains, net..........................     23       9     14
Net equity and mezzanine profits.........................    209     110     30
Net foreign exchange trading profits.....................     54      60     44
Gain on sale of mortgage servicing.......................     13      10     11
Other income.............................................     96      65    105
Gain on sales of businesses..............................    153      95     27
                                                          ------  ------ ------
  Total.................................................. $1,344  $1,309 $1,035
                                                          ======  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
1996 COMPARED WITH 1995
 
The decrease in financial service fees compared with 1995 reflected a $254 mil-
lion decline in net mortgage servicing fees. This resulted, in part, from $111
million of pre-tax losses ($70 million after-tax) from risk management activi-
ties, net of decreased mortgage servicing amortization, recorded during the
first quarter of 1996 by BBMC. These losses resulted from the change in market
value of contracts used to manage prepayment risk in the mortgage servicing
portfolio which, in turn, protected the economic value of BBMC pending the com-
pletion of its sale to HomeSide. The value of mortgage servicing rights is af-
fected by the expected level of prepayments made by mortgage holders as a re-
sult of changes in mortgage rates. The value of the contracts purchased to man-
age this risk fluctuated inversely with the value of the mortgage servicing as-
sets. Due to the sharp increase in long-term interest rates during the first
quarter of 1996, the value of these contracts declined. Concurrently, the value
of the mortgage servicing assets and the amount of gain recognized by the Cor-
poration on the disposition of BBMC increased. As a result, the losses from
risk management activities were substantially offset by the pre-tax gain of
$106 million ($67 million after-tax) realized on the sale of BBMC, which is in-
cluded in gain on sales of businesses. The decline in net mortgage servicing
fees also reflected the absence of $67 million of gains on contracts used to
manage prepayment risk in the mortgage servicing portfolio in 1995, as well as
a reduction arising from the sale of BBMC in 1996.
 
Excluding net mortgage servicing fees, financial service fees increased $33
million compared with 1995. The increase was primarily due to increases in syn-
dication and agent fees, reflecting a higher volume of transactions generated
by the Corporation's Syndications business.
 
Net equity and mezzanine profits generated by the Private Equity Investing
business increased significantly compared with the prior year period due to a
higher level of gains realized on dispositions of investments, primarily as a
result of a seasoning of the portfolio and favorable market conditions. The
portfolio has been steadily increasing and has grown over $200 million during
1996 to a cost basis in excess of $700 million at December 31. In addition, the
portfolio is diversified as to industry, geography and asset class. The level
of net profits from the Private Equity Investing business is influenced by mar-
ket and economic conditions and, as such, fluctuates from period to period.
Therefore, there can be no assurance as to the level of future equity and mez-
zanine profits. Mutual fund fees increased primarily due to higher fees from
the Corporation's Brazilian mutual fund business, reflecting growth in these
funds to $3.7 billion at December 31, 1996 from $2.5 billion at December 31,
1995. The decline in other trust and agency fees reflected the Corporation's
sale of its Corporate Trust business and the joint venture of its Stock Trans-
fer business in the fourth quarter of 1995. Compared to the prior year period,
trading profits and commissions increased, mainly due to increases from the
Corporation's emerging markets business and its Brazilian operations, which in-
cluded trading international debt securities and local Brazilian equity securi-
ties. The increase in other income was due, in part, to increased equity earn-
ings related to the Corporation's mortgage banking, shareholder services and
Argentine pension fund joint ventures.
 
Gain on sales of businesses in 1996 reflected a pre-tax gain of $106 million on
the sale of BBMC as discussed above, and a pre-tax gain of $47 million result-
ing from the sale of 20 branches in connection with the Corporation's acquisi-
tion of BayBanks. In 1995, the Corporation sold Vermont and Casco for a pre-tax
gain of $75 million, and its Corporate Trust business for a pre-tax gain of
$20 million.


                                      24
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
The composition of noninterest expense is presented in Table 3.
 
TABLE 3 -- NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                     1996   1995   1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>    <C>    <C>
Employee costs............................................ $1,178 $1,146 $1,046
Occupancy and equipment...................................    341    324    310
Advertising and public relations..........................    108     87     64
Communications............................................    101     90     82
Professional fees.........................................     56     65     71
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles............     34     28     18
FDIC insurance premiums...................................            39     73
Other.....................................................    313    260    224
                                                           ------ ------ ------
 Noninterest expense before acquisition, divestiture and
 restructuring expense and OREO...........................  2,131  2,039  1,888
Acquisition, divestiture and restructuring expense........    180     28     21
OREO......................................................      9      9     38
                                                           ------ ------ ------
 Total.................................................... $2,320 $2,076 $1,947
                                                           ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
1996 COMPARED WITH 1995
 
The growth in noninterest expense before restructuring and merger-related costs
and other real estate owned (OREO) costs reflected ongoing expansion and in-
vestment spending in several of the Corporation's growth businesses, mainly
Latin America, Global Capital Markets and Consumer Banking. The increases in
noninterest expense were partially offset by cost savings related to the inte-
gration of BayBanks, the elimination of FDIC insurance premiums in 1996, which
amounted to $39 million in 1995, and the absence of operating expenses associ-
ated with disposed businesses, including BBMC, the Corporate Trust business and
the Stock Transfer business.
 
Employee costs increased by $32 million compared with 1995. The increase in em-
ployee costs mainly included merit increases, higher levels of incentive com-
pensation related to improved business performance and costs related to the
hiring of sales and trading professionals in all of the Global Capital Markets
businesses, including the start-up of a high-yield debt unit, and the effects
of the June 1996 acquisition of Bancorp. Total staff levels decreased by about
7 percent, or 1,700, from December 31, 1995, principally due to the business
dispositions noted above and the BayBanks integration. See Note 2 to the Finan-
cial Statements for further discussion of this transaction.
 
The $17 million increase in occupancy and equipment primarily related to branch
expansion, mainly in Latin America. Advertising and public relations expenses
increased $21 million due to direct marketing and promotional campaigns relat-
ing to credit card, home equity and other products in Consumer Banking. The $11
million increase in communications expense resulted from expansion in Regional
Consumer and Latin America. The $53 million increase in other expenses is due,
in part, to increases in travel expenses and software costs, which were primar-
ily related to the maintenance of the Corporation's banking systems, including
money and wire transfer and electronic banking.
 
In the third quarter of 1996, the Corporation recorded restructuring and merg-
er-related costs of $180 million in connection with its acquisition of
BayBanks. The charges included severance costs, primarily related to separation
programs and employee assistance costs, related to the elimination of approxi-
mately 2,000 positions; facility costs and other restructuring and merger-re-
lated costs, including consolidations of branch and back office operations, re-
sulting in lease termination costs and writedowns of bank owned property and
equipment; and professional fees and other costs of effecting the merger; as
well as systems and other conversion costs which were incurred at the time of
the merger.
 
The $180 million third quarter 1996 restructuring and merger-related charge de-
scribed above does not include costs related to the conversion of systems and
various other integration related activities. These costs will be recorded in
the future as they are incurred during the conversion and integration process.
In addition, the Corporation is evaluating the Regional Consumer business in
order to enhance its profitability and value to stockholders. In this regard,
the Corporation may take various actions to achieve its goals, which could in-
clude a further restructuring of certain components of the business.
 
In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Corporation recorded $28 million of restruc-
turing charges mainly related to exiting, reorganizing and downsizing certain
business and corporate staff units. Included in these charges were expenses re-
lated to reorganizations of the European business, including the closing of the
Luxembourg operations; Corporate Banking; certain Asia/Pacific operations, and
various other units.
 
See Note 19 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of acquisition,
divestiture and restructuring expense.
 
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
The provision for credit losses was $231 million in 1996, compared with $275
million in 1995. The 1995 provision for credit losses included special provi-
sions of $75 million, reflecting the effect of economic events on Latin Ameri-
can economies in the early part of 1995, and industry trends in consumer cred-
it, combined with the growth in the Corporation's Latin American lending and
domestic consumer lending portfolios throughout 1995. See Note 7 to the Finan-
cial Statements for further discussion of the provision for credit losses.
 
The provision for credit losses in each year reflects management's assessment
of the adequacy of the reserve for credit losses, considering the current risk
characteristics of the loan portfolio and economic conditions. The amount of
future provisions will be a function of the regular quarterly review of the re-
serve for credit losses, based upon management's assessment of risk at the
time, and, as such, there can be no assurance as to the level of future provi-
sions.
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
The 1996 income tax provision was $483 million, compared with $529 million for
1995. Included in the 1996 provision is a tax benefit of $63 million related to
the $180 million of restructuring and merger-related costs recorded in connec-
tion with the acquisition of BayBanks. The low level of tax benefit associated
with the charge reflects the effect of certain non-tax deductible costs associ-
ated with the acquisition. The 1995 provision for income taxes included $45
million associated with the $75 million gain on the sales of Vermont and Casco.
The high level of tax associated with this gain reflected the lower tax bases
in these investments as a result of $35 million of non-tax deductible goodwill
associated with these subsidiaries.


                                      25
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excluding the impact of restructuring and merger-related costs and the gains on
the sales of the banking subsidiaries, the Corporation's effective tax rate was
42 percent in 1996 compared with 43 percent in 1995. The reduction in the Cor-
poration's effective tax rate from 1995 is due to the effect of changes in Mas-
sachusetts tax law in mid-1995 which permitted apportionment of a bank's tax-
able income and reduced the state income tax rate for banks from 12.5 percent
to 10.5 percent, to be phased in over five years. The Corporation expects that
the changes in the Massachusetts tax law will continue to have a favorable im-
pact on its effective tax rate.
 
LINE OF BUSINESS RESULTS
 
The Corporation is managed through its Policy Council, which is the senior de-
cision making group of the institution. The Policy Council is comprised of 14
members including the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Offi-
cer and Chief Financial Officer. The remaining members of the Policy Council
include seven executives who manage certain key businesses, the Corporation's
Chief of Staff, and the chairs of the corporate-wide Risk Management and Human
Resources committees.
 
Management has grouped its principal revenue producing areas into the following
major business lines: Corporate Banking, Regional Consumer and Small Business,
Latin America, Global Asset Management and Other Global. The operating results
and other key financial measures of these five business lines for 1996 and 1995
are presented below. Information related to the Corporation's remaining busi-
nesses, various central functions and other corporate items has been aggregated
and is included below in "Other Businesses and Corporate." This includes the
national consumer businesses, which are currently being strategically evalu-
ated. Information shown for 1995 is presented on a basis consistent with 1996
and, as such, has been restated for changes in the Corporation's organization
and management reporting methodologies.
 
The line of business information shown below mainly reflects assignments and
allocations of items made within the Corporation's internal management report-
ing process. Descriptions of individual items are as follows:
 
 . Most balance sheet, revenue and expense items are derived from the internal
   management reporting system where they are specifically attributable to in-
   dividual businesses.
 
 . Net interest revenue is allocated to the business lines using a funds
   transfer pricing process, which incorporates a matched funding concept,
   with the residual assigned to Global Treasury.
 
 . Various techniques are employed to allocate certain costs associated with
   corporate support areas, including the use of unit costs and service vol-
   umes.
 
 . The provision for credit losses is allocated to each business line primar-
   ily based upon the risk characteristics of various credit portfolios and
   resulting "expected loss" content in the loan portfolio as determined under
   the Corporation's risk adjusted return on capital (RAROC) methodology. Ex-
   pected loss is a function of the likelihood that a borrower will default
   and, given a default, the amount of value that will be lost. This method is
   different than the method used to determine the Corporation's consolidated
   provision for credit losses. The difference between the sum of the provi-
   sions for each business line and the corporate total is allocated to the
   businesses on a pro-rata basis.
 
 . The effective tax rate applied to each business line reflects the consoli-
   dated tax rate, excluding certain corporate items.
 
 . The return on equity shown for each business line is based upon the Corpo-
   ration's RAROC methodology. The amount of common equity allocated to each
   business line is based on an evaluation of the various risks associated
   with the business, including credit, market, country and operational risk.
   The difference between the aggregate capital allocated under this methodol-
   ogy and capital totaling 7 percent of consolidated assets is allocated to
   the business lines on a pro-rata basis. Capital in excess of 7 percent of
   consolidated assets is included in "Other Businesses and Corporate".
 
Selected financial information for the Corporation's lines of business for 1996
and 1995 is presented in Table 4.












 
TABLE 4 -- LINE OF BUSINESS SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Corporate       Regional Consumer                     Global Asset
                             Banking       and Small Business    Latin America     Management     Other Global
Years Ended December 31   1996     1995      1996       1995      1996     1995    1996    1995    1996    1995
(dollars in millions)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Operating
 revenues.......         $ 1,138  $   987  $   1,186  $   1,141  $   745  $  591  $  259  $  251  $  122  $  117
Operating
 expenses.......             477      399        833        757      463     395     184     195      77      77
                         -------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
Operating
 income.........             661      588        353        384      282     196      75      56      45      40
Acquisition,
 divestiture and
 restructuring
 expense........
Credit costs
 (provision and
 OREO)..........              80      118         28         33       31      31       2       2       5       7
                         -------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
Pre-tax income..             581      470        325        351      251     165      73      54      40      33
Taxes...........             247      206        139        154      106      72      31      24      17      14
                         -------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
Net income
 (loss).........         $   334  $   264  $     186  $     197  $   145  $   93  $   42  $   30  $   23  $   19
                         =======  =======  =========  =========  =======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======
Average assets..         $21,283  $20,271  $   7,743  $   6,854  $10,417  $8,901  $1,195  $1,211  $2,890  $2,657
Average
 deposits.......         $ 3,426  $ 3,316  $  24,147  $  22,311  $ 4,234  $3,527  $2,532  $2,612  $3,435  $2,891
Return on
 average common
 equity.........              20%      18%        21%        25%      19%     13%     28%     22%     12%     10%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                         Other Businesses
                           and Corporate         Total
Years Ended December 31    1996      1995    1996     1995
(dollars in millions)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
Operating
 revenues.......         $    254  $    493 $ 3,704  $ 3,580
Operating
 expenses.......               97       216   2,131    2,039
                         --------- -------- -------- --------
Operating
 income.........              157       277   1,573    1,541
Acquisition,
 divestiture and
 restructuring
 expense........              180        28     180       28
Credit costs
 (provision and
 OREO)..........               94        93     240      284
                         --------- -------- -------- --------
Pre-tax income..             (117)      156   1,153    1,229
Taxes...........              (37)       81     503      551
                         --------- -------- -------- --------
Net income
 (loss).........         $    (80) $     75 $   650  $   678
                         ========= ======== ======== ========
Average assets..         $ 15,995  $ 15,850 $59,523  $55,744
Average
 deposits.......         $  3,829  $  3,749 $41,603  $38,406
Return on
 average common
 equity.........               NM        NM      14%      17%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NM--Not meaningful.

                                      26
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE BANKING
 
Corporate Banking includes the Corporation's national and regional commercial
lending, Global Capital Markets, Cash Management and Private Equity Investing
businesses.
 
The national and regional commercial lending businesses manage a $17 billion
portfolio of loans and leases spread over a variety of lending units which in-
clude Media and Communications, High Technology, Transportation, Environmental
Services, Real Estate, New England Corporate Banking, Large Corporate, Asset
Based Finance, Diversified Finance, Multinational, Financial Institutions and
Leasing. Working closely with the Global Capital Markets area, these commercial
lending businesses seek to partner with their clients by delivering relation-
ship-driven financial solutions through traditional lending products, cash man-
agement products, trade services, other noncredit services, and sophisticated
corporate finance and risk management capabilities. Within Global Capital Mar-
kets, clients have access to domestic and cross-border syndication, private
placement, asset securitization and strategic advisory services. These services
are offered through the Corporate Finance, Syndications, Emerging Markets
Sales, Trading & Research (EMSTR), and High Yield Sales, Trading & Research
(HYSTR) areas. In addition, the Corporation received approval to open a Section
20 subsidiary in the first quarter of 1997, which will provide customers with
debt underwriting services.
 
The Private Equity Investing business operates from offices in the United
States, London, South America and Hong Kong. It invests in early stage compa-
nies and other special situations with the expectation of exiting investments
within a four to six year timeframe. The portfolio, with a cost basis of over
$700 million at December 31, 1996, is diversified as to asset class, risk and
industry. Gains are realized from multiple exit channels including initial pub-
lic offerings, recapitalizations and financial and strategic buyouts.
 
Net income from Corporate Banking grew $70 million from 1995. Revenue growth
came primarily from higher equity and mezzanine gains recorded by Private Eq-
uity Investing coupled with higher levels of income from various segments of
the Global Capital Markets business, including syndication fees, advisory fees
and trading account profits. In addition, credit costs declined due, in part,
to improvement in the risk characteristics of the portfolio. The improvements
in revenue and credit costs more than offset an increase in expenses which re-
sulted mainly from investment spending in the Global Capital Markets area. Dur-
ing 1996, investments were made to expand the EMSTR and HYSTR businesses, in-
cluding costs associated with the Section 20 subsidiary's infrastructure.
 
REGIONAL CONSUMER AND SMALL BUSINESS
 
Regional Consumer and Small Business provides a distribution network that
serves over 1.8 million households and over 100,000 small businesses through
approximately 550 branches spanning Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
and New Hampshire. With over $24 billion of deposits, the business functions as
a major funding source for the Corporation's domestic operations. Over three-
quarters of the branches are located in Massachusetts, where the Corporation is
ranked number one in deposit market share. Presently, the branches in Massachu-
setts are operating under two labels, BayBanks and Bank of Boston. It is ex-
pected that the underlying systems of the two banks will be merged by the mid-
dle of 1997 and all locations will begin operating under the common brand name
of BankBoston. As a by-product of this integration process, 65 branches will be
closed by the middle of 1997.
 
In addition to offering consumers traditional branch banking and deposit prod-
ucts, the Corporation also provides its customers with a wide variety of other
products and services:
 
 . Over 1,500 ATM machines provide customers with 24 hour access to their ac-
   counts.
 . Included in the approximately 550 branches are 73 in-store branches, which
   provide convenient banking services to customers where they shop.
 . In excess of 200,000 customers have availed themselves of home banking serv-
   ices through the use of their personal computers.
 . Complete telephone banking services are provided through two state of the
   art call centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that handle 28 million
   calls annually.
 
Regional Consumer and Small Business also manages a $6 billion loan portfolio,
of which $5 billion are consumer loans and $1 billion are small business loans.
A variety of loan products including home equity, residential mortgage, educa-
tion, automobile and other installment loans are offered to consumers in the
region. Through the small business banking area, the Corporation services com-
mercial customers with annual revenues of up to $10 million and is ranked as
the top Small Business Administration lender in Massachusetts.
 
Net income from Regional Consumer and Small Business declined $11 million from
1995 as an increase in expenses was partially offset by higher revenue and
lower credit costs. Expense growth was due, in part, to increases from continu-
ing investments in new technology, the acquisition of Bancorp and marketing
campaigns related to various consumer banking products. These expense increases
more than offset cost savings from the initial stages of the BayBanks integra-
tion. The increase in revenue from 1995 reflected higher levels of average
earning assets and retail deposits, partially offset by higher deposit costs.
 
LATIN AMERICA
 
The Latin America line of business operates through a network of approximately
100 offices. Individual businesses include Brazil, Southern Cone (Argentina,
Chile and Uruguay) and Northern Latin America (Panama, Colombia, Mexico and Pe-
ru).
 
The Corporation's largest foreign operations are located in Argentina and Bra-
zil. The Corporation has operated in Argentina since 1917, has a network of 44
branches and is one of the largest foreign banks in the country. The Corpora-
tion's Argentine operations offer a wide array of products within the corpo-
rate, middle market, treasury and retail businesses. Products and services of-
fered include commercial and investment banking, credit cards, residential
mortgages, automobile loans, mutual funds, brokerage, custody and portfolio
management. The Argentine operations also participate in an Argentine pension
joint venture, which was formed in response to the country's privatization of
the pension system, and has approximately $550 million of assets under manage-
ment and market share of approximately 10 percent.


                                      27
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation has operated in Brazil since 1946, has a network of 32 branches
and is one of the largest foreign banks in the country. The principal busi-
nesses of the Corporation's Brazilian operations include corporate lending,
trade financing, treasury and fee-based activities, with particular emphasis on
mutual funds, custody and credit cards. The Corporation's mutual funds under
management in Brazil amounted to $3.7 billion at December 31, 1996, compared
with $2.5 billion at December 31, 1995, making it the ninth largest mutual fund
manager in Brazil. Also, the Corporation increased its presence in Brazil's
global capital market activities, as evidenced by a $2 billion increase in cus-
tody volumes, which were $5 billion at December 31, 1996, compared with $3 bil-
lion at December 31, 1995.
 
The Corporation's Latin American business was expanded through the establish-
ment of a new operation in Peru in 1996 and recent participations in pension
companies in Mexico and Uruguay.
 
Net income from Latin America increased $52 million, or 56 percent, from 1995.
This improvement was mainly due to higher levels of average earning assets, in-
cluding loans, and growth in noninterest income, all primarily occurring in Ar-
gentina and Brazil. The increased noninterest income was largely the result of
higher trading account profits and mutual fund fees in Brazil coupled with
higher revenues from the Argentine pension, retail and treasury businesses.
These revenue improvements were partially offset by an increase in expenses re-
lated to the cost of expanding the Argentine and Brazilian operations.
 
For additional information on Argentina and Brazil, see the "Cross-Border
Outstandings" and "Emerging Markets Countries" sections.
 
GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT
 
Global Asset Management, which has over $20 billion of assets under management,
maintains 20 domestic offices in southern New England, New York and Florida, as
well as an office in the Bahamas. The group provides products and services,
both domestically and internationally, to high net worth individuals, profes-
sional firms and small businesses, including asset management, trust and estate
planning, personal tax planning, loans and deposits. Included in assets under
management are approximately $6 billion of 1784 Funds, a family of 16 no load
mutual funds advised by FNBB. Global Asset Management is also overseeing the
start-up of an insurance business, as the Corporation recently received ap-
proval to begin selling insurance in Massachusetts.
 
Net income from Global Asset Management grew $12 million from 1995. Revenue in-
creased mainly as a result of higher levels of personal trust fees and mutual
fund fees, which reflected an increase in assets under management, while the
decline in expenses was due, in part, to a streamlining of the international
operations, including the closing of the Luxembourg office.
 
OTHER GLOBAL
 
Other Global consists of the Corporation's operations in Europe and
Asia/Pacific, which include offices in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, In-
dia, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and the
Philippines. The existence of this network is integral to providing needed
service to multinational corporations with whom the Corporation has a world-
wide client relationship.
 
Operating in London since 1922, activities in the United Kingdom include offer-
ing local or multicurrency credit facilities and other commercial services to
indigenous United Kingdom companies and British subsidiaries of multinational
corporations. The London office also provides certain consumer banking servic-
es, including mortgage loans and deposits. The Corporation has operated in
France and Germany since 1972 and provides an array of commercial services to
local and multinational companies, including lending facilities, treasury prod-
ucts and trade financing services.
 
Since opening its first representative office in Tokyo in 1969, the Corporation
has been an active corporate lender and provider of trade services to the
Asia/Pacific region. Customer segments served by the Asia/Pacific operations
include local corporations, global correspondent banks and non-Asian multina-
tional corporations. Targeted services offered to these clients include trade
finance, foreign exchange, deposit and lending products, and capital markets
services.
 
Net income from Other Global improved slightly from 1995, reflecting an in-
crease in revenue. This growth was primarily due to higher securities gains in
Europe, partially offset by a lower level of foreign exchange profits in
Asia/Pacific.
 
OTHER BUSINESSES AND CORPORATE
 
Included within Other Businesses and Corporate are the results from Global
Treasury, which is responsible for asset and liability risk management; the na-
tional consumer businesses (FAC, Ganis Credit Corporation, and the Credit Card
business), which are currently under strategic review; the Mortgage Banking and
Stock Transfer businesses, which, during 1996 and 1995, respectively, were
transferred to joint ventures; and certain corporate income and expense items
of a nonrecurring nature, such as charges related to the BayBanks acquisition,
items related to the sale of the mortgage banking subsidiary, business reorga-
nization costs and costs relating to the valuation or disposition of certain
assets. The high level of assets associated with this group mainly relates to
securities and other types of earning assets which are the responsibility of
Global Treasury, as well as the national consumer loan portfolios.


                                      28
<PAGE>
 
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
RISK MANAGEMENT
 
The Corporation's management of risk inherent in its businesses is essential in
understanding and assessing its financial performance and in creating long-term
value. The Corporation's primary risk factors are credit risk, liquidity risk
and market risk, which includes interest rate risk and foreign currency ex-
change rate risk. Credit risk is the risk of loss from a counterparty's failure
or inability to meet the payment or performance terms of any contract with the
Corporation. Liquidity risk is the risk of loss from the Corporation's inabil-
ity to meet its obligations when they come due, without incurring unacceptable
costs. Market risk is the risk of loss related to adverse changes in market
prices, such as interest rates and foreign exchange rates. The Corporation has
a risk management process for the identification, measurement, monitoring and
control of these risk exposures. A discussion of these risk areas is included
throughout the discussion of the Corporation's financial condition below.
 
CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT
 
The Corporation's risk management process includes the management of all forms
of credit risk, including balance sheet and off-balance-sheet exposures. The
Credit Policy Committee (CPC), on a corporate-wide basis, establishes all
credit policies for the Corporation, approves underwriting standards and con-
centration limits, and grants credit approval authorities. An independent
credit function monitors compliance by individual units with the Corporation's
credit policies, works to ensure that credit due diligence and credit adminis-
tration meet acceptable standards, and is responsible for the effectiveness of
the loan review process. The credit function includes a staff of credit offi-
cers, reporting directly to the Senior Credit Officer (SCO). These credit offi-
cers are assigned to work with the various business units to ensure the integ-
rity of the credit process. Business unit management has the primary responsi-
bility to evaluate credit risk, ensure that each individual credit exposure is
appropriately risk rated, and monitor and manage credit risks within policy and
portfolio guidelines. In addition, a credit information unit provides reports
on credit exposures on a corporate-wide basis. A risk review unit, which re-
ports independently of both the business and credit units, audits the integrity
of risk ratings and the adequacy of the credit process for all units of the
Corporation.
 
Through monthly meetings with the business unit heads and the frequent review
of credit quality information, senior management in Boston oversees the world-
wide credit activities, both corporate and consumer, of the Corporation. The
level of management needed to approve credit exposures varies according to the
size and level of risk of the credit. Corporate credits that meet specified
size and risk rating thresholds must be approved by the Senior Credit Commit-
tee, which is chaired by the SCO and is composed of senior credit officers and
senior business unit managers on a rotating basis. Portfolio limits and under-
writing standards are established by the CPC for both consumer and commercial
credit exposures with common risk characteristics, such as industry or product
type. An important aspect of the Corporation's portfolio management process is
the management of large, individual credits, which are governed by relationship
limits that are set according to risk rating. The CPC has also established tar-
get risk rating profiles for the Corporation, and sets country limits on cross-
border exposures to borrowers and counterparties domiciled in other countries.
All limits are reviewed regularly and adjusted based on the CPC's assessment of
relevant conditions.
 
The Syndications unit is integral to portfolio management by enhancing the li-
quidity of the wholesale loan portfolio. Syndications is responsible for ar-
ranging participations in loans where the Corporation is the lead bank. This
unit maintains contact with other institutional lenders and investors in bank
structured loans, maintains information on credit structure and pricing by risk
category, evaluates the market liquidity of facilities, and syndicates Corpora-
tion-agented facilities to attain desired hold levels.
 
The Corporation employs a corporate-wide process to review individual credits
and identify emerging problems. Credits that deteriorate into certain defined
risk categories are managed by a separate loan review unit composed of profes-
sional asset recovery specialists who establish detailed asset management plans
designed to mitigate risk of credit loss to the Corporation.
 
The Corporation continually seeks to improve its credit culture to better bal-
ance associated risks with its goal of optimizing value to its stockholders and
customers. While sound credit policies assist the Corporation in managing expo-
sure to credit risks, they do not insulate the Corporation from losses.


                                      29

<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LOANS AND LEASES
 
Table 5 shows a breakdown of the portfolio for the last five years.
 
TABLE 5 -- LOANS AND LEASE FINANCING PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                    1996             1995             1994             1993             1992
(dollars in millions)     BALANCE  PERCENT Balance  Percent Balance  Percent Balance  Percent Balance  Percent
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
UNITED STATES
Commercial, industrial
and financial...........  $13,162    32.0% $12,809    33.0% $13,122    34.8% $13,199    37.9% $11,680    37.4%
Commercial real estate
 Construction...........      284      .7      386     1.0      391     1.0      675     1.9      911     2.9
 Other..................    3,240     7.9    3,393     8.7    4,065    10.8    4,003    11.5    4,169    13.3
Consumer-related loans
 Secured by 1-4 family
 residential
 properties.............    6,062    14.8    6,697    17.2    7,079    18.8    5,969    17.1    5,368    17.2
 Other..................    6,898    16.8    5,554    14.3    4,559    12.1    3,524    10.1    3,037     9.7
Lease financing.........    1,816     4.4    1,564     4.0    1,482     3.9    1,367     3.9    1,322     4.2
Unearned income.........     (287)    (.7)    (240)    (.6)    (239)    (.6)    (228)    (.7)    (231)    (.7)
                          -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----
                           31,175    75.9   30,163    77.6   30,459    80.8   28,509    81.7   26,256    84.0
                          -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----
INTERNATIONAL
Commercial and
industrial..............    6,946    16.9    6,422    16.5    5,161    13.6    4,650    13.4    3,646    11.7
Banks and other
financial institutions..      866     2.1      796     2.1      749     2.0      690     2.0      430     1.4
Governments and official
institutions............       79      .2       82      .2       33      .1       22      .1       54      .2
Lease financing.........      368      .9      285      .7      329      .9      265      .8      218      .7
All other...............    1,720     4.2    1,159     3.0    1,053     2.8      791     2.3      721     2.3
Unearned income.........      (93)    (.2)     (37)    (.1)     (76)    (.2)    (108)    (.3)     (85)    (.3)
                          -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----
                            9,886    24.1    8,707    22.4    7,249    19.2    6,310    18.3    4,984    16.0
                          -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----  -------   -----
Total loans and lease
financing...............  $41,061   100.0% $38,870   100.0% $37,708   100.0% $34,819   100.0% $31,240   100.0%
                          =======   =====  =======   =====  =======   =====  =======   =====  =======   =====
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
Total loans and lease financing increased approximately $2.2 billion from De-
cember 31, 1995, reflecting an increase in domestic loans of $1 billion and an
increase of $1.2 billion in international loans. The increase in domestic loans
from December 31, 1995 reflected a $700 million increase in consumer-related
loans, a $350 million increase in commercial, industrial and financial loans
and a $250 million increase in lease financing, partially offset by a $250 mil-
lion decrease in commercial real estate loans. The increase in consumer-related
loans reflected a $900 million increase in credit card loans as a result of the
expansion of the business during 1996 and a $400 million increase in other con-
sumer loans, primarily from Ganis Credit Corporation, offset by a $600 million
decrease in residential mortgages. The decrease in residential mortgages re-
flected, in part, the sale of loans as part of the Corporation's sale of 20
branches during 1996, as well as other mortgage loan sales in connection with
the Corporation's management of its balance sheet. The increases in commercial,
industrial and financial loans resulted from increases in various loan portfo-
lios, including Specialized Industries, New England Corporate Banking and Di-
versified Finance. Loan levels are also affected by the timing of syndication
activity. Future loan and lease financing levels could be impacted by the Cor-
poration's strategic initiatives noted in the "Acquisitions, Divestitures and
Strategic Alliances" section.
 
International loans increased to $9.9 billion at December 31, 1996, from $8.7
billion at December 31, 1995. The loan growth included a $525 million increase
in commercial and industrial loans and a $560 million increase in other loans,
which includes residential mortgages and other consumer loans. This growth has
primarily occurred in Latin America, particularly in the loan portfolios of Ar-
gentina and Brazil. Total loans in these two countries have grown approximately
$1 billion since December 31, 1995. A further discussion of the Argentine and
Brazilian operations is included in the "Cross-Border Outstandings" and "Emerg-
ing Markets Countries" sections.

                                      30
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS
 
Table 6 details domestic commercial real estate loans by geographic location as
of the last three year-ends. The portion attributable to other states at the
end of 1996 was dispersed among approximately 30 states.
 
TABLE 6 -- DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Other
December 31                                                  New   Other
(in millions)                                    MA    CT  England States Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>    <C>  <C>     <C>    <C>
1996.......................................... $1,885 $282  $309   $1,048 $3,524
1995.......................................... $2,220 $318  $351   $  890 $3,779
1994.......................................... $2,380 $427  $651   $  998 $4,456
</TABLE>
 
A significant portion of the commercial real estate portfolio is comprised of
loans from which ultimate payment to the Corporation is expected to come from
the sale, operation or refinancing of the underlying property. The collateral
underlying substantially all of these loans is valued at least annually using
various real estate valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and
appraisals. The remaining portfolio is primarily composed of outstandings se-
cured by real estate that is owner-occupied and where the underlying business
credit, rather than the property, is viewed as the principal source of repay-
ment. Overall, the level of commercial real estate loans decreased during 1996,
due to decreased commercial real estate loan originations.
 
HLTS
 
Included in commercial, industrial and financial loans are loans made by many
of the Corporation's lending businesses to finance transactions involving
leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, and recapitalizations. These loans are desig-
nated as highly leveraged transactions (HLTs) if, by the nature of the loan
terms and the profile of the customer, the transaction qualifies for this clas-
sification under the current bank regulatory definition of HLTs. Additionally,
the HLT definition encompasses other more traditional credit arrangements,
where a high degree of leverage would be expected, such as asset-based lending
and lending to the communications industry, particularly cable, where equity is
traditionally low and cash flow is the predominant factor in assessing repay-
ment ability. Table 7 summarizes the Corporation's HLT portfolio for the last
three years.
 
TABLE 7 -- HIGHLY LEVERAGED TRANSACTION PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                1996   1995    1994
(dollars in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>    <C>     <C>
Total loans.............................................. $1,319 $1,342  $1,272
Number of companies......................................    116    101      84
Average loan size........................................ $   11 $   13  $   15
Unused lending commitments............................... $  677 $  639  $  653
Nonaccrual loans.........................................                $    1
Net credit losses (recoveries) for year..................        $   (4) $    6
Equity and mezzanine investments......................... $  187 $  144  $  105
</TABLE>
 
The Corporation's HLT portfolio is spread among a variety of industries. At De-
cember 31, 1996, the largest segments of the HLT portfolio by industry were as
follows: media and communications -- $358 million to 23 customers; food, bever-
age and tobacco -- $154 million to 18 customers; petroleum, chemicals, rubber
and plastics -- $146 million to 12 customers, and transportation -- $77 million
to 7 customers. Yields on HLT loans are generally higher than on most other
commercial loans. Typically, interest rates on new HLTs range from 2 percent to
3 percent over the London Interbank Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and fees charged
range from .38 percent to .75 percent of the principal amount committed. The
Corporation has historically been involved in transactions that meet the regu-
latory definition of HLTs, and it expects to continue to agent and participate
in such transactions in the future.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 

















NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES AND OREO
 
Table 8 summarizes nonaccrual loans and leases by type and as a percentage of
the related consolidated loan category.
 
TABLE 8 -- NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES AND OREO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                     1996             1995             1994             1993             1992
                                  PERCENT          Percent          Percent          Percent          Percent
                                  OF LOAN          of Loan          of Loan          of Loan          of Loan
(dollars in millions)     BALANCE CATEGORY Balance Category Balance Category Balance Category Balance Category
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
UNITED STATES
Commercial, industrial
and financial...........   $ 82      .6%    $ 88      .7%    $130     1.0%    $168      1.3%  $  285     2.4%
Commercial real estate
 Construction...........      6     2.1       25     6.5       13     3.3       32      4.7       89     9.8
 Other..................     67     2.1      103     3.0      133     3.3      277      6.9      416    10.0
Consumer-related loans
 Secured by 1-4 family
 residential
 properties.............     80     1.3       56      .8       53      .7       75      1.3       73     1.4
 Other..................     61      .9       35      .6       26      .6       12       .3       31     1.0
                           ----             ----             ----             ----            ------
                            296     1.0      307     1.0      355     1.2      564      2.0      894     3.4
                           ----             ----             ----             ----            ------
INTERNATIONAL
Commercial and
industrial..............     74     1.1       34      .5       17      .3       63      1.4       55     1.4
Banks and other
financial institutions..                                        1      .1                          1      .2
Governments and official
institutions............                                                         3     13.6        4     7.4
All other...............     32     1.9       32     2.8       47     4.5       31      4.0        6      .8
                           ----             ----             ----             ----            ------
                            106     1.1       66      .8       65      .9       97      1.5       66     1.3
                           ----             ----             ----             ----            ------
Total nonaccrual loans
and leases..............    402     1.0      373     1.0      420     1.1      661      1.9      960     3.1
OREO....................     50               69              143              222               366
                           ----             ----             ----             ----            ------
Total...................   $452             $442             $563             $883            $1,326
                           ====             ====             ====             ====            ======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
Total nonaccrual loans and leases and OREO increased $10 million to $452 mil-
lion at December 31, 1996, from $442 million at December 31, 1995. The increase
from December 31, 1995 reflects the placement of one large international loan
on nonaccrual status in the third quarter of 1996, as well as increases in do-
mestic consumer-related nonaccrual loans, primarily driven by the credit card
and residential mortgage portfolios. The increases were partially offset by de-
creases in the domestic commercial loan portfolio as well as the domestic com-
mercial real estate loan and OREO portfolios.
 
In addition, the Corporation holds in available for sale securities approxi-
mately $50 million of commercial paper of the international customer noted
above, on which earnings are not being recognized. Any loss on this investment
will be dependent upon the outcome of the customer's restructuring plan and
other negotiations.
 
The level of nonaccrual loans and leases and OREO is influenced by the economic
environment, interest rates and other internal and external factors. As such,
no assurance can be given as to future levels of nonaccrual loans and leases
and OREO. The management of, and the accounting policy for, the Corporation's
nonaccrual loans and leases and OREO is discussed above in the "Credit Risk
Management" section and in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.
 
 
















Table 9 summarizes the changes in nonaccrual loans and leases and OREO that
have occurred during the last three years.
 
TABLE 9 -- CHANGES IN NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES AND OREO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(dollars in millions)                                        1996  1995  1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>   <C>   <C>
Balance, January 1.......................................... $442  $563  $883
Assets of entities acquired.................................          8    20
Assets of entities sold.....................................        (27)
Additions...................................................  618   554   684
Sales, restructurings, payments and other decreases......... (304) (396) (520)
Transfers to ADP............................................             (252)
Net credit losses and valuation adjustments, excluding
writedowns associated with transfers to ADP................. (304) (260) (252)
                                                             ----  ----  ----
Balance, December 31........................................ $452  $442  $563
                                                             ====  ====  ====
Ending balance as a percentage of related assets............  1.1%  1.1%  1.5%
</TABLE>

                                      32

<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During 1994, the Corporation transferred certain of its lower quality real es-
tate exposures, including a portion which was on nonaccrual status, to an ac-
celerated disposition portfolio (ADP). In connection with the transfer, the
Corporation recorded credit losses of $119 million to reduce the carrying value
of the exposures to their estimated disposition value at the date of transfer.
As of December 31, 1996 the Corporation had disposed of all ADP exposures. See
Note 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
The Corporation determines the level of its reserve for credit losses consider-
ing evaluations of individual credits and concentrations of credit risks, net
losses charged to the reserve, changes in quality of the credit portfolio, lev-
els of nonaccrual loans and leases, current economic conditions, cross-border
risks, changes in size and character of the credit risks and other pertinent
factors. The credit risk of off-balance-sheet exposures is managed as part of
the overall extension of credit to individual customers and is considered in
assessing the overall adequacy of the reserve for credit losses. The amount of
the reserve for credit losses associated with off-balance-sheet exposures is
not significant. The amount of the reserve for credit losses is reviewed by
management quarterly. Refer to Notes 7 and 22 to the Financial Statements for
further discussion of the reserve for credit losses and credit risk related to
off-balance-sheet contracts.
 
The reserve for credit losses at December 31, 1996 was $883 million, or 2.15
percent of outstanding loans and leases, compared with $890 million, or 2.29
percent, at December 31, 1995. The reserve for credit losses was 220 percent of
nonaccrual loans and leases at December 31, 1996, compared with 239 percent at
December 31, 1995. The Corporation recorded special provisions for credit
losses totaling $75 million during 1995 reflecting management's intent to
strengthen further the Corporation's loan loss reserve. (See the "Provision for
Credit Losses" section for further discussion.) The future level of the reserve
for credit losses will continue to be a function of management's evaluation of
the Corporation's credit exposures existing at the time. Therefore, no assur-
ance can be given regarding the future level of the reserve.
 
Table 10 presents a five-year analysis of the Corporation's reserve for credit
losses and related ratios.
TABLE 10 -- RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES AND RELATED RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(dollars in millions)                1996     1995     1994     1993     1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Balance, January 1................  $   890  $   827  $   941  $ 1,116  $ 1,264
Provision.........................      231      275      154      107      288
Reserves of entities acquired.....        3       16       25
Reserves of entities sold.........      (11)     (32)
Credit losses, excluding those
 related to ADP...................     (310)    (282)    (260)    (353)    (553)
Recoveries........................       80       86       86       71      117
                                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Net credit losses before credit
 losses related to ADP............     (230)    (196)    (174)    (282)    (436)
Credit losses related to ADP......                       (119)
                                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Balance, December 31..............  $   883  $   890  $   827  $   941  $ 1,116
                                    =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
Loans and lease financing at
 December 31......................  $41,061  $38,870  $37,708  $34,819  $31,240
Average loans and lease
 financing........................  $40,589  $38,283  $36,017  $32,565  $31,568
Reserve for credit losses to total
 loans and leases at December 31..     2.15%    2.29%    2.19%    2.70%    3.57%
Reserve for credit losses to
 nonaccrual loans and leases at
 December 31......................      220%     239%     197%     142%     116%
Reserve for credit losses to
 nonaccrual and renegotiated loans
 and leases at
 December 31......................      215%     219%     165%     104%      81%
Net credit losses to average loans
 and lease financing..............      .57%     .51%     .81%     .87%    1.38%
Net credit losses to provision for
 credit losses....................    99.57%   71.27%  190.26%  263.55%  151.39%
Total recoveries to total credit
 losses...........................    25.81%   30.50%   22.69%   20.11%   21.16%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 


                                      33
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As detailed in Table 11, net credit losses were $230 million in 1996, compared
with $196 million in 1995. In 1996, the Corporation experienced higher domestic
credit losses, principally driven by increases in net credit losses in the con-
sumer loan portfolio, mainly the FAC and credit card portfolios, which ac-
counted for approximately 85 percent of the increase in the consumer net credit
losses. These increases were partially offset by lower net credit losses in the
commercial real estate and commercial and industrial portfolios. International
net credit losses decreased from the 1995 period reflecting decreased losses in
the Argentine consumer portfolio.
 
TABLE 11 -- NET CREDIT LOSSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                      1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
DOMESTIC CREDIT LOSSES
Commercial, industrial and financial........ $ (21) $ (47) $ (38) $ (80) $(162)
Commercial real estate
 Construction...............................    (6)    (7)   (10)   (19)   (63)
 Other......................................   (39)   (49)   (62)   (79)  (154)
Consumer-related loans
 Secured by 1-4 family residential
 properties.................................   (25)   (26)   (22)   (33)   (37)
 Other......................................  (167)   (94)   (80)   (76)   (82)
                                             -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
                                              (258)  (223)  (212)  (287)  (498)
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT LOSSES.................   (52)   (59)   (48)   (66)   (55)
                                             -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
 Credit losses, excluding those related to
 ADP........................................  (310)  (282)  (260)  (353)  (553)
DOMESTIC RECOVERIES
Commercial, industrial and financial........    13     17     22     26     38
Commercial real estate
 Construction...............................     5      1      4      3      4
 Other......................................     9     20     14      7      4
Consumer-related loans
 Secured by 1-4 family residential
 properties.................................     7      5      4      6      4
 Other......................................    31     28     24     23     25
                                             -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
                                                65     71     68     65     75
INTERNATIONAL RECOVERIES....................    15     15     18      6     42
                                             -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
 Total recoveries...........................    80     86     86     71    117
                                             -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
 Net credit losses, before credit losses
 related to ADP.............................  (230)  (196)  (174)  (282)  (436)
Credit losses related to ADP................                (119)
                                             -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
 Total net credit losses.................... $(230) $(196) $(293) $(282) $(436)
                                             =====  =====  =====  =====  =====
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The Corporation's ability and willingness to extend new credit is a function of
a variety of factors, including competition for customers' business; an analy-
sis of a loan's potential profitability and risk profile, and economic condi-
tions in New England, other parts of the United States and other countries
where the Corporation does business. In addition, certain segments of the loan
portfolio may increase or decrease from the December 31, 1996 level in accor-
dance with strategic or credit management decisions made by the Corporation,
such as the acquisition or divestiture of companies or portfolios. Given these
factors, the rate of change in the size and mix of the Corporation's loan port-
folios experienced during the past few years may not be indicative of the fu-
ture. The above factors may also affect the levels of nonaccrual loans, net
credit losses and the reserve for credit losses. Further information on the
Corporation's loan and lease financing portfolio can be found in Note 6 to the
Financial Statements.


                                      34
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CROSS-BORDER OUTSTANDINGS
 
At December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, total cross-border outstandings
represented 14 percent of consolidated total assets, compared with 12 percent
at December 31, 1994.
 
In accordance with bank regulatory rules, cross-border outstandings are:
 
 . Amounts payable to the Corporation in U.S. dollars or other non-local cur-
   rencies.
 
 . Amounts payable to the Corporation in local currency but funded with U.S.
   dollars or other non-local currencies.
 
Included in these outstandings are deposits in other banks, resale agreements,
trading securities, securities available for sale, securities held to maturity,
loans and lease financing, amounts due from customers on acceptances and ac-
crued interest receivable.
 
In addition to credit risk, cross-border outstandings have the risk that, as a
result of political or economic conditions in a country, borrowers are unable
to meet their contractual repayment obligations of principal and/or interest
when due because of the unavailability of, or restrictions on, foreign exchange
needed by borrowers to repay their obligations. The Corporation manages its
cross-border outstandings using country exposure limits as discussed in the
"Credit Risk Management" section.
 
Excluded from cross-border outstandings for a given country are:
 
 . Local currency assets funded with U.S. dollars or other non-local currency
   where the providers of funds agree that, in the event their claims cannot
   be repaid in the designated currency due to currency exchange restrictions
   in a given country, they may either accept payment in local currency or
   wait to receive the non-local currency until such time as it becomes avail-
   able in the local market. At December 31, 1996, such outstandings related
   to emerging markets countries totaled $2.3 billion, compared with $1.7 bil-
   lion at December 31, 1995 and $.9 billion at December 31, 1994.
 
 . Local currency outstandings funded with local currency.
 
 . U.S. dollar or other non-local currency outstandings reallocated as a re-
   sult of external guarantees or cash collateral.
 
 . U.S. dollar or other non-local currency outstandings reallocated as a re-
   sult of insurance contracts, issued primarily by U.S. government agencies.
 
Table 12 details by country the Corporation's approximate cross-border
outstandings that individually amounted to 1 percent or more of its consoli-
dated total assets at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
TABLE 12 -- SIGNIFICANT CROSS-BORDER OUTSTANDINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Percentage Of
(dollars in millions)    Public Banks Other  Total  Total Assets  Commitments(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>    <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>           <C>
December 31, 1996(1)
Argentina...............  $605  $ 60  $2,165 $2,830      4.5%          $ 55
Brazil..................   305    30     585    920      1.5             40
Chile...................    60   265     385    710      1.1             30
December 31, 1995(1)
Argentina...............  $465  $ 50  $1,710 $2,225      3.7%          $ 45
Brazil..................    25    20     980  1,025      1.8             35
United Kingdom..........         100     570    670      1.2            130
Chile...................   150   125     365    640      1.1             15
December 31, 1994(1)
Argentina...............  $305  $ 40  $1,525 $1,870      3.4%          $ 95
Brazil..................           5     795    800      1.5             30
United Kingdom..........           5     595    600      1.1            115
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Cross-border outstandings in countries which totaled between .75% and 1% of
    consolidated total assets at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were approxi-
    mately as follows: 1996 -- United Kingdom, $575 million; 1995 -- None;
    1994 -- Chile, $495 million.
 
(2) Included within commitments are letters of credit, guarantees and the
    undisbursed portions of loan commitments.


                                      35
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In accordance with the regulatory definition of cross-border outstandings, ap-
proximately $1.8 billion of Argendollar outstandings are included in the cross-
border total for Argentina at December 31, 1996, compared with approximately
$1.3 billion at December 31, 1995 and $1 billion at December 31, 1994. These
are outstandings payable to the Corporation in U.S. dollars which are funded
entirely by dollars borrowed within Argentina.
 
EMERGING MARKETS COUNTRIES
 
At December 31, 1996, approximately $5.8 billion of the Corporation's cross-
border outstandings were to emerging markets countries, of which approximately
75 percent were loans. These cross-border outstandings were mainly composed of
short-term trade credits, non-trade-related loans and leases not subject to
country debt rescheduling agreements, government securities, capital invest-
ments in branches and subsidiaries and trading positions managed by the Corpo-
ration's EMSTR business.
 
As shown in Table 13, at December 31, 1996, approximately $5.5 billion, or 95
percent, of the cross-border outstandings to emerging markets countries were to
countries where the Corporation maintains branch networks and/or subsidiaries.
 
TABLE 13 -- CROSS-BORDER OUTSTANDINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                         1996   1995
(in millions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>    <C>
Argentina......................................................... $2,830 $2,225
Brazil............................................................    920  1,025
Chile.............................................................    710    640
Mexico............................................................    405    210
Uruguay...........................................................    250    225
Colombia..........................................................    200    235
Panama............................................................    110      5
Peru..............................................................     65
Other.............................................................     55     40
                                                                   ------ ------
                                                                   $5,545 $4,605
                                                                   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
Table 14 shows changes in Argentine and Brazilian cross-border outstandings
from December 31, 1995.
TABLE 14 -- CHANGES IN ARGENTINE AND BRAZILIAN CROSS-BORDER OUTSTANDINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions)                                                Argentina Brazil
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
Cross-border outstandings at December 31, 1995..............  $2,225   $1,025
Change in non-trade-related loans and leases not subject to
country debt rescheduling...................................     330     (370)
Net change in trade-related cross-border outstandings,
primarily short-term........................................      10      235
Net change in investment and trading securities.............     260      (10)
Net change in placements....................................      10       25
Other.......................................................      (5)      15
                                                              ------   ------
Cross-border outstandings at December 31, 1996..............  $2,830   $  920
                                                              ======   ======
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
ARGENTINA
 
During 1996, the Argentine financial markets continued the improvement evi-
denced in the last half of 1995. Annual interest rates declined to approxi-
mately 6 percent at December 31, 1996, while inflation for the year was negli-
gible. The exchange rate continued unchanged from 1995 as the government con-
tinues its policy of maintaining an exchange rate of one Argentine peso to one
U.S. dollar. In addition, the Argentine government implemented measures in-
tended to further stabilize liquidity in the financial markets by increasing
local reserve requirements of financial institutions and by obtaining committed
international liquidity back-up facilities.
 
The Corporation's Argentine assets amounted to approximately $4.8 billion at
December 31, 1996, compared with approximately $3.9 billion at December 31,
1995. Included in these assets are cross-border outstandings, including
Argendollar outstandings, of $2.8 billion and $2.2 billion at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively. Loans increased by approximately $700 million to $3.4
billion at December 31, 1996. This increase was primarily due to higher levels
of corporate and consumer loans. The Corporation's Argentine securities portfo-
lio is utilized for both asset and liability management and trading purposes. At
December 31, 1996, the securities portfolio, which included available for sale
and trading account securities, amounted to $621 million, compared with $486
million at December 31, 1995. The increase was attributable to higher lev-els of
both local and international Argentine debt securities reflecting, in part, a
repositioning of the portfolio in response to changing conditions in the
Argentine financial markets.
 
The Corporation's nonaccrual Argentine loans were $85 million at December 31,
1996, compared with $52 million at December 31, 1995. The increase of $33 mil-
lion was due to the placement of one large loan on nonaccrual status, partially
offset by declines in other nonaccrual loans. Net credit losses were $20 mil-
lion in 1996 and $33 million in 1995. The decline in net credit losses of $13
million from 1995 was due to lower consumer loan charge-offs. For a further
discussion of the Corporation's nonaccrual loans and net credit losses, see the
"Nonaccrual Loans and Leases and OREO" and "Reserve for Credit Losses" sec-
tions.
 
For additional information on Argentina, see the "Line of Business--Latin Amer-
ica" section.


                                      36
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRAZIL
 
During 1996, Brazil's annual inflation rate declined to approximately 10 per-
cent, compared with 23 percent for 1995, while rates on short-term interbank
deposits averaged approximately 27 percent for the year.
 
The government maintains a floating band exchange rate policy to preserve the
value of the Brazilian reais relative to the U.S. dollar. At December 31, 1996,
the exchange rate was 1.04 reais to one U.S. dollar, compared with .97 reais to
one U.S. dollar at December 31, 1995.
 
The Corporation's Brazilian assets amounted to approximately $5 billion at De-
cember 31, 1996, compared with approximately $4.5 billion at December 31, 1995.
Included in these assets are cross-border outstandings of $.9 billion and $1
billion at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in total as-
sets was mainly due to a higher level of loans, which amounted to approximately
$2.7 billion at December 31, 1996, compared with approximately $2.2 billion at
December 31, 1995. The increase in loans was primarily the result of trade-re-
lated outstandings.
 
The Corporation's nonaccrual Brazilian loans were $14 million at December 31,
1996, compared with $8 million at December 31, 1995. Net credit losses were $14
million in 1996 and $6 million in 1995. For further discussion of the Corpora-
tion's nonaccrual loans and net credit losses, see the "Nonaccrual Loans and
Leases and OREO" and "Reserve for Credit Losses" sections.
 
The securities portfolio consists of trading assets and available for sale se-
curities and amounted to approximately $565 million at December 31, 1996. The
level of this portfolio has not changed significantly from December 31, 1995;
however, the Corporation has experienced a change in the mix of its securities
portfolio, with an increase in the available for sale securities component.
This increase was due, in part, to the management of reais and U.S. dollar bal-
ance sheet positions and to the longer maturities of Brazilian government secu-
rities held in this portfolio.
 
For additional information on Brazil, see the "Line of Business--Latin America"
section.
 
The Corporation's Argentine and Brazilian operations maintained currency posi-
tions both at December 31, 1996 and throughout the year. For further discussion
of currency positions, see the "Currency Positions" section.
 
It is expected that the economic situation in Latin America, including the ef-
fect of world financial markets on these economies, will continue to evolve.
The Corporation has not experienced any collection problems as a result of cur-
rency restrictions or foreign exchange liquidity problems on its current port-
folio of cross-border outstandings to emerging markets countries. However, if
the actions implemented by Latin American governments do not remain effective
over time, particularly with regard to liquidity, the Corporation's operations
could experience adverse effects, including stress on local liquidity, deterio-
ration of credit quality, a decline in the value of its securities portfolio
and declines in loan and deposit levels. The Corporation will continue to moni-
tor the economies of Latin American and other emerging markets countries in
which it has local operations, cross-border outstandings or, where applicable,
currency positions. Each emerging markets country is at a different stage of
development with a unique set of economic fundamentals; therefore, it is not
possible to predict what developments will occur and what impact these develop-
ments will ultimately have on the economies of these countries or on the Corpo-
ration's financial statements.
 
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT
 
Liquidity is defined as the ability to meet known near-term and projected long-
term funding commitments, while supporting selective business expansion in ac-
cordance with the Corporation's strategic plan. The Corporation manages liquid-
ity risk according to policy set, and oversight provided, by the Asset, Liabil-
ity and Capital Committee (ALCCO), to ensure its ability to meet present and
future funding needs in domestic and overseas markets. U.S. dollar liquidity
management is centralized in Boston, with overseas operations managing their
local currency liquidity requirements. The Corporation's U.S. dollar liquidity
is monitored on a daily basis and is reviewed monthly by ALCCO. It is also re-
viewed monthly by the Board of Directors (the Board). Available liquidity
sources are measured against anticipated needs of the Corporation as a whole,
the parent company and each of the subsidiary banks. Alternative funding strat-
egies are reviewed, updated and implemented by ALCCO as considered necessary.


                                      37
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation's liquid assets consist primarily of interest bearing deposits
in other banks, federal funds sold and resale agreements, money market loans,
and unencumbered U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities. Table 15
presents the levels of the Corporation's liquid assets as of each of the last
three year-ends.
 
TABLE 15 -- LIQUID ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                       1996 1995 1994
(in billions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>  <C>  <C>
Liquid assets.................................................... $7.3 $7.4 $4.8
</TABLE>
 
Deposits are the principal source of the Corporation's funding. Table 16 in-
cludes information related to the Corporation's funding sources for the last
three years.
 
TABLE 16 -- FUNDING SOURCES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                   1996  1995  1994
(dollars in billions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>   <C>   <C>
DOMESTIC
 Interest bearing deposits................................... $24.7 $24.4 $23.6
 Noninterest bearing deposits................................   8.3   7.1   7.0
                                                              ----- ----- -----
 Total deposits..............................................  33.0  31.5  30.6
 Funds borrowed..............................................   7.8   8.4   6.1
 Notes payable(1)............................................   2.7   1.8   2.0
                                                              ----- ----- -----
                                                              $43.5 $41.7 $38.7
                                                              ===== ===== =====
INTERNATIONAL
 Interest bearing deposits................................... $ 9.0 $ 9.0 $ 9.1
 Noninterest bearing deposits................................    .8    .6    .6
                                                              ----- ----- -----
 Total deposits..............................................   9.8   9.6   9.7
 Funds borrowed..............................................   1.4   1.1   1.1
 Notes payable...............................................    .6    .4    .2
                                                              ----- ----- -----
                                                              $11.8 $11.1 $11.0
                                                              ===== ===== =====
CONSOLIDATED
 Interest bearing deposits................................... $33.7 $33.4 $32.7
 Noninterest bearing deposits................................   9.1   7.7   7.6
                                                              ----- ----- -----
 Total deposits..............................................  42.8  41.1  40.3
 Funds borrowed..............................................   9.2   9.5   7.2
 Notes payable(1)............................................   3.3   2.2   2.2
                                                              ----- ----- -----
                                                              $55.3 $52.8 $49.7
                                                              ===== ===== =====
Deposits as a percentage of
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>  <C>  <C>
 Loans........................................................... 104% 106% 107%
 Total assets....................................................  69%  69%  73%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) At December 31, 1996, includes $.5 billion of Trust Securities (defined be-
    low).
 
Consolidated deposits increased approximately $1.7 billion compared with 1995,
of which $1.5 billion related to increases in domestic deposits, primarily de-
mand deposit accounts, which were at an uncharacteristically high level at De-
cember 31, 1996. Domestic funds borrowed decreased approximately $600 million
from December 31, 1995, mainly as a result of decreased borrowings under FNBB's
medium-term bank note program and decreased federal funds purchased, partially
offset by increased securities sold under agreements to repurchase.
 
Notes payable increased from 1995 primarily due to aggregate issuances of $400
million of senior debt by the Corporation, $200 million of subordinated debt by
FNBB, $500 million of Trust Securities (defined below), and $320 million of
Brazilian debt. These issuances were offset by maturities of $100 million of
senior debt and $140 million of Brazilian debt in 1996. The Corporation has an
effective shelf registration statement with a remaining availability of $1 bil-
lion at January 31, 1997, which can be used for the issuance of equity or debt
securities.
 
In 1996, the Corporation established two business trusts, with the exclusive
purpose of each being the issuance of capital securities, which represent
preferred beneficial interests in the trusts. The Corporation is the owner of
all the beneficial interests of the trusts represented by common securities. In
the fourth quarter of 1996, each trust issued $250 million of such capital
securities (the Trust Securities) and invested the proceeds in junior
subordinated debentures issued by the Corporation. The Corporation has
unconditionally guaranteed the Trust Securities, which are presented in the
Corporation's consolidated balance sheet as guaranteed preferred beneficial
interest in Corporation's junior subordinated debt.
 
Additional information on the Corporation's notes payable and the Trust Securi-
ties can be found in Notes 10 and 11 to the Financial Statements.
 
Based upon the Corporation's liquid asset level and its ability to access the
public markets for additional funding when necessary, management considers
overall liquidity at December 31, 1996 adequate to meet current obligations,
support expectations for future changes in asset and liability levels and carry
on normal operations.


                                      38
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT
 
Market risk is defined as the risk of loss related to adverse changes in market
prices, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, of finan-
cial instruments. Market risk is managed within policies and limits established
by ALCCO and the Board. Risk limits are allocated by ALCCO to the Corporation's
market risk-taking activities, considering the results of the risk modeling
process as well as other internal and external factors. In addition, market
risk policies and limits are reviewed at least annually by ALCCO, or more often
if warranted by current market, economic or business conditions.
 
The objective of the Corporation's market risk management process is to manage
and control the effects of changes in market prices on the Corporation's opera-
tions and financial condition. Management seeks to limit the volatility of
earnings and protect economic value, while ensuring that risks from adverse
movements in market prices are in compliance with the above-mentioned limits.
This objective is achieved through the development and implementation of market
risk management strategies, including various balance sheet actions and the use
of securities and derivatives and foreign exchange contracts.
 
TRADING ACTIVITIES
 
The Corporation's trading activities primarily involve providing risk
management services to its customers including interest rate derivatives and
foreign exchange contracts. Interest rate derivatives include interest rate
swaps and interest rate options, futures and forwards. Foreign exchange
activities include trading spot, forward and option contracts in major foreign
currencies. Additional information with respect to the Corporation's trading
derivatives, including accounting policies, is provided in Notes 1 and 22 to
the Financial Statements.
 
In addition, the Corporation takes proprietary positions in domestic and
emerging markets fixed income securities and local currency debt and equity
securities. These proprietary trading positions are designed to generate gains
from movements in the prices of securities of emerging markets public and
private sector issues, and from positions which benefit from inefficiencies
among various securities issued by the same country. Domestic fixed income
trading activities primarily include trading U.S. Treasury and government
agency securities.
 
The risk positions taken by the Corporation in these financial instruments are
subject to ALCCO approved limits. The Corporation manages the market risk re-
lated to its trading portfolios using a Value-at-Risk (VAR) methodology. VAR is
defined as the statistical estimate of the potential loss amount that the Cor-
poration could incur from an adverse movement in market prices, given a speci-
fied confidence level, over a defined time horizon. This methodology allows for
the measurement of the risk of potential loss across different products and
portfolios. The VAR calculations include the effects of both interest rate and
foreign exchange rate risks. At December 31, 1996, the aggregate VAR limit for
the Corporation's trading portfolios was approximately $50 million and the ag-
gregate VAR exposure was approximately $15 million.
 
In addition, the Corporation employs other market risk management tools in or-
der to obtain a comprehensive profile of market risk. These risk management
tools include stress testing, which simulates severe changes in market rates,
tenor limits, concentration limits, stop loss limits and notional limits.
 
ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
 
The Corporation's U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities are primarily
exposed to interest rate risk, which can be defined as the exposure of the Cor-
poration's net income or financial condition to adverse movements in interest
rates. At December 31, 1996, U.S. dollar denominated assets represented approx-
imately 80 percent of the Corporation's balance sheet. The Corporation's U.S.
dollar denominated positions are evaluated and managed centrally through the
Global Treasury group, utilizing several modeling methodologies. The two prin-
cipal methodologies used are market value sensitivity and net interest revenue
at risk. The results of these models are reviewed monthly with ALCCO and at
least quarterly with the Board.
 
MARKET VALUE SENSITIVITY is defined as the potential change in market value, or
the economic value, of the institution resulting from changes in interest
rates. Market value sensitivity is determined by calculating the effect on the
Corporation's existing assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet positions
given an immediate rise or fall in interest rates (rate shock).
 
NET INTEREST REVENUE AT RISK is defined as the exposure of the Corporation's
net interest revenue over the next twelve months to an adverse movement in in-
terest rates. Net interest revenue at risk is modeled based on both an interest
rate shock scenario and one that allows for a gradual change in interest rates
over a period of time. The simulated net interest revenue under these scenarios
is used to evaluate how differences in asset, liability and off-balance-sheet
repricing structures will be reflected in the next twelve months' results of
operations.
 
The rate risk models consider such variables as:
 
 . repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities;
 
 . rate change differentials, such as federal funds rates versus savings ac-
   count rates;
 
 . maturity effects;
 
 . rate barrier effects, such as caps and floors, on assets and liabilities;
   and
 
 . prepayment volatility on various fixed rate assets such as residential
   mortgages.
 
Both of these models are designed to isolate the effects of market changes in
interest rates on the Corporation's existing positions, and they exclude other
factors such as competitive pricing considerations, future changes in the asset
and liability mix and other management actions, and, therefore, are not by
themselves measures of future levels of net interest revenue.


                                      39
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These two methodologies provide different but complementary measures of the
level of interest rate risk; the longer-term view is modeled through market
value sensitivity, while the shorter-term view is evaluated through net inter-
est revenue at risk over the next twelve months. Under current ALCCO direc-
tives, market value sensitivity cannot exceed 3 percent of total risk-based
capital and net interest revenue at risk cannot exceed 2 percent of net inter-
est revenue over the next twelve-month period.
 
Table 17 illustrates the year-end and average positions for market value sensi-
tivity and net interest revenue at risk.
 
TABLE 17 -- MARKET VALUE SENSITIVITY AND NET INTEREST REVENUE AT RISK POSITIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996           1995(1)
(dollars in millions)                          YEAR-END AVERAGE Year-end Average
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
Market value sensitivity(2)...................   $121    $141     $87      $48
Percent of risk-based capital.................    1.8%    2.4%    1.6%      .9%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest revenue at risk(3)...............   $ 30    $ 24     $24      $16
Percent of net interest revenue...............    1.3%    1.2%    1.4%     1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) December 31, 1995 amounts have not been restated for the acquisition of
    BayBanks. Restatement was impractical due to use of different interest rate
    risk modeling techniques by BayBanks.
 
(2) Based on a 100 basis point adverse interest rate shock.
 
(3) Based on the greater of a 100 basis point adverse interest rate shock or a
    200 basis point adverse change in interest rates over the next twelve-month
    period. At December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, the adverse position
    was based on a 200 basis point decline in interest rates over the next
    twelve-month period.
 
At December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, the Corporation's adverse market
value sensitivity was to rising interest rates. The increase in the exposure
was due to an increase in fixed rate assets, mainly securities, and the termi-
nation of $8.2 billion of a series of interest rate futures contracts during
the first quarter of 1996 that were linked to the Corporation's short-term
floating rate wholesale funding. The impact of these actions was partially off-
set by the issuance of long-term debt.
 
In contrast to market value sensitivity, the Corporation's net interest revenue
at risk at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 was to declining interest
rates over the next twelve months. As a result, net interest revenue would be
adversely affected by a decline in interest rates. The December 31, 1996 posi-
tion was not significantly different from the prior year.
 
The level of exposure maintained by the Corporation is a function of the market
environment and may change from period to period based on interest rate and
other economic expectations. As noted above, the market value sensitivity and
net interest revenue at risk models are complementary in nature. The Corpora-
tion's exposure to rising interest rates under the longer-term view, and to de-
clining interest rates under the shorter-term view, is managed simultaneously
in compliance with ALCCO directives. The interest rate exposure for each model
is dependent on the balance sheet mix and the terms and pricing of balance
sheet and off-balance-sheet items at a specific point in time. Although changes
in balance sheet mix and other management actions affect each model different-
ly, the modeling results indicate that interest rate risk is managed within
ALCCO limits. ALCCO determines its interest rate risk management strategy by
considering the impact of changes in interest rates on each model, and, hence,
the short- and long-term effects on the Corporation.
 
NON-U.S. DOLLAR DENOMINATED INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT
 
Non-U.S. dollar denominated interest rate risk is managed by the Corporation's
overseas units, with oversight by the Global Treasury group. ALCCO establishes
overall limits for its non-U.S. dollar denominated interest rate risk using a
combination of market value risk analysis and cumulative gap limits for each
country in which the Corporation has local market interest rate risk. Gap is
the difference between the amount of assets and liabilities that mature or are
repriced during a given period of time. A "positive" gap results when more as-
sets than liabilities mature or are repriced within a given time period. Con-
versely, a "negative" gap results when there are more liabilities than assets
maturing or being repriced during a given time period. Limits are updated at
least annually for current market conditions, considering business and economic
conditions in the country at a particular point in time.
 
The overseas units report compliance with these limits on a regular basis. At
December 31, 1996, approximately 90 percent of the total overseas limits is al-
located to Argentina and Brazil, and was approximately one-third of total do-
mestic limits.
 
CURRENCY POSITIONS
 
When deemed appropriate, the Corporation will structure its balance sheet to
take positions in the currencies of emerging markets and other countries where
it operates. This usually occurs when the Corporation believes that it can max-
imize its spread from interest operations by funding local currency assets with
U.S. dollars rather than using local currency liabilities or by funding U.S.
dollar assets with local currency liabilities. Whenever these positions are
taken, they are subject to limits established by ALCCO and are subject to regu-
lar review. Table 18 presents the Corporation's more significant currency posi-
tions for 1996 and 1995. These positions represent local currency assets funded
by U.S. dollars.
 
TABLE 18 -- SIGNIFICANT CURRENCY POSITIONS IN EMERGING MARKETS AND OTHER
COUNTRIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996             1995
(in millions)                                  YEAR-END AVERAGE Year-end Average
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
Argentina.....................................   $174    $ 98     $ 82     $50
Brazil........................................    140      87      132      11
Chile.........................................     84      32        7      11
South Korea...................................     50      73       82      86
</TABLE>
 
These positions expose the Corporation to losses should the local currencies
weaken against the U.S. dollar at a rate greater than the spread of the local
currency interest rate over the U.S. dollar interest rate; such losses could be
significant if a major unanticipated devaluation occurs. To date, however,
these positions have been liquid in nature and management has been able to
close and re-open these positions as necessary.
 
Derivatives used by the Corporation's international operations as part of their
asset and liability management process are included in Tables 19 and 20. For
additional information related to the Corporation's international operations,
see the "Cross-Border Outstandings" and "Emerging Markets Countries" sections.


                                      40
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Derivatives provide the Corporation with significant flexibility in managing
its interest rate risk and foreign exchange exposures, enabling it to manage
risk efficiently and respond quickly to changing market conditions while mini-
mizing the impact on balance sheet leverage. The Corporation routinely uses
non-leveraged rate-related derivative instruments, primarily interest rate
swaps and futures, as part of its asset and liability management practices. All
derivative activities are managed on a comprehensive basis, are included in the
overall net interest revenue and market value at risk measures and limits de-
scribed above, and are subject to credit standards similar to those for balance
sheet exposures.
 
Table 19 summarizes the remaining maturity of interest rate derivative finan-
cial instruments entered into for asset and liability management purposes as of
December 31, 1996. The level and term of such contracts may be modified as nec-
essary, in response to balance sheet changes and other management actions,
within ALCCO directives for market value sensitivity and net interest revenue
at risk.
 
TABLE 19 -- REMAINING MATURITY OF INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Remaining Maturity
                                                                   1996     1995
(dollars in millions)      1997   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002+    TOTAL    Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>     <C>      <C>
INTEREST RATE SWAPS
Domestic
Receive fixed rate
 swaps(1)
 Notional amount........  $  326  $ 60  $100  $340  $300  $1,700  $ 2,826  $ 2,463
 Weighted average
  receive rate..........    7.30% 5.60% 6.40% 5.50% 6.10%   6.46%    6.38%    6.36%
 Weighted average pay
  rate..................    5.52% 5.80% 5.75% 5.63% 5.50%   5.72%    5.67%    5.87%
Pay fixed rate swaps(1)
 Notional amount........  $    4  $ 24        $ 35  $ 12  $    8  $    83  $   315
 Weighted average
  receive rate..........    6.28% 5.90%       5.61% 6.56%   5.74%    5.88%    6.25%
 Weighted average pay
  rate..................    7.36% 9.11%       7.06% 7.08%   6.48%    7.61%    6.91%
Basis swaps(2)
 Notional amount........  $   75  $ 50        $ 50        $  293  $   468  $ 1,599
 Weighted average
  receive rate..........    5.54% 5.50%       5.81%         6.07%    5.90%    5.97%
 Weighted average pay
  rate..................    5.58% 5.59%       5.56%         5.68%    5.64%    5.86%
Total Domestic Interest
 Rate Swaps
 Notional Amount........  $  405  $134  $100  $425  $312  $2,001  $ 3,377  $ 4,377
 Weighted average
  receive rate(3).......    6.96% 5.62% 6.40% 5.55% 6.11%   6.40%    6.31%    6.21%
 Weighted average pay
  rate(3)...............    5.55% 6.30% 5.75% 5.74% 5.56%   5.72%    5.71%    5.94%
Total International
 Interest Rate Swaps
 Notional Amount(4).....  $3,598                                  $ 3,598  $ 1,475
OTHER DERIVATIVE
 PRODUCTS
Futures and
 forwards(5)............  $3,382                                  $ 3,382  $12,558
Interest rate options(6)
 Purchased..............                                                   $ 3,968
 Written or sold........                                                   $   360
                          ------  ----  ----  ----  ----  ------  -------  -------
Total Consolidated
 Notional Amount........  $7,385  $134  $100  $425  $312  $2,001  $10,357  $22,738
                          ======  ====  ====  ====  ====  ======  =======  =======
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Of the receive fixed rate swaps, approximately $1.4 billion are linked to
    floating rate loans, and the remainder principally to fixed rate notes pay-
    able. Of the swaps linked to notes payable, approximately $1 billion are
    scheduled to mature in 2002 and thereafter. The majority of pay fixed rate
    swaps are linked to available for sale securities.
 
(2) Basis swaps represent swaps where both the pay rate and receive rate are
    floating rates. All of the basis swaps are linked to floating rate mort-
    gages and bank notes.
 
(3) The majority of the Corporation's interest rate swaps accrue at LIBOR. In
    arriving at the variable weighted average receive and pay rates, LIBOR
    rates in effect as of December 31, 1996 have been implicitly assumed to re-
    main constant throughout the terms of the swaps. Future changes in LIBOR
    rates would affect the variable rate information disclosed.
 
(4) The majority of the international portfolio is comprised of swaps entered
    into by the Corporation's Brazilian operations with a weighted average ma-
    turity of less than 120 days. These swaps typically include the exchange of
    floating rate indices that are limited to the Brazilian market.
 
(5) At December 31, 1996, represent contracts entered into by the Corporation's
    Brazilian operations in the local market and are linked to short-term in-
    terest bearing assets and liabilities. At December 31, 1995, the majority
    of the futures were linked to domestic short-term liabilities and were ex-
    change-traded instruments. The reference instruments for futures at Decem-
    ber 31, 1995 comprise the major types available, such as Eurodollar depos-
    its and U.S. Treasury notes. During the first quarter of 1996, the Corpora-
    tion terminated a series of futures contracts, which accounts for the ma-
    jority of the decline from 1995.
 
(6) At December 31, 1995, primarily included interest rate options used to man-
    age prepayment risk related to the Corporation's mortgage servicing portfo-
    lio.


                                      41
<PAGE>
 
Table 20 summarizes the fair value and unrecognized gains (losses) of deriva-
tives used for asset and liability management purposes. Fair value represents
the amount at which a given instrument could be exchanged in an arm's length
transaction with a third party as of the balance sheet date. The decline in
fair value of $175 million compared with 1995 was due to an increase in long-
term interest rates during 1996, which primarily impacted the receive fixed in-
terest rate swap portfolio, and resulted in a decline in its fair value, as
well as the absence of interest rate options used to manage the prepayment risk
related to the Corporation's mortgage servicing portfolio.
 
TABLE 20 -- FAIR VALUE AND UNRECOGNIZED GAINS (LOSSES)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                               1996                                    1995
                              FAIR VALUE(1)        UNRECOGNIZED       Fair Value(1)        Unrecognized
(in millions)            NOTIONAL ASSET LIABILITY GAIN (LOSS)(2) Notional Asset Liability Gain (Loss)(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>      <C>   <C>       <C>            <C>      <C>   <C>       <C>
Interest rate contracts
 Interest rate swaps.... $ 6,975   $25     $40         $(11)     $ 5,852  $ 93     $ 8         $102
 Futures and forwards...   3,382                        (45)      12,558            10          (89)
 Interest rate
 options(3).............                                           4,328   119      34            2
                         -------   ---     ---         ----      -------  ----     ---         ----
                         $10,357   $25     $40         $(56)     $22,738  $212     $52         $ 15
                         =======   ===     ===         ====      =======  ====     ===         ====
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) In certain cases, instruments such as futures are subject to daily cash
    settlements; therefore, the fair value of these instruments is zero.
(2) Unrecognized gain or loss is based upon fair values and represents the
    amount of gain or loss that has not been recognized in the income statement
    at the balance sheet date. This includes amounts related to contracts that
    have been terminated.
(3) At December 31, 1995, primarily included interest rate options used to man-
    age prepayment risk related to the Corporation's mortgage servicing portfo-
    lio.
 
The Corporation's utilization of derivative instruments is modified from time
to time in response to changing market conditions, as well as changes in the
characteristics and mix of the Corporation's related assets and liabilities. In
this respect, during 1996, the Corporation terminated $8.2 billion notional
amount of interest rate futures contracts. The futures contracts were part of a
series of three-month contracts that were linked to the Corporation's continu-
ing need for short-term wholesale funding. Included in unrecognized gains
(losses) at December 31, 1996 were deferred gains of $16 million and deferred
losses of $33 million related to terminated contracts that are being amortized
to net interest revenue over weighted average periods of 26 months and 13
months, respectively. At December 31, 1995, unrecognized gains of $32 million
and unrecognized losses of $2 million related to terminated contracts were be-
ing amortized to net interest revenue over weighted average periods of 32
months and 23 months, respectively. The Corporation routinely reviews its asset
and liability derivative positions to determine that such instruments continue
to function as effective risk management tools. See Note 22 to the Financial
Statements for additional information on derivative financial instruments.
 
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
 
At December 31, 1996, the Corporation had $4.9 billion in stockholders' equity,
compared with $4.7 billion at December 31, 1995.
 
The Corporation's quarterly dividend was increased 20 percent, from $.37 per
share in the first quarter of 1996 to $.44 per share in each of the last three
quarters of 1996 and the first quarter of 1997. The level of dividends paid on
the Corporation's common stock is determined by the Board based on the Corpora-
tion's liquidity, asset quality profile, capital adequacy and recent earnings
history, as well as economic conditions and other factors deemed relevant by
the Board, including the amount of dividends paid to the Corporation by its
subsidiaries.
 
The Corporation has a capital planning process to ensure that appropriate regu-
latory capital levels and ratios are maintained. ALCCO is responsible for ap-
proving all major balance sheet initiatives and managing regulatory capital
levels for the Corporation and its bank subsidiaries. The Global Treasury group
develops the capital plan in accordance with the Corporation's strategic objec-
tives and reports, on a monthly basis, to ALCCO, regarding the current and pro
forma regulatory capital positions of the Corporation and each of its principal
bank subsidiaries. As of December 31, 1996, the Corporation and its bank sub-
sidiaries met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

Table 21 presents the Corporation's regulatory capital position and related ra-
tios as of the last two year-ends.
 
TABLE 21 -- REGULATORY CAPITAL POSITION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                          1996  1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>   <C>
Risk-based capital ratios
 Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital/total risk-adjusted assets)...  9.2%  8.5%
 Total capital ratio (Total capital/total risk-adjusted assets)..... 13.6% 12.8%
Leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital/adjusted total average assets).......  8.2%  7.4%
</TABLE>
 
Compared with the prior year-end, the improvement in the Corporation's regula-
tory capital ratios at December 31, 1996 reflected the impact of current year
earnings, net of common and preferred dividends, and the issuance of the Trust
Securities which are more fully discussed in the "Liquidity Risk Management"
section.
 
See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the Cor-
poration's regulatory capital.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In June 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued SFAS
No. 125, "Accounting for Transfer and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extin-
guishments of Liabilities." This standard is based on a financial-components
approach under which an entity recognizes the financial and servicing assets it
controls and the liabilities it has incurred as a result of a transfer of fi-
nancial assets, and derecognizes financial assets when control has been surren-
dered, and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. This standard is effec-
tive for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of li-
abilities occurring after December 31, 1996 (except for certain provisions de-
ferred for one year by SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain
Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125"), and must be applied prospectively. The
Corporation does not expect that, upon adoption, this standard will have a ma-
terial effect on its consolidated financial statements.

                                      42
<PAGE>
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1995 COMPARED WITH 1994
 
NET INTEREST REVENUE
 
Domestic net interest revenue increased $121 million to $1,825 million, result-
ing from both a higher level of earning assets and wider spreads. Average earn-
ing assets increased $977 million, reflecting a $1.1 billion increase in aver-
age loan and lease volume, partially offset by a decrease in other earning as-
sets. Contributing to the loan volume increase was a higher level of consumer-
related loans, reflecting growth of the national consumer finance portfolio,
the full-year effects of the 1994 acquisitions of Pioneer Financial, A Co-oper-
ative Bank (Pioneer) and BankWorcester Corporation (BankWorcester), and the
1995 acquisitions of Ganis Credit Corporation and BayBank FSB. These increases
were primarily offset by the 1995 sales of Vermont and Casco, as well as a
lower level of residential mortgage loans. The wider domestic spreads mainly
reflected growth in earning asset yields, which outpaced increases in rates
paid on interest bearing liabilities during 1995. The widening of spreads was
also mainly responsible for the domestic net interest margin increasing by 20
basis points compared with 1994.
 
The increase in international net interest revenue of $98 million to $446 mil-
lion was attributable to an increase in average earning assets and wider
spreads, with the latter mainly responsible for the increase in net interest
margin of 56 basis points. Wider spreads primarily resulted from a shift in the
average earning asset mix to higher-yielding assets, as well as asset and lia-
bility positioning to benefit from prevailing interest rates. An increase in
Argentine average loan and lease volume of over $600 million from 1994 also
contributed to the increase in average earning assets.
 
NONINTEREST INCOME
 
The $131 million increase in financial service fees to $695 million primarily
reflected improvements in net mortgage servicing fees, loan-related fees, and
other financial service fees. Net mortgage servicing fees increased $109 mil-
lion compared with 1994, reflecting $67 million of gains (net of increased ser-
vicing amortization) recognized by the Corporation from the increase in market
value of contracts used to manage prepayment risk in the mortgage servicing
portfolio; with the remainder of the increase reflecting the overall growth of
the average servicing portfolio. The improvement in syndication and agent fees
of $8 million reflected the Corporation's increased emphasis on its Capital
Markets business. Deposit fees declined due to the 1995 sales of Vermont and
Casco.
 
Net equity and mezzanine profits increased $80 million from 1994 due to a
higher level of sales activity in 1995. Mutual fund fees improved $32 million
from the 1994 level of $35 million, primarily due to higher fees from the Bra-
zilian mutual fund business. The decrease in other trust and agency fees was
due to the Corporation's sale of its Corporate Trust business and joint venture
of its Stock Transfer business in the fourth quarter of 1995. The $16 million
increase in net foreign exchange trading profits from 1994 reflected higher
profits from the trading of spot and forward contracts in major foreign curren-
cies. Trading profits and commissions increased $7 million from 1994 due to a
higher level of profits from international securities trading during the second
half of 1995. Offsetting these improvements was a decrease in other income of
$40 million, primarily due to a loss of $17 million on the transfer of approxi-
mately $1.3 billion of low-yielding residential mortgages to the held for sale
account, of which a substantial portion were sold by December 31, 1995, and $17
million of valuation-related charges associated with certain investments and
other assets.
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
Excluding acquisition, divestiture and restructuring expense and OREO costs,
noninterest expense increased $151 million, reflecting expansion in the Corpo-
ration's Latin American, Personal Banking and Capital Markets businesses. The
$100 million increase in employee costs mainly included higher merit increases
and higher levels of incentive compensation. Occupancy and equipment expenses
increased $14 million from 1994 due to higher expenses from international oper-
ations, mainly Latin America, the Corporation's acquisitions and increased
rental expense related to branch openings. The decrease in FDIC premiums of $34
million reflected a reduction in the FDIC assessment rate effective in June
1995. Other expense increases included an increase of $23 million in advertis-
ing and public relations related to new product introductions and the Corpora-
tion's expansion into the domestic credit card business, and increases in com-
munications, travel and software related expenses. The decline in OREO costs of
$29 million from 1994 was primarily due to lower valuation adjustments and the
continued disposition of OREO properties.
 
During the fourth quarter of 1995, the Corporation recorded $28 million of
charges related to exiting, reorganizing and downsizing certain businesses and
corporate staff units, including the reorganization of the European business
and certain Asia/Pacific operations. During 1994, in connection with its acqui-
sition of BankWorcester and Pioneer, the Corporation recorded acquisition-re-
lated costs of $21 million. Additional information on these items is included
in Note 19 to the Financial Statements.

                                      43
<PAGE>
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES, TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(dollars in millions)                        Year Ended December 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Average                 Average
                                            Balance    Interest(1)    Rate
<S>                                         <C>        <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Interest bearing deposits in other banks
 U.S. ..................................... $      192   $      12       5.96%
 International.............................      1,136          91       8.01
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      1,328         103       7.71
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Federal funds sold and resale agreements
 U.S. .....................................        474          25       5.24
 International.............................      1,203         178      14.78
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      1,677         203      12.08
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Trading securities
 U.S. .....................................        552          31       5.76
 International.............................        870         124      14.30
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      1,422         155      10.99
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Loans held for sale
 U.S. .....................................        260          18       6.88
 International.............................         12           1       6.12
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................        272          19       6.84
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Securities
 U.S.
  Available for sale(2)....................      6,577         423       6.48
  Held to maturity.........................        684          42       6.15
 International
  Available for sale(2)....................        832         114      14.13
  Held to maturity.........................         29           5      16.53
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      8,122         584       7.19
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Loans and lease financing
 U.S. .....................................     31,472       2,714       8.62
 International.............................      9,117       1,135      12.44
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total(3).................................     40,589       3,849       9.48
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Total earning assets.......................     53,410       4,913       9.20
                                                         ---------   --------
Nonearning assets..........................      6,113
                                            ----------
  Total assets(4).......................... $   59,523
                                            ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
 U.S.
  Savings deposits......................... $   14,918   $     401       2.69%
  Time deposits............................     10,310         581       5.64
 International
  Banks in foreign countries...............      2,883         163       5.64
  Other foreign savings and time...........      6,380         535       8.37
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................     34,491       1,680       4.87
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Federal funds purchased and repurchase
agreements
 U.S. .....................................      4,500         259       5.77
 International.............................        109          14      12.80
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      4,609         273       5.93
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Other funds borrowed
 U.S. .....................................      3,140         186       5.92
 International.............................      1,002         220      21.91
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      4,142         406       9.79
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Notes payable
 U.S.(5)...................................      2,119         140       6.59
 International.............................        547          54       9.99
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      2,666         194       7.29
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Total interest bearing liabilities.........     45,908       2,553       5.56
                                                         ---------   --------
Demand deposits -- U.S.....................      6,635
Demand deposits -- International...........        477
Other noninterest bearing liabilities......      1,759
Stockholders' equity.......................      4,744
                                            ----------
  Total liabilities and stockholders'
  equity(4)................................ $   59,523
                                            ==========
NET INTEREST REVENUE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
AVERAGE INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
 U.S. ..................................... $   40,211   $   1,826       4.54%
 International.............................     13,199         534       4.05%
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total.................................... $   53,410   $   2,360       4.42%
                                            ==========   =========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Income is shown on a fully taxable equivalent basis.
(2) Average rates for securities available for sale are based on the securi-
    ties' average amortized cost.
(3) Loans and lease financing includes nonaccrual and renegotiated balances.
    Interest on loans and lease financing includes net fees of $52 million.
(4) As of December 31, 1996, average international assets and liabilities as a
    percentage of total average consolidated assets and liabilities, respec-
    tively, amounted to 25%.
(5) Amounts include guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in the Corpora-
    tion's junior subordinated debt.

                                      44
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES, TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(dollars in millions)                        Year Ended December 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Average                 Average
                                            Balance    Interest(1)    Rate
<S>                                         <C>        <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Interest bearing deposits in other banks
 U.S. ..................................... $      253   $      15       5.98%
 International.............................      1,087         206      18.91
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      1,340         221      16.48
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Federal funds sold and resale agreements
 U.S. .....................................        537          32       5.89
 International.............................        649         271      41.77
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      1,186         303      25.51
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Trading securities
 U.S. .....................................        245          15       5.85
 International.............................        602         171      28.45
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................        847         186      21.91
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Loans held for sale
 U.S.(2)...................................        448          31       6.98
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Securities
 U.S.
  Available for sale(3)....................      3,002         211       7.07
  Held to maturity.........................      3,836         230       5.99
 International
  Available for sale(3)....................        422          64      13.36
  Held to maturity.........................        203          16       7.66
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      7,463         521       6.98
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Loans and lease financing
 U.S. .....................................     30,367       2,701       8.90
 International.............................      7,916       1,178      14.88
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total(4).................................     38,283       3,879      10.13
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Total earning assets.......................     49,567       5,141      10.37
                                                         ---------   --------
Nonearning assets..........................      6,177
                                            ----------
  Total assets(5).......................... $   55,744
                                            ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
 U.S.
  Savings deposits......................... $   14,359   $     382       2.66%
  Time deposits............................      9,288         520       5.60
 International
  Banks in foreign countries...............      2,257         145       6.42
  Other foreign savings and time...........      5,804         744      12.82
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................     31,708       1,791       5.65
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Federal funds purchased and repurchase
 agreements
 U.S. .....................................      4,322         237       5.48
 International.............................        189          45      23.60
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      4,511         282       6.24
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Other funds borrowed
 U.S. .....................................      3,730         236       6.34
 International.............................        891         403      45.16
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      4,621         639      13.83
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Notes payable
 U.S. .....................................      1,932         135       7.02
 International.............................        210          23      10.87
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total....................................      2,142         158       7.40
                                            ----------   ---------   --------
Total interest bearing liabilities.........     42,982       2,870       6.68
                                                         ---------   --------
Demand deposits -- U.S. ...................      6,242
Demand deposits -- International...........        456
Other noninterest bearing liabilities......      1,760
Stockholders' equity.......................      4,304
                                            ----------
  Total liabilities and stockholders'
   equity(5)............................... $   55,744
                                            ==========
NET INTEREST REVENUE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
 AVERAGE INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
 U.S. ..................................... $   38,688   $   1,825       4.72%
 International.............................     10,879         446       4.10%
                                            ----------   ---------
  Total.................................... $   49,567   $   2,271       4.58%
                                            ==========   =========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Income is shown on a fully taxable equivalent basis.
(2) Amounts include the Corporation's accelerated disposition portfolio.
(3) Average rates for securities available for sale are based on the securi-
    ties' average amortized cost.
(4) Loans and lease financing includes nonaccrual and renegotiated balances.
    Interest on loans and lease financing includes net fees of $62 million.
(5) As of December 31, 1995, average international assets and liabilities as a
    percentage of total average consolidated assets and liabilities, respec-
    tively, amounted to 22%.


                                      45
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES, TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(dollars in millions)                              Year Ended December 31, 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Average              Average
                                                   Balance  Interest(1)  Rate
<S>                                                <C>      <C>         <C>
ASSETS
Interest bearing deposits in other banks
 U.S. ...........................................  $    195   $     7     3.69%
 International...................................       864       109    12.54
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................     1,059       116    10.91
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Federal funds sold and resale agreements
 U.S. ...........................................     1,421        58     4.06
 International...................................     1,255       547    43.62
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................     2,676       605    22.61
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Trading securities
 U.S. ...........................................       178         9     5.45
 International...................................       398       105    26.26
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................       576       114    19.84
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Loans held for sale
 U.S.(2).........................................       716        45     6.33
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Securities
 U.S.
  Available for sale(3)..........................     1,943       119     6.13
  Held to maturity...............................     3,992       208     5.21
 International
  Available for sale(3)..........................       332        47    14.63
  Held to maturity...............................       206        17     8.12
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................     6,473       391     6.05
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Loans and lease financing
 U.S. ...........................................    29,265     2,301     7.86
 International...................................     6,752       819    12.14
                                                   --------   -------
  Total(4).......................................    36,017     3,120     8.66
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Total earning assets.............................    47,517     4,391     9.24
                                                              -------    -----
Nonearning assets................................     5,872
                                                   --------
  Total assets(5)................................  $ 53,389
                                                   ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
 U.S.
  Savings deposits...............................  $ 15,139   $   307     2.03%
  Time deposits..................................     8,617       383     4.44
 International
  Banks in foreign countries.....................     2,118       277    13.09
  Other foreign savings and time.................     5,062       334     6.60
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................    30,936     1,301     4.21
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
 U.S. ...........................................     4,274       168     3.94
 International...................................       203        65    31.96
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................     4,477       233     5.21
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Other funds borrowed
 U.S. ...........................................     2,361       120     5.05
 International...................................     1,180       553    46.87
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................     3,541       673    18.98
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Notes payable
 U.S. ...........................................     1,996       119     5.98
 International...................................       127        13    10.36
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................     2,123       132     6.25
                                                   --------   -------    -----
Total interest bearing liabilities...............    41,077     2,339     5.69
                                                              -------    -----
Demand deposits -- U.S. .........................     6,536
Demand deposits -- International.................       447
Other noninterest bearing liabilities............     1,563
Stockholders' equity.............................     3,766
                                                   --------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity(5)..  $ 53,389
                                                   ========
NET INTEREST REVENUE AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
 U.S. ...........................................  $ 37,711   $ 1,704     4.52%
 International...................................     9,806       348     3.54%
                                                   --------   -------
  Total..........................................  $ 47,517   $ 2,052     4.32%
                                                   ========   =======
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Income is shown on a fully taxable equivalent basis.
(2) Amounts include the Corporation's accelerated disposition portfolio.
(3) Average rates for securities available for sale are based on the securi-
    ties' average amortized cost.
(4) Loans and lease financing includes nonaccrual and renegotiated balances.
    Interest on loans and lease financing includes net fees of $58 million.
(5) As of December 31, 1994, average international assets and liabilities as a
    percentage of total average consolidated assets and liabilities, respec-
    tively, amounted to 21%.


                                      46
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
CHANGE IN NET INTEREST REVENUE -- VOLUME AND RATE ANALYSIS
 
The following tables present, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, an analysis
of the effect on net interest revenue of volume and rate changes for 1996 com-
pared with 1995, and 1995 compared with 1994. The change due to the volume/rate
variance has been allocated to volume. For 1996 compared with 1995, the change
because of the difference in the number of days in the periods has been allo-
cated to rate.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              1996 Compared with 1995            1995 Compared with 1994
                          Increase (Decrease)                Increase (Decrease)
                            Due to Change in                  Due to Change in
(in millions)               Volume      Rate      Net Change   Volume       Rate     Net Change
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
EARNING ASSETS
Interest bearing depos-
 its in other banks
 U.S....................   $      (3)               $  (3)   $        4   $       4    $      8
 International..........           4  $     (119)    (115)           42          55          97
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                     (118)                                  105
                                                    -----                              --------
Federal funds sold and
 resale agreements
 U.S....................          (3)         (4)      (7)          (52)         26         (26)
 International..........          82        (175)     (93)         (253)        (23)       (276)
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                     (100)                                 (302)
                                                    -----                              --------
Trading securities
 U.S....................          16                   16             5           1           6
 International..........          38         (85)     (47)           58           8          66
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                      (31)                                   72
                                                    -----                              --------
Loans held for sale
 U.S....................         (13)                 (13)          (19)          5         (14)
 International..........           1                    1
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                      (12)                                  (14)
                                                    -----                              --------
Securities
 U.S....................          25          (1)      24            62          52         114
 International..........          32           7       39            11           5          16
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                       63                                   130
                                                    -----                              --------
Loans and lease financ-
 ing
 U.S....................          95         (82)      13            97         303         400
 International..........         150        (193)     (43)          173         186         359
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                      (30)                                  759
                                                    -----                              --------
Interest income.........         352        (580)    (228)          213         537         750
                                                    -----                              --------
INTEREST BEARING LIABIL-
 ITIES
Deposits
 U.S. savings...........          15           4       19           (20)         95          75
 U.S. time..............          57           4       61            37         100         137
 International..........          91        (282)    (191)           97         181         278
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                     (111)                                  490
                                                    -----                              --------
Federal funds purchased
 and repurchase agree-
 ments
 U.S....................          10          12       22             3          66          69
 International..........         (10)        (21)     (31)           (3)        (17)        (20)
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                       (9)                                   49
                                                    -----                              --------
Other funds borrowed
 U.S....................         (35)        (15)     (50)           85          31         116
 International..........          24        (207)    (183)         (130)        (20)       (150)
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                     (233)                                  (34)
                                                    -----                              --------
Notes payable
 U.S....................          13          (8)       5            (5)         21          16
 International..........          33          (2)      31             9           1          10
                                                    -----                              --------
                                                       36                                    26
                                                    -----                              --------
Interest expense........         184        (501)    (317)          119         412         531
                                                    -----                              --------
Net interest revenue....                            $  89                              $    219
                                                    =====                              ========
</TABLE>


                                      47
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND
COMMON STOCK DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996
                                                 FOURTH   THIRD     SECOND      FIRST
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)  QUARTER QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA(1)
Interest income..........                        $ 1,250 $ 1,199    $ 1,202    $ 1,240
Interest expense.........                            639     608        631        674
                                                 ------- -------    -------    -------
 Net interest revenue....                            611     591        571        566
Provision for credit
losses...................                             60      57         57         57
                                                 ------- -------    -------    -------
 Net interest revenue
 after provision for
 credit losses...........                            551     534        514        509
Noninterest income.......                            340     337        383        285
Noninterest expense......                            548     713        532        527
                                                 ------- -------    -------    -------
Income before income
taxes....................                            343     158        365        267
Provision for income
taxes....................                            141      78        151        112
                                                 ------- -------    -------    -------
Net income...............                        $   202 $    80    $   214    $   155
                                                 ======= =======    =======    =======
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
DATA(1)
Loans and lease
financing................                        $41,835 $41,223    $40,114    $39,179
Securities...............                          8,029   8,249      8,065      8,143
Other earning assets.....                          4,955   4,452      4,538      4,850
                                                 ------- -------    -------    -------
 Total earning assets....                         54,819  53,924     52,717     52,172
Cash and due from banks..                          2,750   2,447      2,534      2,710
Other assets.............                          3,487   3,678      3,130      3,705
                                                 ------- -------    -------    -------
 Total average assets....                        $61,056 $60,049    $58,381    $58,587
                                                 ======= =======    =======    =======
Deposits.................                        $42,031 $42,617    $41,118    $40,632
Funds borrowed...........                          9,357   8,301      8,282      9,061
Other liabilities........                          1,860   1,698      1,709      1,767
Notes payable............                          2,983   2,674      2,584      2,421
Stockholders' equity.....                          4,825   4,759      4,688      4,706
                                                 ------- -------    -------    -------
 Total average
 liabilities and
 stockholders' equity....                        $61,056 $60,049    $58,381    $58,587
                                                 ======= =======    =======    =======
PER COMMON SHARE(1)
Net income
 Primary.................                        $  1.26 $   .46    $  1.33    $   .94
 Fully diluted...........                           1.24     .45       1.32        .93
Cash dividends declared..                            .44     .44        .44        .37
Market value
 High....................                             70     57 7/8     51 1/2      50
 Low.....................                             58     50 1/8      46        41 5/8
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON
SHARES(1)
 (in thousands)
 Primary.................                        152,975 153,103    153,650    154,988
 Fully diluted...........                        155,157 155,183    155,183    156,844
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

















<CAPTION>
                                                              1995
                                                 Fourth      Third     Second      First
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)  Quarter    Quarter    Quarter    Quarter
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA(1)
Interest income..........                        $ 1,279    $ 1,320    $ 1,297    $ 1,223
Interest expense.........                            706        750        740        674
                                                 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Net interest revenue....                            573        570        557        549
Provision for credit
losses...................                             81         51         46         97
                                                 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Net interest revenue
 after provision for
 credit losses...........                            492        519        511        452
Noninterest income.......                            367        305        292        345
Noninterest expense......                            545        518        512        501
                                                 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income
taxes....................                            314        306        291        296
Provision for income
taxes....................                            134        131        123        141
                                                 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income...............                        $   180    $   175    $   168    $   155
                                                 ========== ========== ========== ==========
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET
DATA(1)
Loans and lease
financing................                        $39,357    $39,033    $37,811    $36,894
Securities...............                          7,823      7,468      7,335      7,218
Other earning assets.....                          4,115      3,764      3,681      3,723
                                                 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Total earning assets....                         51,295     50,265     48,827     47,835
Cash and due from banks..                          2,649      2,546      2,581      2,588
Other assets.............                          3,857      3,901      3,453      3,134
                                                 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Total average assets....                        $57,801    $56,712    $54,861    $53,557
                                                 ========== ========== ========== ==========
Deposits.................                        $39,903    $38,766    $37,582    $37,342
Funds borrowed...........                          9,355      9,620      9,128      8,407
Other liabilities........                          1,806      1,790      1,818      1,618
Notes payable............                          2,159      2,115      2,112      2,183
Stockholders' equity.....                          4,578      4,421      4,221      4,007
                                                 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Total average
 liabilities and
 stockholders' equity....                        $57,801    $56,712    $54,861    $53,557
                                                 ========== ========== ========== ==========
PER COMMON SHARE(1)
Net income
 Primary.................                        $  1.09    $  1.06    $  1.03    $   .98
 Fully diluted...........                           1.08       1.05       1.02        .95
Cash dividends declared..                            .37        .37        .27        .27
Market value
 High....................                            49 3/8     47 5/8     38 1/4     30 3/8
 Low.....................                            43 5/8     36 3/4     29 3/8     25 5/8
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON
SHARES(1)
 (in thousands)
 Primary.................                        156,140    155,660    153,877    149,654
 Fully diluted...........                        157,959    157,598    155,529    154,262
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Quarterly consolidated financial information and common stock data for each
    of the quarters in the periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 have been
    restated, except for cash dividends declared, to reflect the Corporation's
    acquisition of BayBanks, which was completed in July 1996 and accounted for
    as a pooling of interests.
 
 The common stock of the Corporation, which is the only class of its
 securities entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is listed
 and traded on the New York and Boston stock exchanges.


                                      48
<PAGE>
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Bank of Boston Corporation:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bank of Boston
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's manage-
ment. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing stan-
dards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of mate-
rial misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence sup-
porting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement pre-
sentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opin-
ion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Bank of Boston
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consoli-
dated results of their operations and cash flows for each of the years in the
three year period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
The consolidated financial statements of BayBanks, Inc., as of December 31,
1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, prior to the restate-
ment for the 1996 pooling of interests, included in the 1995 and 1994 restated
consolidated financial statements were audited by other auditors whose reports
expressed unqualified opinions on those financial statements. We audited the
combination of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
1995, and the consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' eq-
uity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, after re-
statement for the 1996 pooling of interests; in our opinion, such consolidated
financial statements have been properly combined on the basis described in Note
2 to the financial statements.
 
Boston, Massachusetts                  /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
January 16, 1997


                                      50
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                       1996     1995
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>      <C>
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks........................................  $ 4,273  $ 3,561
Interest bearing deposits in other banks.......................    1,634    1,356
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
 resell........................................................    1,857    1,548
Trading securities.............................................    1,238    1,159
Mortgages held for sale........................................               910
Securities
 Available for sale............................................    7,804    7,582
 Held to maturity (fair value of $675 in 1996 and $667 in
  1995)........................................................      680      660
Loans and lease financing (net of unearned income of $380 in
 1996 and $277 in 1995)........................................   41,061   38,870
Reserve for credit losses......................................     (883)    (890)
                                                                 -------  -------
 Net loans and lease financing.................................   40,178   37,980
Premises and equipment, net....................................      894      832
Due from customers on acceptances..............................      438      360
Accrued interest receivable....................................      546      554
Other assets...................................................    2,764    2,921
                                                                 -------  -------
Total Assets...................................................  $62,306  $59,423
                                                                 =======  =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
 Domestic offices
  Noninterest bearing..........................................  $ 8,340  $ 7,127
  Interest bearing.............................................   24,709   24,392
 Overseas offices
  Noninterest bearing..........................................      751      552
  Interest bearing.............................................    9,031    8,993
                                                                 -------  -------
  Total deposits...............................................   42,831   41,064
Funds borrowed.................................................    9,158    9,503
Acceptances outstanding........................................      448      360
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.........................    1,614    1,605
Notes payable..................................................    2,821    2,189
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in Corporation's ju-
 nior subordinated debt........................................      500
                                                                 -------  -------
Total liabilities..............................................   57,372   54,721
                                                                 -------  -------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
 Preferred stock without par value
  Authorized shares -- 10,000,000
  Issued shares -- 4,593,941...................................      508      508
 Common stock, par value $1.50 in 1996 and $2.25 in 1995
  Authorized shares -- 300,000,000 in 1996 and 200,000,000 in
   1995
  Issued shares -- 153,172,672 in 1996 and 155,785,611 in 1995
  Outstanding shares -- 153,172,672 in 1996 and 155,296,203 in
   1995........................................................      230      350
 Surplus.......................................................    1,202    1,240
 Retained earnings.............................................    2,925    2,548
 Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of
  tax..........................................................       76       82
 Treasury stock, at cost (489,408 shares in 1995)..............               (22)
 Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax................       (7)      (4)
                                                                 -------  -------
Total stockholders' equity.....................................    4,934    4,702
                                                                 -------  -------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity.....................  $62,306  $59,423
                                                                 =======  =======
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.


                                      51
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                 1996     1995     1994
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>
INTEREST INCOME
Loans and lease financing, including fees...........  $  3,844 $  3,876 $  3,117
Securities..........................................       569      503      380
Trading securities..................................       155      186      114
Mortgages held for sale.............................        19       31       43
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
agreements to resell................................       203      303      605
Deposits in other banks.............................       103      220      117
                                                      -------- -------- --------
 Total interest income..............................     4,893    5,119    4,376
                                                      -------- -------- --------
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits of domestic offices........................       944      879      673
Deposits of overseas offices........................       736      912      628
Funds borrowed......................................       679      921      906
Notes payable.......................................       194      158      132
                                                      -------- -------- --------
 Total interest expense.............................     2,553    2,870    2,339
                                                      -------- -------- --------
 Net interest revenue...............................     2,340    2,249    2,037
Provision for credit losses.........................       231      275      154
                                                      -------- -------- --------
 Net interest revenue after provision for credit
 losses.............................................     2,109    1,974    1,883
                                                      -------- -------- --------
NONINTEREST INCOME
Financial service fees..............................       474      695      564
Trust and agency fees...............................       246      240      222
Trading profits and commissions.....................        76       25       18
Net securities gains................................        23        9       14
Other income........................................       525      340      217
                                                      -------- -------- --------
 Total noninterest income...........................     1,344    1,309    1,035
                                                      -------- -------- --------
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries............................................       983      947      860
Employee benefits...................................       195      199      186
Occupancy expense...................................       203      191      184
Equipment expense...................................       138      133      126
Acquisition, divestiture and restructuring expense..       180       28       21
Other expense.......................................       621      578      570
                                                      -------- -------- --------
 Total noninterest expense..........................     2,320    2,076    1,947
                                                      -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item...     1,133    1,207      971
Provision for income taxes..........................       483      529      422
                                                      -------- -------- --------
Income before extraordinary item....................       650      678      549
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of
debt, net of tax....................................                          (7)
                                                      -------- -------- --------
NET INCOME..........................................  $    650 $    678 $    542
                                                      ======== ======== ========
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK...............  $    613 $    641 $    505
                                                      ======== ======== ========
PER COMMON SHARE
Income before extraordinary item
 Primary............................................  $   3.99 $   4.17 $   3.44
 Fully diluted......................................      3.93     4.09     3.36
Net income
 Primary............................................      3.99     4.17     3.39
 Fully diluted......................................      3.93     4.09     3.31
Cash dividends declared.............................      1.69     1.28      .93
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
 (in thousands)
 Primary............................................   153,529  153,856  148,913
 Fully diluted......................................   156,112  156,768  153,616
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.


                                      52
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                                                1996    1995    1994
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
PREFERRED STOCK
Balance, January 1.................................................................  $  508  $  508  $  508
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Balance, December 31...............................................................     508     508     508
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
COMMON STOCK
Balance, January 1.................................................................     350     336     331
Change in par value................................................................    (118)
Common stock issued
 Dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan -- 326,277 shares in 1996,
  861,235 shares in 1995 and 1,103,539 shares in 1994..............................       1       2       2
 Exercise of stock options, net of surrendered shares -- 771,353 shares in 1996,
  905,653 shares in 1995 and 612,492 shares in 1994................................       3       2       2
 Conversion of subordinated debentures -- 3,477,792 shares in 1995.................               8
 Business combinations, net of treasury stock retired -- (3,733,533) shares in 1996
  and 1,071,987 shares in 1995.....................................................      (6)      2
 Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures -- (1,672) shares in 1996, 43,062
  shares in 1995 and 487,323 shares in 1994........................................                       1
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Balance, December 31...............................................................     230     350     336
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
SURPLUS
Balance, January 1.................................................................   1,240   1,069   1,023
Change in par value................................................................     118
Dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan...............................      18      33      25
Exercise of stock options..........................................................     (31)     16       8
Conversion of subordinated debentures..............................................              71
Business combinations, net of treasury stock retired...............................    (178)     38
Restricted stock...................................................................       9       7       9
Other, principally employee benefit plans..........................................      26       6       4
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Balance, December 31...............................................................   1,202   1,240   1,069
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance, January 1.................................................................   2,548   2,091   1,718
Net income.........................................................................     650     678     542
Restricted stock...................................................................       5      (2)     (6)
Payment on ESOP loan...............................................................       6       2       3
Cash dividends declared
 Preferred stock...................................................................     (37)    (37)    (37)
 Common stock -- $1.69 per share in 1996, $1.28 per share in 1995 and $.93 per
  share in 1994....................................................................    (247)   (184)   (129)
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Balance, December 31...............................................................   2,925   2,548   2,091
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
NET UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Balance, January 1.................................................................      82     (40)     43
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax..      (6)    122     (83)
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Balance, December 31...............................................................      76      82     (40)
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
TREASURY STOCK
Balance, January 1.................................................................     (22)    (27)
Purchases of treasury stock -- 10,220,789 shares in 1996, 1,594,016 shares in 1995
 and 1,110,640 shares in 1994......................................................    (490)    (53)    (29)
Treasury stock reissued
 Dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan -- 491,586 shares in 1996 and
  331,782 shares in 1995...........................................................      23       9
 Exercise of stock options -- 1,352,081 shares in 1996, 147,370 shares in 1995 and
  70,292 shares in 1994............................................................      52       4       2
 Conversion of subordinated debentures -- 530,475 shares in 1995...................              15
 Business combinations -- 8,499,441 shares in 1996 and 773,621 shares in 1995......     420      21
 Restricted stock grants -- 223,515 shares in 1996 and 255,520 shares in 1995......      10       6
 Other, principally employee benefit plans -- 143,574 shares in 1996 and 106,188
  shares in 1995...................................................................       7       3
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Balance, December 31...............................................................             (22)    (27)
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS
Balance, January 1.................................................................      (4)     (6)     (8)
Change in translation adjustments, net of tax......................................      (3)      2       2
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Balance, December 31...............................................................      (7)     (4)     (6)
                                                                                     ------  ------  ------
Total Stockholders' Equity, December 31............................................  $4,934  $4,702  $3,931
                                                                                     ======  ======  ======
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.


                                      53
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANK OF BOSTON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                               1996     1995     1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income.........................................  $   650  $   678  $   542
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided
from (used for) operating activities
 Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of
 debt, net of tax..................................                          7
 Provision for credit losses.......................      231      275      154
 Depreciation and amortization.....................      150      239      202
 Provision for deferred taxes......................        2       39       79
 Net gains on sales of securities available for
 sale and other assets.............................     (368)    (210)    (115)
 Change in trading securities, net of transfers....     (356)    (588)    (284)
 Change in mortgages held for sale.................      269     (722)   1,286
 Net change in interest receivables and payables...       72      (66)    (180)
 Other, net........................................     (122)     163       33
                                                     -------  -------  -------
  Net cash provided from (used for) operating
  activities.......................................      528     (192)   1,724
                                                     -------  -------  -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net cash provided from (used for) interest bearing
deposits in other banks............................     (278)     203     (453)
Net cash provided from (used for) federal funds
sold and securities purchased under agreements to
resell.............................................     (309)    (225)     673
Purchases of securities held to maturity...........      (76)  (2,531)  (3,353)
Maturities of securities held to maturity..........       55    2,994    1,999
Purchases of securities available for sale.........   (9,624)  (4,382)  (4,541)
Sales of securities available for sale.............    5,827    2,101    3,051
Maturities of securities available for sale........    4,288    1,439      591
Loans and lease financing originated by nonbank
entities...........................................  (21,543)  (7,107)  (2,773)
Loans and lease financing collected by nonbank
entities...........................................   20,314    5,632    2,814
Proceeds from sales of loan portfolios by bank
subsidiaries.......................................    1,270    1,575      210
Net cash used for lending activities of bank
subsidiaries.......................................   (2,724)  (1,493)  (3,353)
Lease financing originated by bank entities........       (5)     (11)     (24)
Lease financing collected by bank entities.........       19       59       24
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned.....       45       84      113
Expenditures for premises and equipment............     (237)    (246)    (215)
Proceeds from sales of business units, premises and
equipment..........................................      264      169      161
Other, net.........................................      (72)    (604)    (380)
                                                     -------  -------  -------
  Net cash used for investing activities...........   (2,786)  (2,343)  (5,456)
                                                     -------  -------  -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net cash provided from deposits....................    1,767      815    1,963
Net cash provided from funds borrowed..............      768    2,292    1,724
Net proceeds from issuance of notes payable........      921      220      698
Repayments/repurchases of notes payable............     (289)    (155)    (502)
Net proceeds from issuance of guaranteed preferred
beneficial interest in Corporation's junior
subordinated debt..................................      500
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock.........       92       70       40
Purchases of treasury stock........................     (490)     (53)     (29)
Dividends paid.....................................     (284)    (221)    (166)
                                                     -------  -------  -------
  Net cash provided from financing activities......    2,985    2,968    3,728
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash.....      (15)     (18)     (22)
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Net change in cash and due from banks..............      712      415      (26)
Cash and due from banks at January 1...............    3,561    3,146    3,172
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Cash and due from banks at December 31.............  $ 4,273  $ 3,561  $ 3,146
                                                     =======  =======  =======
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The Accompanying Notes Are an Integral Part of These Financial Statements.

                                      54
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The financial reporting and accounting policies of Bank of Boston Corporation
(the Corporation) conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Prior
period financial statements have been restated to give retroactive effect to
the acquisition of BayBanks, Inc. (BayBanks), completed on July 29, 1996, which
was accounted for as a pooling of interests. See Note 2 for additional informa-
tion regarding the acquisition. In addition, certain prior period amounts have
been reclassified to conform with current financial statement presentation. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted ac-
counting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of
the significant accounting policies.
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The consolidated financial statements include the Corporation and its majority
owned subsidiaries, including its major banking subsidiaries: The First Na-
tional Bank of Boston (FNBB), BayBank, N.A., Bank of Boston Connecticut, Rhode
Island Hospital Trust National Bank and BayBank NH, N.A. All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in 20% to 50%-owned companies are accounted for using the equity
method. The equity interest in their earnings is included in other income. The
excess of cost over the assigned value of the net assets of companies acquired,
or goodwill, is included in other assets and is amortized on a straight-line
basis, generally over periods ranging from ten to twenty-five years.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 
The Corporation translates the financial statements of its foreign operations
in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52,
"Foreign Currency Translation." Under the provisions of SFAS No. 52, a func-
tional currency is designated for each foreign unit, generally the currency of
the primary economic environment in which it operates. Where the functional
currency is not the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated into
U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, while income and expenses are trans-
lated using average rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments
and any related hedge gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a separate
component of stockholders' equity.
 
For foreign units operating in highly inflationary economies, the functional
currency is the U.S. dollar. Their financial statements are translated into
U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for monetary assets and liabili-
ties, exchange rates in effect on the date of acquisition for premises and
equipment (and related depreciation) and certain investments, and the average
exchange rate during the period for income and expenses. The resulting transla-
tion adjustments and related hedge gains and losses for these units are re-
corded in current period income.
 
The Corporation hedges a portion of its exposure to translation gains and
losses in overseas branches and foreign subsidiaries through the purchase of
foreign exchange rate contracts and through investments in fixed assets and se-
curities.
 
TRADING SECURITIES
 
Trading securities comprise securities purchased in connection with the Corpo-
ration's trading activities and, as such, are expected to be sold in the near
term. The Corporation carries trading securities at fair value; realized and
unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are recorded currently in
trading profits and commissions, a component of noninterest income. Obligations
to deliver securities not yet purchased are carried at fair value in funds bor-
rowed.
 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY
 
Securities are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." All debt and equity securi-
ties that are not purchased in connection with the Corporation's trading activ-
ities are classified as either securities held to maturity or securities avail-
able for sale. Securities held to maturity are debt securities that the Corpo-
ration has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. These securi-
ties are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion
of discount. Securities available for sale are debt securities that the Corpo-
ration may not hold to maturity, as well as equity securities. These securities
include debt securities that are purchased in connection with the Corporation's
asset/liability risk management strategy and that may be sold in response to
changes in interest rates and other related factors; securities held in connec-
tion with the Corporation's Private Equity Investing business; and other secu-
rities that are intended to be held for indefinite periods of time, but which
may not be held to maturity. Within the available for sale category, equity se-
curities that have a readily determinable fair value and debt securities are
reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded, net of tax,
as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Equity securities that do not
have a readily determinable fair value are reported at cost. If a security
available for sale or held to maturity has experienced a decline in value that
is deemed other than temporary, it is written down to its estimated fair value
through a charge to current period income. Realized gains and losses with re-
spect to securities, which are generally computed on a specific identified cost
basis, are included in net securities gains, except for gains and losses with
respect to equity and mezzanine securities, which are included in other income.
 
INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
The Corporation enters into a variety of interest rate derivative contracts in
connection with its trading activities, including providing these products to
its customers, and as part of its interest rate risk management strategy, with
the derivatives included in the trading portfolio or the asset and liability
management portfolio. Such derivatives include interest rate futures and for-
wards, interest rate swaps and interest rate options. Derivatives included in
the trading portfolio are carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized
changes in fair value are recognized in current period income as a component of
trading profits and commissions.
 
Derivatives included in the asset and liability management portfolio are linked
to the related assets and/or liabilities, with income or loss on derivatives
recognized on the same basis as that used for the linked assets or liabilities.
If the related assets are carried at fair value or the

                                      55

<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
lower of cost or fair value, the fair values of the derivatives are combined
with the fair values of the assets and are recognized in income using the same
method of accounting as that used for the linked assets. If the assets or lia-
bilities are carried at cost, the derivatives are either accounted for on the
accrual basis, with income or expense accrued over the life of the agreements
as an adjustment to the yield of the related assets or liabilities, or marked
to fair value, with any gain or loss deferred and amortized over the period be-
ing managed as an adjustment to the yield of the related assets or liabilities.
In this connection, interest rate swaps, caps and floors are accounted for on
the accrual basis and interest rate futures, forwards and other option agree-
ments are marked to fair value, with gains and losses deferred and amortized
over the period being managed. The Corporation does not utilize written options
as part of its interest rate risk management strategy unless they are included
as part of an overall option strategy that effectively creates a net purchased
option position. If a contract is terminated, any remaining unrecognized gain
or loss is deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the yield of the related
assets or liabilities over the remainder of the period that is being managed.
If the linked assets or liabilities are disposed of prior to the end of the pe-
riod being managed, the related derivatives are marked to fair value, with any
resulting gain or loss recognized in current period income as an adjustment to
the gain or loss on the disposal of the related assets or liabilities.
 
Prior to the sale of its mortgage banking subsidiary in the first half of 1996,
which is more fully discussed in Note 2, the Corporation included in its asset
and liability management portfolio interest rate options used to manage prepay-
ment risk, and thus the value of the mortgage servicing portfolio, resulting
from a decline in interest rates. While the Corporation utilized these con-
tracts as part of a risk management strategy, the composition of the option
portfolio was not structured for economic reasons to provide a sufficient ex-
pectation that the change in its value, resulting from changes in interest
rates, would substantially offset the change in the value of the mortgage ser-
vicing rights to which it was linked. As a result, these contracts were valued
at fair value with the realized and unrealized changes in fair value recorded
in the statement of income as part of net mortgage servicing fees, a component
of financial service fees.
 
The Corporation also enters into foreign exchange contracts in connection with
its trading activities, including providing these products to its customers,
and to hedge a portion of its own foreign exchange risk, which is principally
related to foreign currency translation. (See "Foreign Currency Translation"
above.) The trading portfolio includes foreign currency spot, forward, future,
option and cross-currency interest rate swap contracts. Foreign exchange trad-
ing positions are valued at current market rates, with the net foreign exchange
trading gain or loss recorded in the statement of income as a component of
other income.
 
LOANS AND LEASE FINANCING
 
Loans are reported at their principal outstanding, net of charge-offs and un-
earned income, if any. Mortgages held for sale are reported separately at the
lower of aggregate cost or fair value.
 
Interest income on loans is accrued as earned. Unearned income on loans and
leases is recognized on a basis approximating a level rate of return over the
term of the loan. Loan origination fees and costs are accounted for in accor-
dance with SFAS No. 91, "Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated
with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases," which
requires the deferral of these fees and costs and subsequent amortization to
income over the life of the related credit or facility. Fees that adjust the
yield on the underlying credit are included in interest income on loans and
lease financing. Fees for credit-related services are included in financial
service fees, a component of noninterest income.
 
Lease financing receivables, including leveraged leases, are reported at the
aggregate of lease payments receivable and the estimated residual values, net
of unearned and deferred income, including unamortized investment credits.
Leveraged leases are reported net of nonrecourse debt. Unearned income is rec-
ognized to yield a level rate of return on the net investment in the leases.
 
The Corporation generally places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when any
portion of the principal or interest is 90 days past due or, in the case of
certain consumer loans, 120 days past due, unless the loan or lease is well se-
cured and in the process of collection, or earlier, when concern exists as to
the ultimate collectibility of principal or interest. Whenever a loan or lease
is placed on nonaccrual status, all other credit exposures to the same borrower
are also placed on nonaccrual status, except when it can be clearly demon-
strated that such credit exposures are well secured, fully performing and insu-
lated from the weakness surrounding the nonaccrual credit to which they relate.
When loans or leases are placed on nonaccrual status, the related interest re-
ceivable is reversed against interest income of the current period. Interest
payments received on nonaccrual loans and leases are applied as a reduction of
the principal balance when concern exists as to the ultimate collection of
principal; otherwise, such payments are recognized as interest income. Loans
and leases are removed from nonaccrual status when they become current as to
both principal and interest and concern no longer exists as to the ultimate
collectibility of principal or interest.
 
RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES AND PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
The reserve for credit losses is available for future charge-offs of extensions
of credit. The reserve is increased by the provision for credit losses and by
recoveries of items previously charged off, and is decreased as credits are
charged off. A charge-off occurs once a probability of loss has been deter-
mined, with consideration given to such factors as the customer's financial
condition, underlying collateral and guarantees.
 
The provision for credit losses is based upon management's estimate of the
amount necessary to maintain the reserve at an adequate level, considering
evaluations of individual credits and concentrations of credit risk, net losses
charged to the reserve, changes in quality of the credit portfolio, levels of
nonaccrual loans and leases, current economic conditions, cross-border risks,
changes in the size and character of the credit risks and other pertinent fac-
tors.
 
Effective January 1, 1995, the Corporation adopted, prospectively, SFAS No.
114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," as amended by SFAS No.
118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan -- Income Recognition
and Disclosure." These standards require that a loan be classified and ac-
counted for as an impaired loan when it is probable that the Corporation will
be unable to collect all principal and interest due on the loan in accordance
with the loan's


                                      56
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
original contractual terms. The Corporation uses the same criteria in placing a
loan on nonaccrual status. Accordingly, for purposes of applying these stan-
dards, impaired loans have been defined as all nonaccrual loans, exclusive of
residential mortgage loans, consumer loans and leases.
 
Impaired loans are valued based on the fair value of the related collateral in
the case of commercial real estate loans and, for all other impaired loans, on
the present value of expected future cash flows, using the interest rate in ef-
fect at the time the loan was placed on nonaccrual status. A loan's observable
market value may be used as an alternate valuation technique. Impairment exists
when the recorded investment in a loan exceeds the value of the loan measured
using the above-mentioned valuation techniques. Such impairment is recognized
as a valuation reserve, which is included as a part of the Corporation's over-
all reserve for credit losses. The Corporation recognizes interest income on
impaired loans consistent with its nonaccrual policy.
 
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
Premises and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and
amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over
the lesser of the estimated life of the improvement or the term of the lease.
 
OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED
 
Other real estate owned (OREO), which is included in other assets, includes
properties on which the Corporation has foreclosed and taken title. OREO is re-
ported at the lower of the carrying value of the loan or the fair value of the
property obtained, less estimated selling costs. The excess, if any, of the
loan over the fair value of the property at the time of transfer from loans to
OREO is charged to the reserve for credit losses. Subsequent declines in the
fair value of the property and net operating results of the property are re-
corded in noninterest expense.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
The Corporation accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Ac-
counting for Income Taxes." Current tax liabilities or assets are recognized,
through charges or credits to the current tax provision, for the estimated
taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Net deferred tax liabilities
or assets are recognized, through charges or credits to the deferred tax provi-
sion, for the estimated future tax effects, based on enacted tax rates, attrib-
utable to temporary differences and tax benefit carryforwards. Deferred tax li-
abilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in amounts
taxable in the future, and deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary
differences and tax benefit carryforwards that will result in amounts deduct-
ible or creditable in the future. The effect of enacted changes in tax law, in-
cluding changes in tax rates, on these deferred tax assets and liabilities is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A deferred
tax valuation reserve is established if it is more likely than not that all or
a portion of the Corporation's deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Changes in the deferred tax valuation reserve are recognized through charges or
credits to the deferred tax provision. For financial reporting purposes, in-
vestment tax credits received in connection with lease financing are recognized
as lease income over the investment life of the related asset.
 
PER SHARE CALCULATIONS
 
Primary net income per common share is computed by dividing net income, reduced
by dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding for each period presented. For fully diluted net income per
common share, net income is reduced by preferred stock dividends and increased
by the interest, net of income tax benefit, recorded on convertible debentures.
As described in Note 10, the Corporation's convertible debentures were con-
verted to common stock in March 1995. Such adjusted net income is divided by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period plus
the shares representing the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding and
the shares that would result from conversion of convertible debentures. The ef-
fect of stock options and convertible debentures is excluded from the computa-
tion of fully diluted net income per common share in periods in which their ef-
fect would be anti-dilutive.
 
Cash dividends declared per common share for all periods presented in the ac-
companying consolidated statement of income represent the historical cash divi-
dends of the Corporation.
 
2. MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS, JOINT VENTURES AND DIVESTITURES
 
In July 1996, the Corporation completed its acquisition of BayBanks. The Corpo-
ration issued 43.6 million shares of its common stock in exchange for substan-
tially all of the outstanding shares of BayBanks common stock by exchanging 2.2
shares of its common stock for each outstanding BayBanks share. The acquisition
was accounted for as a pooling of interests and, accordingly, the historical
book values of the assets and liabilities of BayBanks, as reported on its bal-
ance sheet, were carried over onto the Corporation's consolidated balance
sheet, and no goodwill or other intangible assets were created. The acquisition
is reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as though
the Corporation and BayBanks had operated as a combined entity for all periods
presented. In connection with the acquisition, the Corporation recorded re-
structuring and merger-related costs of $180 million ($117 million after-tax).
These costs are more fully discussed in Note 19. In connection with the ap-
proval of the transaction by regulatory authorities, during the fourth quarter
of 1996, the Corporation sold 20 branches of the resulting combined entity,
comprising a total of approximately $500 million in loans and $700 million in
deposits, at a pre-tax gain of approximately $47 million ($27 million after-
tax).


                                      57

<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
The following table sets forth the results of operations of the Corporation and
BayBanks for the six months ended June 30, 1996. These results are included in
the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996, presented in
the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended June 30, 1996
(in millions)                                     Corporation BayBanks Combined
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>      <C>
Net interest revenue.............................    $872       $265    $1,137
Noninterest income...............................    $550       $118    $  668
Net income.......................................    $295       $ 74    $  369
</TABLE>
 
The following tables set forth reconciliations of revenue and net income previ-
ously reported by the Corporation with the combined amounts presented in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, 1995
(in millions)                                      Corporation BayBanks Combined
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>      <C>
Net interest revenue..............................   $1,741      $508    $2,249
Noninterest income................................   $1,091      $218    $1,309
Net income........................................   $  541      $137    $  678
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, 1994
(in millions)                                      Corporation BayBanks Combined
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>      <C>
Net interest revenue..............................   $1,572      $465    $2,037
Noninterest income................................   $  828      $207    $1,035
Net income........................................   $  435      $107    $  542
</TABLE>
 
In June 1996, the Corporation completed its acquisition of The Boston Bancorp
(Bancorp), the holding company of South Boston Savings Bank, a Massachusetts
chartered savings bank with $1.3 billion in deposits. The Corporation exchanged
4.6 million shares of its common stock, with a value of approximately $229 mil-
lion, for all of the outstanding common stock of Bancorp. The acquisition was
accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of
Bancorp were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition
date. Goodwill resulting from the transaction is being amortized over a ten-
year period. The acquisition has been included in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements since the acquisition date. Pro forma results of opera-
tions including Bancorp for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 are not
presented, since the results would not have been significantly different in re-
lation to the Corporation's results of operations.
 
During the first six months of 1996, the Corporation completed a transaction
with two equity investment firms and Barnett Banks, Inc. (Barnett), in which
its mortgage banking subsidiary, BancBoston Mortgage Corporation (BBMC), and
Barnett's mortgage subsidiary were sold to a newly formed independent mortgage
company, HomeSide, Inc. (HomeSide). As a result of this transaction, the Corpo-
ration realized a gain of $106 million, or $67 million after-tax, and held a
one-third interest in HomeSide. Under the sale agreement, the Corporation
agreed to maintain a risk management program designed to protect the enterprise
value of BBMC through the date of the sale. The above-mentioned gain was offset
in 1996 by $111 million of losses, or $70 million after-tax, net of decreased
servicing amortization, from the change in market value of the contracts used
to manage the prepayment risk in the mortgage servicing portfolio and the eco-
nomic value of BBMC pending the completion of the sale to HomeSide.
 
In December 1995, BayBanks completed its acquisition of Cornerstone Financial
Corporation (Cornerstone), parent company of Cornerstone Bank of Derry, New
Hampshire, with total assets of $143 million. BayBanks paid Cornerstone stock-
holders $18 million in cash. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase
and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Cornerstone were recorded at
their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Goodwill resulting from
the acquisition is being amortized over a fifteen-year period. The acquisition
has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since
the acquisition date.
 
Effective in October 1995, the Corporation formed a joint venture with Boston
Financial Data Services (a joint venture of State Street Bank and Trust Company
and DST Systems, Inc.), combining their respective stock transfer businesses
into a single entity, which is 50 percent owned by each party. Additionally, in
October 1995, the Corporation completed the sale of its Corporate Trust busi-
ness, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $20 million, or $12 million after-tax.
 
In July 1995, BayBanks completed its acquisition of NFS Financial Corp. (NFS),
parent company of NFS Savings Bank, FSB of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Plaistow
Cooperative Bank, FSB of Plaistow, New Hampshire, with combined total assets of
$625 million. BayBanks paid NFS stockholders $97 million, comprising $58 mil-
lion in cash and $39 million in common stock. The acquisition was accounted for
as a purchase and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of NFS were recorded
at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Goodwill resulting
from the acquisition is being amortized over a fifteen-year period. The acqui-
sition has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements
since the acquisition date.
 
In February 1995, the Corporation completed its acquisition of Ganis Credit
Corporation (Ganis), a privately-held consumer finance company with headquar-
ters in Newport Beach, California. The Corporation exchanged 773,621 shares of
its common stock, with a value of approximately $22 million, for all of the
outstanding common stock of Ganis. In January 1996 and 1997, the Corporation
issued to Ganis stockholders 153,741 and 107,794 shares, respectively, of its
common stock, with a value in each case of approximately $7 million, as a re-
sult of the achievement by Ganis of certain performance goals. The acquisition
was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of
Ganis were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.
Goodwill resulting from the acquisition is being amortized over a fifteen-year
period. The acquisition has been included in the accompanying consolidated fi-
nancial statements since the acquisition date.
 
In January 1995, the Corporation completed the sales of two of its affiliate
banks, Bank of Vermont and Casco Northern Bank, N.A. (Casco). The sales re-
sulted in a combined pre-tax gain of approximately $75 million, or $30 million
after-tax.


                                      58
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
3. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and due from banks are con-
sidered to be cash equivalents. Foreign currency cash flows are converted to
U.S. dollars using average rates for the period. During 1996, 1995 and 1994,
the Corporation paid interest of approximately $2.5 billion, $2.8 billion and
$2.4 billion, respectively. The Corporation paid income taxes of approximately
$401 million in 1996, $565 million in 1995 and $237 million in 1994. During
1996, 1995 and 1994, the Corporation transferred approximately $42 million, $49
million and $105 million, respectively, to OREO from loans. Loans made to fa-
cilitate sales of OREO properties were not significant in 1996, $6 million in
1995 and $10 million in 1994. Non-cash transactions in 1995 included $94 mil-
lion from the issuance of common stock in connection with the Corporation's re-
demption of its convertible subordinated debentures due 2011, more fully de-
scribed in Note 10, and the transfer of $3.3 billion of securities held to ma-
turity to securities available for sale in response to the issuance, in Novem-
ber 1995, of "A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Cer-
tain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board, which allowed the Corporation to reassess the appropriateness
of the classification of securities held at that time. During 1994, the Corpo-
ration transferred a total of $378 million of lower quality real estate expo-
sures to an accelerated disposition portfolio. This transfer is more fully de-
scribed in Note 7.
 
4. RESERVE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTED DEPOSITS AND PLEDGED ASSETS
 
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, cash and due from banks included $1 billion and
$1.2 billion, respectively, to satisfy the reserve requirements of the Federal
Reserve System and various foreign central banks. Interest bearing deposits in
other banks held to satisfy foreign central bank reserve requirements totaled
$2 million and $37 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, securities, loans and other assets with a book
value of $3.7 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively, were pledged to
collateralize repurchase agreements, public deposits and other items.
 
5. SECURITIES
 
A summary comparison of securities available for sale by type is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  GROSS      GROSS
December 31, 1996                               UNREALIZED UNREALIZED CARRYING
(in millions)                             COST    GAINS      LOSSES    VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>    <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. Treasury........................... $1,669    $ 12       $ 6      $1,675
U.S. government agencies and
 corporations -- mortgage-backed
 securities.............................  3,789      31        19       3,801
States and political subdivisions.......    172       1                   173
Foreign debt securities.................  1,095      48        10       1,133
Other debt securities...................    250       7         1         256
Marketable equity securities............    156      62         1         217
Other equity securities.................    549                           549
                                         ------    ----       ---      ------
                                         $7,680    $161       $37      $7,804
                                         ======    ====       ===      ======
<CAPTION>
                                                  Gross      Gross
December 31, 1995                               Unrealized Unrealized Carrying
(in millions)                             Cost    Gains      Losses    Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>    <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. Treasury........................... $2,556    $ 37       $ 2      $2,591
U.S. government agencies and
 corporations -- mortgage-backed
 securities.............................  2,969      71         3       3,037
States and political subdivisions.......    245       3                   248
Foreign debt securities.................    698       5        18         685
Other debt securities...................    343                 9         334
Marketable equity securities............    170      52                   222
Other equity securities.................    465                           465
                                         ------    ----       ---      ------
                                         $7,446    $168       $32      $7,582
                                         ======    ====       ===      ======
</TABLE>
 
Other equity securities included in securities available for sale are not
traded on established exchanges and are carried at cost. However, in accordance
with SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments,"
fair values were estimated for these securities. These fair values exceeded
cost by $152 million and $76 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respective-
ly. Further information with respect to the fair value of these securities is
included in Note 28.


                                      59
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
A summary comparison of securities held to maturity by type is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     GROSS      GROSS
December 31, 1996                        AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
(in millions)                              COST      GAINS      LOSSES   VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. Treasury...........................   $  3                          $  3
U.S. government agencies and
corporations -- mortgage-backed
securities..............................    535       $ 2        $ 7      530
States and political subdivisions.......      6                             6
Foreign debt securities.................     11                            11
Other equity securities.................    125                           125
                                           ----       ---        ---     ----
                                           $680       $ 2        $ 7     $675
                                           ====       ===        ===     ====
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Gross      Gross
December 31, 1995                        Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
(in millions)                              Cost      Gains      Losses   Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. Treasury...........................   $  4                          $  4
U.S. government agencies and
corporations --mortgage-backed
securities..............................    523       $ 8        $ 1      530
States and political subdivisions.......      5                             5
Foreign debt securities.................     11                            11
Other equity securities.................    117                           117
                                           ----       ---        ---     ----
                                           $660       $ 8        $ 1     $667
                                           ====       ===        ===     ====
</TABLE>
 
Other equity securities included in securities held to maturity represent secu-
rities, such as Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock, which
are not traded on established exchanges and have only redemption capabilities.
Fair values for such securities are considered to approximate cost.
 
A summary comparison of debt securities available for sale by contractual matu-
rity is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                             1996          1995
                                                            FAIR          Fair
(in millions)                                        COST  VALUE   Cost  Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Within one year.................................... $1,345 $1,340 $1,844 $1,844
After one but within five years....................  2,565  2,607  2,472  2,518
After five but within ten years....................  1,412  1,432  1,165  1,190
After ten years....................................  1,653  1,659  1,330  1,343
                                                    ------ ------ ------ ------
                                                    $6,975 $7,038 $6,811 $6,895
                                                    ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
A summary comparison of debt securities held to maturity by contractual matu-
rity is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                           1996            1995
                                                 AMORTIZED FAIR  Amortized Fair
(in millions)                                      COST    VALUE   Cost    Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>   <C>       <C>
Within one year.................................   $ 11    $ 11    $ 11    $ 11
After one but within five years.................    114     113     115     115
After five but within ten years.................    241     241     200     208
After ten years.................................    189     185     217     216
                                                   ----    ----    ----    ----
                                                   $555    $550    $543    $550
                                                   ====    ====    ====    ====
</TABLE>
 
Certain securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, may not become due at a
single maturity date. Such securities have been classified within the category
that encompasses the due dates for the majority of the instrument.
 
In 1996, the Corporation realized gross gains of $44 million and gross losses
of $21 million from the sale of securities available for sale. Total proceeds
from such securities sales amounted to $4.7 billion. In 1995, the Corporation
realized gross gains of $11 million and gross losses of $2 million from the
sale of securities available for sale. Total proceeds from such securities
sales in 1995 amounted to $1.4 billion. In 1994, the Corporation realized gross
gains of $23 million and gross losses of $9 million from the sale of securities
available for sale. Total proceeds from such securities sales in 1994 amounted
to $2.5 billion. The above amounts exclude equity and mezzanine profits, which
are included in other income.


                                      60
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
6. LOANS AND LEASE FINANCING
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                     1996     1995
(in millions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>
UNITED STATES
Commercial, industrial and financial.......................... $13,162  $12,809
Commercial real estate
 Construction.................................................     284      386
 Other........................................................   3,240    3,393
Consumer-related loans
 Residential mortgages........................................   3,184    4,141
 Home equity loans............................................   2,878    2,556
 Credit card..................................................   1,395      495
 Other........................................................   5,503    5,059
Lease financing...............................................   1,816    1,564
Unearned income...............................................    (287)    (240)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                31,175   30,163
                                                               -------  -------
INTERNATIONAL
Commercial and industrial.....................................   6,946    6,422
Banks and other financial institutions........................     866      796
Governments and official institutions.........................      79       82
Lease financing...............................................     368      285
All other.....................................................   1,720    1,159
Unearned income...............................................     (93)     (37)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                 9,886    8,707
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $41,061  $38,870
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
7. RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
An analysis of changes in the reserve for credit losses follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                   1996   1995   1994
(in millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>    <C>    <C>
Balance, January 1....................................... $ 890  $ 827  $ 941
Reserves of entities acquired............................     3     16     25
Reserves of entities sold................................   (11)   (32)
Provision................................................   231    275    154
Credit losses............................................  (310)  (282)  (260)
Recoveries...............................................    80     86     86
                                                          -----  -----  -----
 Net credit losses.......................................  (230)  (196)  (174)
Credit losses related to exposures transferred to
 accelerated disposition portfolio.......................                (119)
                                                          -----  -----  -----
Balance, December 31..................................... $ 883  $ 890  $ 827
                                                          =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
The portion of the reserve for credit losses related to off-balance-sheet expo-
sures is not material.
 
At December 31, 1996, impaired loans in accordance with SFAS Nos. 114 and 118
totaled $260 million, of which loans totaling $38 million required no valuation
reserve and loans totaling $222 million required a valuation reserve of $65
million. For the year ended December 31, 1996, average impaired loans were ap-
proximately $277 million. At December 31, 1995, impaired loans totaled $250
million, of which loans totaling $113 million required no valuation reserve and
loans totaling $137 million required a valuation reserve of $32 million. For
the year ended December 31, 1995, average impaired loans were approximately
$297 million. Interest recognized on impaired loans during the years ended De-
cember 31, 1996 and 1995 was not material.
 
During 1994, in order to expedite the disposition of problem real estate expo-
sures and to strengthen its balance sheet, the Corporation transferred certain
of its lower quality real estate exposures, including a portion which was on
nonaccrual status, to an accelerated disposition portfolio. In connection with
the transfer, the Corporation recorded credit losses of $119 million to reduce
the carrying value of the exposures to their estimated disposition value of
$395 million at the date of transfer. The Corporation has disposed of all of
these exposures with minimal additional gains and losses on disposition.
 
8.OTHER ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                        1996   1995
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>    <C>
Accounts receivable.............................................. $  457 $  405
Goodwill and other intangibles...................................    403    352
Investments in limited partnerships..............................    400    183
Equity investments in affiliates.................................    281    149
Prepaid pension cost.............................................    160    187
OREO.............................................................     50     70
Mortgage servicing assets........................................           553
All other........................................................  1,013  1,022
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                  $2,764 $2,921
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
9.FUNDS BORROWED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                        1996   1995
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>    <C>
Federal funds purchased.......................................... $  527 $1,869
Term federal funds purchased.....................................  1,442    870
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase...................  2,034  1,688
Short-term bank notes............................................  1,507  1,190
Medium-term bank notes...........................................    396  1,871
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury.........................    704    361
All other........................................................  2,548  1,654
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                  $9,158 $9,503
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
Medium-term bank notes included borrowings with maturities of greater than one
year of $115 million at December 31, 1996. All other funds borrowed included
borrowings with maturities of greater than one year of $535 million at December
31, 1996 and $333 million at December 31, 1995. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,
the Corporation had availability under various borrowing arrangements of $1.5
billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. The Corporation had no significant com-
pensating balance arrangements at December 31, 1996 and 1995.


                                      61
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
10.NOTES PAYABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               By Remaining Maturity
                                                   at December 31
                                       DUE
                                    LESS THAN    DUE       DUE      1996   1995
(in millions)                        1 YEAR   1-5 YEARS 6-10 YEARS TOTAL  Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>    <C>
PARENT COMPANY
Senior notes.......................   $275      $125               $  400 $  100
Subordinated notes.................    129       293      $  748    1,170  1,169
                                      ----      ----      ------   ------ ------
 Subtotal..........................    404       418         748    1,570  1,269
SUBSIDIARIES
Senior notes.......................    343        81         216      640    458
Subordinated notes.................               13         598      611    462
                                      ----      ----      ------   ------ ------
 Subtotal..........................    343        94         814    1,251    920
                                      ----      ----      ------   ------ ------
                                      $747      $512      $1,562   $2,821 $2,189
                                      ====      ====      ======   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
Notes payable are unsecured obligations of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Certain of the indentures under which these notes were issued prohibit the Cor-
poration from making any payment or other distribution in the stock of FNBB un-
less FNBB unconditionally guarantees payment of principal and interest on the
notes. The distribution shown above by remaining maturity is based on contrac-
tual maturity.
 
Notes payable at December 31, 1996 and 1995 include fixed rate notes of $1,962
million and $1,659 million, respectively, and variable rate notes of $859 mil-
lion and $530 million, respectively. Fixed rate notes outstanding at December
31, 1996 mature at various dates through 2006 at interest rates ranging from
5.90% to 10.50%. The consolidated weighted average interest rates on fixed rate
notes at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were 7.69% and 7.78%, respectively. The
Corporation has entered into interest rate swap agreements that have
effectively converted a portion of its fixed rate obligations to floating rate
obligations. At December 31, 1996, such interest rates ranged from 5.50% to
5.89%. Variable rate notes outstanding, with interest rates ranging from 5.53%
to 9.25% at December 31, 1996, mature at various dates through 2004. The con-
solidated weighted average interest rates on variable rate notes at December
31, 1996 and 1995 were 6.46% and 6.68%, respectively.
 
During 1996, the Corporation issued $400 million in senior floating and fixed
rate medium-term notes, due in 1997 through 1999, and FNBB issued $200 million
of 7 3/8% subordinated notes, due 2006. In addition, $320 million of medium-
term notes were issued by a Brazilian subsidiary of FNBB, and $140 million of
such notes matured. Also in 1996, the Corporation's $100 million floating rate
senior notes, issued in 1994, matured.
 
During 1995, the Corporation called for redemption its 7 3/4% convertible sub-
ordinated debentures due June 2011 at 100.78% of their principal amount plus
accrued interest to the date of redemption. Substantially all holders of the
debt opted to convert their bonds to common stock prior to redemption, result-
ing in the issuance by the Corporation of approximately 4,008,000 shares of its
common stock. Primary earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 1995
would have been $4.15 had the debentures been converted on January 1, 1995.
Also during 1995, the Corporation redeemed its 10.30% subordinated notes due
September 2000 at their $150 million principal amount plus accrued interest.
 
During 1994, the Corporation redeemed its floating rate notes due September
2000, with a carrying value of $179 million, at their principal amount plus ac-
crued interest, and a nonbanking subsidiary of the Corporation prepaid $186
million of its senior notes, with fixed interest rates ranging from 6.67% to
9.50%, at their principal amount plus accrued interest and a prepayment penal-
ty. The loss on these early extinguishments of debt amounted to $7 million, net
of tax, or $.05 per common share on both a primary and fully diluted basis, and
is presented as an extraordinary item in the accompanying consolidated state-
ment of income.
 
Notes payable maturing during the next five years amount to $747 million in
1997, $181 million in 1998, $75 million in 1999, zero in 2000 and $256 million
in 2001.
 
11. GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN CORPORATION'S JUNIOR
    SUBORDINATED DEBT
 
In 1996, BankBoston Capital Trust I and BankBoston Capital Trust II (the
Trusts) were formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing capital securities
(Trust Securities) and investing the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Secu-
rities in junior subordinated debentures issued by the Corporation. The Corpo-
ration is the owner of all the beneficial interests of the Trusts represented
by common securities, and has unconditionally guaranteed all of the Trusts' ob-
ligations under the Trust Securities. In November and December 1996, a total of
$500 million of Trust Securities were issued, consisting of $250 million of 8
1/4% Trust Securities issued by BankBoston Capital Trust I and $250 million of
7 3/4% Trust Securities issued by BankBoston Capital Trust II. Both issues of
Trust Securities have a liquidation preference of $1,000 per Trust Security and
are scheduled to mature on December 15, 2026. Distributions on these securities
are payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15, commencing June 15, 1997;
such distributions can be deferred at the option of the Corporation for up to
five years. The Trust Securities can be prepaid in whole or in part on or after
December 15, 2006 at a redemption premium, that declines to 100% of liquidation
preference at December 15, 2016. Distributions on the securities are included
in interest expense.


                                      62
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
12.PREFERRED STOCK
 
A summary of the Corporation's Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (Ad-
justable Rate Preferred Stock) issued and outstanding is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Series A   Series B   Series C
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995
Shares.......................................... 1,044,843  1,574,315  774,783
Amount (in millions)............................ $      52  $      79  $    77
Dividend rates
 At December 31, 1996...........................      6.00%      6.00%    5.50%
 Minimum........................................      6.00%      6.00%    5.50%
 Maximum........................................     13.00%     13.00%   12.50%
Dividends per share
 1996........................................... $    3.00  $    3.00  $  5.50
 1995........................................... $    3.06  $    3.01  $  5.50
 1994........................................... $    3.02  $    3.02  $  5.51
Liquidation preference per share................ $      50  $      50  $   100
</TABLE>
 
A summary of the Corporation's Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (Fixed
Rate Preferred Stock) issued and outstanding is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Series E  Series F
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995
Shares...................................................... 920,000   280,000
Amount (in millions)........................................ $   230   $    70
Dividend rate...............................................    8.60%     7.88%
Dividends per share......................................... $ 21.50   $ 19.69
Liquidation preference per share............................ $   250   $   250
</TABLE>
 
The Fixed Rate Preferred Stock is held by stockholders in the form of deposi-
tary shares, with each depositary share representing a one-tenth interest in a
share of the respective preferred stock, and entitles the holder to a propor-
tional interest in all rights and preferences of a share of Fixed Rate Pre-
ferred Stock, including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights.
 
Dividends on all series of preferred stock are cumulative and, when declared,
are payable quarterly. The dividend rates for the Adjustable Rate Preferred
Stock are determined according to a formula based upon the highest of three
interest rate benchmarks. Neither the Adjustable Rate Preferred Stock nor the
Fixed Rate Preferred Stock have preemptive or general voting rights. The
preferred stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the
Corporation as follows: Series A and B Preferred Stock are redeemable at $50
per share and Series C Preferred Stock is redeemable at $100 per share. The
Series E and Series F Preferred Stock are redeemable on and after September 15,
1997 and July 15, 1998, respectively, at $250 per share ($25 per depositary
share).
 
13.STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
 
In 1990, the Board of Directors of the Corporation adopted a stockholder rights
plan. The plan provides for the distribution of one preferred stock purchase
right for each outstanding share of common stock of the Corporation. Each right
entitles the holder, following the occurrence of certain events, to purchase a
unit, consisting of one-thousandth of a share of Junior Participating Preferred
Stock, Series D, at a purchase price of $50 per unit, subject to adjustment.
The rights will not be exercisable or transferable apart from the common stock
except under certain circumstances in which a person or group of affiliated
persons acquires, or commences a tender offer to acquire, 15% or more of the
Corporation's common stock. Rights held by such an acquiring person or persons
may thereafter become void. Under certain circumstances, a right may become a
right to purchase common stock or assets of the Corporation or common stock of
an acquiring corporation at a substantial discount. Under certain
circumstances, the Corporation may redeem the rights at $.01 per right. The
rights will expire in July 2000 unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the
Corporation. In 1995, the plan was amended to exclude the transactions
contemplated in the BayBanks acquisition.
 
14.CAPITAL ADEQUACY
 
A summary of the Corporation's regulatory capital position and related ratios
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Well
                                                                     Capitalized
December 31                                         1996     1995      Minimum
(dollars in millions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>
Risk-based capital ratios
 Tier 1 capital ratio.............................     9.2%     8.5%     6.0%
 Total capital ratio..............................    13.6%    12.8%    10.0%
Tier 1 leverage ratio.............................     8.2%     7.4%     5.0%
Tier 1 capital.................................... $ 4,954  $ 4,275
Tier 2 capital.................................... $ 2,337  $ 2,165
Total capital..................................... $ 7,291  $ 6,440
Total risk-adjusted assets........................ $53,583  $50,382
Adjusted total average assets..................... $60,537  $57,507
</TABLE>
 
The Corporation is subject to quantitative regulatory capital adequacy require-
ments which take into account the differing risk profiles of banking organiza-
tions by assigning risk weights to both assets and the credit equivalent
amounts of off-balance-sheet exposures. The Corporation and each of its bank
subsidiaries are required to maintain minimum ratios of Tier 1 and total capi-
tal to total risk-adjusted assets, and of Tier 1 leverage capital to adjusted
total average assets. Tier 1 capital includes common stockholders' equity and
qualifying preferred stock (including the Trust Securities described in Note
11); total capital includes Tier 1 capital and, subject to certain limitations,
limited-life preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated
debt and a portion of the reserve for credit losses.


                                      63
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action established by The
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA), the
Corporation and each of its bank subsidiaries must meet specific guidelines
that involve quantitative measures of the Corporation's and each of its bank
subsidiaries' assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet exposures as
calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Corporation's and each of
its bank subsidiaries' capital amounts and classifications are also subject to
qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and
other factors. As of December 31, 1996, each of the Corporation's bank subsidi-
aries satisfied the requirements of the well capitalized category under the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The capital categories of
each of the Corporation's bank subsidiaries are determined solely for purposes
of applying FDICIA's provisions, and such capital categories may not constitute
an accurate representation of the overall financial condition or prospects of
any of the Corporation's bank subsidiaries.
 
15.DIVIDENDS AND LOAN RESTRICTIONS
 
Bank regulations require the approval of bank regulatory authorities if the
dividends declared by a bank subsidiary exceed certain prescribed limits. For
1997, aggregate dividend declarations by the Corporation's bank subsidiaries
without prior regulatory approval are limited to approximately $551 million of
their undistributed earnings at December 31, 1996, plus an additional amount
equal to their net profits, as defined, for 1997 up to the date of any dividend
declaration. However, for any dividend declaration, the Corporation's subsidi-
aries, as well as the Corporation itself, must consider additional factors such
as the amount of current period net income, liquidity, asset quality, capital
adequacy and economic conditions. It is likely that these factors would further
limit the amount of dividends that the banking subsidiaries could declare. In
addition, bank regulators have the authority to prohibit banks and bank holding
companies from paying dividends if they deem such payment to be an unsafe or
unsound practice.
 
Each bank subsidiary is also prohibited by the bank regulatory authorities from
granting loans and advances to the Parent Company that exceed certain limits.
Assuming declaration of the maximum amount of dividends under the regulations
described above, any loans and advances would be limited to an aggregate of ap-
proximately $480 million at December 31, 1996, and would be subject to specific
collateral requirements.
 
Based on the foregoing limitations, an aggregate of approximately $3.9 billion
of the Parent Company's investment in bank subsidiaries of $5 billion, which
includes bank holding companies and their subsidiaries, was restricted from
transfer to the Parent Company at December 31, 1996.
 
16.OTHER INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                          1996 1995 1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>  <C>  <C>
Net equity and mezzanine profits................................ $209 $110 $ 30
Gain on sale of mortgage banking subsidiary.....................  106
Net foreign exchange trading profits............................   54   60   44
Gain on sale of branches/banking subsidiaries...................   47   75
Equity in undistributed earnings of affiliates..................   35   18    1
Gains from sales of mortgage servicing rights...................   13   10   11
All other.......................................................   61   67  131
                                                                 ---- ---- ----
                                                                 $525 $340 $217
                                                                 ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>




                                      64
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
17.EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
The Corporation maintains qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension
plans (the Plans) covering substantially all domestic employees. The Corpora-
tion funds the Plans in compliance with the requirements of the Employee Re-
tirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
 
The principal plan, which covers most domestic employees other than BayBanks
employees, is an account balance defined benefit plan in which each eligible
employee has an account to which amounts are allocated based on level of pay,
years of service and a specified rate of interest. Benefits accrued prior to
1989 under the principal plan are based on years of service, highest average
compensation and social security benefits. Plans other than the principal plan
have benefit provisions based on length of service and qualifying compensation
in the final years of employment. On January 1, 1997, BayBanks' pension plan
was merged into the Corporation's principal plan.
 
Employee benefits expense (income) for the Plans included the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                     1996           1995           1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>
Service cost (benefits earned
during the period)...............          $  26          $  22           $ 25
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation...............             34             32             29
Return on plan assets
 Actual..........................           (111)          (161)             5
 Actuarial deferral of gains
 (losses)........................             54            110            (59)
Amortization
 Unrecognized net asset..........             (6)            (6)            (6)
 Unrecognized prior service
 cost............................              3              2              2
 Other, net......................              3              2              1
                                             ---            ---            ---
Net pension expense (income).....          $   3          $   1          $  (3)
                                           =====          =====          =====
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The following table sets forth the funded status of the Plans:
 
<CAPTION>
December 31                                 1996           1995           1994
(dollars in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>
Projected benefit obligation
 Vested benefits.................          $ 372           $368           $282
 Nonvested benefits..............             32             35             33
                                           -----           ----           ----
Accumulated benefit obligation...            404            403            315
Effect of projected future
compensation levels..............             75             79             77
                                           -----           ----           ----
Projected benefit obligation.....          $ 479           $482           $392
                                           =====           ====           ====
Plan assets at fair value
(primarily listed stocks and
fixed income securities).........          $ 752           $688           $552
                                           =====           ====           ====
Plan assets in excess of
projected benefit obligation.....          $ 273           $206           $160
Unrecognized net (gain) loss.....           (114)           (15)            37
Unrecognized prior service cost..             13             14             13
Unrecognized net asset...........            (12)           (18)           (23)
                                           -----           ----           ----
Prepaid pension cost.............          $ 160           $187           $187
                                           =====           ====           ====
Assumptions used in actuarial
calculations are as follows:
 Weighted average discount rate
 at December 31..................          7.75%          7.25%  8.25% to 8.5%
 Rate of increase in future
 compensation levels at December
 31..............................           4.5%  4.45% to 4.5%  4.5% to 5.25%
 Account balance interest rate at
 December 31.....................           6.0%           6.0%           6.5%
 Expected long-term rate of
 return on assets for the years
 ended December 31...............  9.0% TO 10.0%           9.0%   9.0% to 9.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      65
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

The Corporation also maintains nonqualified deferred compensation and retire-
ment plans for certain executives. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, $26 million
and $25 million, respectively, were included in accrued expenses and other lia-
bilities for these plans. Charges to operations related to these plans were $5
million in 1996 and $4 million for each of 1995 and 1994. These nonqualified
plans are unfunded and payments to plan participants are made by the Corpora-
tion, except that certain nonqualified benefits are paid from a trust that was
funded by BayBanks in 1996. The fair value of assets in the trust was $16 mil-
lion at December 31, 1996.
 
The Corporation provides certain health and life insurance benefits for retired
employees. Most domestic employees of the Corporation, except BayBanks employ-
ees, currently receive credits of up to $10,000 based on years of service,
which are used to purchase postretirement health care coverage through the Cor-
poration. Life insurance coverage is dependent on years of service at retire-
ment. BayBanks employees retiring on or prior to December 31, 1993 received
$5,000 in life insurance benefits and a subsidy to cover Medicare premiums.
Those retiring after December 31, 1993 do not receive the Medicare supplement
and pay the full cost of life insurance and medical insurance premiums at the
Corporation's rates. Pursuant to SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," these postretirement benefits are
recognized over the service lives of the employees.
 
Commencing January 1, 1997, all BayBanks employees will be covered under the
principal benefit plans of the Corporation, including postretirement health and
life insurance benefits.
 
The components of postretirement benefits expense were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                    1996         1995         1994
(in millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Service cost (benefits earned during
 the period)..........................     $  1          $ 1         $  1
Interest cost on projected benefit
 obligation...........................        4            5            5
Amortization
 Unrecognized transition obligation...        4            4            5
 Unrecognized net gain................       (1)          (1)
                                           ----         ----         ----
Net postretirement benefits expense...     $  8         $  9         $ 11
                                           ====         ====         ====
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The following table sets forth the status of the Corporation's accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation:
 
<CAPTION>
December 31                                1996         1995         1994
(dollars in millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Accumulated benefit obligation
 Retirees.............................     $ 44         $ 51         $ 53
 Active employees -- eligible to
  retire..............................       10            6            7
 Active employees -- not eligible to
  retire..............................        9            9            9
                                           ----         ----         ----
Accumulated postretirement benefit
 obligation...........................       63           66           69
Unrecognized net gain.................       24           17           16
Unrecognized transition obligation....      (58)         (62)         (76)
                                           ----         ----         ----
Postretirement benefit liability......     $ 29         $ 21         $  9
                                           ====         ====         ====
Assumptions used in actuarial
 calculations are as follows:
 Weighted average discount rate at
  December 31.........................     7.75%        7.25%    8.25% to 8.5%
 Rate of increase in future
  compensation levels at
  December 31.........................      4.5%         4.5%        4.5%
 Medical cost trend rate..............        7%           8%         11%
<CAPTION>
                                       DECLINING TO declining to declining to
                                          5% IN THE    5% in the    5% in the
                                          YEAR 1999    year 1999    year 2001
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Effect of 1% increase in medical cost
 trend rate on
 Accumulated postretirement benefit
  obligation..........................      3.6%         5.8%        5.9%
 Postretirement benefits expense......      2.9%         4.9%        4.9%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      66
 
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
In 1996, in connection with the acquisition of BayBanks, certain enhanced re-
tirement benefits were offered to individuals meeting certain
eligibility requirements as part of an early retirement program. Charges to op-
erations resulting from qualified pension plan enhancements were $26 million;
such charges resulting from enhancements to postretirement benefits were $4
million. In 1995, the Corporation recognized curtailment losses of $8 million
in connection with its pension and postretirement plans, primarily as a result
of the sale of BBMC to HomeSide. These 1996 and 1995 charges are included in
acquisition, divestiture and restructuring expense, which is more fully de-
scribed in Note 19.
 
BayBanks employees who met certain service requirements were eligible to par-
ticipate in an employee stock ownership plan (the ESOP). In 1990, the ESOP bor-
rowed $19 million from a third party to purchase 1,760,000 shares of BayBanks
common stock. This loan, unconditionally guaranteed by BayBanks, bore interest
equal to LIBOR plus .35% and was paid in eight installments ending December 19,
1996. At December 31, 1996, all shares have been allocated to ESOP participants
and participant share balances as of that date were transferred to the Corpora-
tion's thrift incentive plan in 1997. During 1996, ESOP expense of $1 million,
net of dividends, included an accrual to cover the loan payment made on Decem-
ber 19, 1996. The dividends used to service the ESOP debt, which were paid on
shares held by the ESOP, were $2 million in each of 1996 and 1995, and $1 mil-
lion in 1994.
 
The Corporation maintains a thrift incentive plan covering the majority of do-
mestic employees other than BayBanks employees. Under this plan, employer con-
tributions are made based on a percentage of employee contributions. BayBanks
maintained a profit sharing and savings plan which provided for employer con-
tributions based on specified earnings thresholds, offset by certain amounts
allocated to participants in the ESOP. Amounts charged to operations for the
thrift incentive and profit sharing plans were $11 million, $10 million and
$12 million in the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
On January 1, 1997, BayBanks' profit sharing and savings plan was merged into
the Corporation's thrift incentive plan.
 
18.STOCK OPTIONS AND AWARDS
 
The Corporation's principal stock incentive plans (the Plans) include the 1996
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 1996 Plan), the 1991 Long-Term Stock Incentive
Plan (the 1991 Plan), the 1986 and 1982 Stock Option Plans (the 1986 and 1982
Plans) and the 1978 and 1988 BayBanks Stock Option Plans (the 1978 and 1988
Plans). Shares of common stock issued under these plans may be authorized but
unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased in the open market. The
1996 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, stock ap-
preciation rights (SARs) and other awards to key employees. As of December 31,
1996, no additional grants may be made under the 1991 or earlier Plans. No
grants had been made under the 1996 Plan as of December 31, 1996. A total of
7,037,381 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the Plans at
December 31, 1996, including 3,454,150 shares available for future grants under
the 1996 Plan.
 
Options are granted at prices not less than the fair market value of the common
stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 1991 Plan generally have
been exercisable in equal installments on the date of grant and the first anni-
versary of the grant date. Option grants made in 1996 under the 1991 Plan gen-
erally are exercisable in equal installments on the first and second anniver-
sary dates of the grant. Outstanding options granted under the 1988, 1986, 1982
and 1978 Plans are fully vested. All options expire not later than 10 years af-
ter the date of grant. The 1986 Plan provided for the granting of rights to re-
ceive tax offset payments with respect to nonqualified stock options, which are
intended to compensate the participant for the difference in tax treatment of
incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. At December 31, 1996,
tax offset payments with respect to 11,925 options, granted in 1987, were out-
standing. Compensation expense for tax offset payments for the years ended De-
cember 31, 1996 and 1995 was $.4 million and $1 million, respectively. There
were 11,200 SARs, at a grant price of $28.63, outstanding at December 31, 1996.
Compensation expense associated with SARs was $.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and $.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 














 
The following is a summary of the changes in options outstanding under the
Plans:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1996                       1995                       1994
                                        Weighted                   Weighted                  Weighted
                                        Average                    Average                   Average
                           Shares    Exercise Price   Shares    Exercise Price  Shares    Exercise Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>        <C>
Options outstanding,
January 1...............  4,764,182      $22.31      4,744,473      $19.53     4,803,706      $14.39
Granted ($17.48 to
$63.75 per share).......  1,354,409      $44.91      1,294,174      $28.84       927,489      $25.52
Exercised ($5.63 to
$48.38 per share)....... (2,507,037)     $20.97     (1,250,716)     $18.42      (804,623)     $14.11
Canceled................    (28,323)     $42.90        (23,749)     $27.01      (182,099)     $20.68
                         ----------                 ----------                 ---------
Options outstanding,
December 31 ($6.25 to
$63.75 per share).......  3,583,231      $31.64      4,764,182      $22.31     4,744,473      $19.53
                         ==========                 ==========                 =========
Options exercisable,
December 31.............  2,460,481      $25.62      3,871,117      $23.13     3,687,929      $19.22
                         ==========                 ==========                 =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      67
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
The following is a summary of outstanding and exercisable options under the
Plans at December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Options Outstanding                         Options Exercisable
                                     Weighted Average    Weighted                Weighted Average    Weighted
Range of                   Number       Remaining        Average       Number       Remaining        Average
Exercise Prices          Outstanding Contractual Life Exercise Price Exercisable Contractual Life Exercise Price
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>              <C>            <C>         <C>              <C>
$6.25 to $20.00 per
 share..................    580,212     4.2 years         $14.85        580,212     4.2 years         $14.85
$20.00 to $35.00 per
 share..................  1,637,621     6.7 years         $26.37      1,637,621     6.7 years         $26.37
$35.00 to $50.00 per
 share..................  1,224,970     9.0 years         $43.89        214,300     8.9 years         $44.37
$50.00 to $63.75 per
 share..................    140,428     9.4 years         $55.56         28,348     9.8 years         $60.49
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
Under terms of the Corporation's restricted stock awards, employees are gener-
ally required to continue employment with the Corporation for a stated period
after the award in order to become fully vested in the shares awarded. Perfor-
mance-based restricted stock has also been awarded, which vests if the market
price of the Corporation's common stock reaches certain stated levels within
specified periods, or in some cases, vests after a specified period regardless
of stock price levels. During 1996, the common stock price levels for vesting
of 163,432 shares of performance restricted stock were reached and the shares
were released from restriction. During 1995, the common stock price levels for
vesting of 180,200 shares of performance restricted stock were reached, and the
shares were released from restriction.
 
Restricted stock is recorded at the fair market value of the common stock on
the date of award or, if solely a performance-based award, the value required
for vesting. At the date of award, unearned compensation of the same amount is
recorded as a reduction of retained earnings and is amortized as compensation
expense over the estimated vesting period.
 
The following is a summary of the activity in restricted stock:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1996                1995                1994
                                     WEIGHTED            Weighted            Weighted
                                     AVERAGE             Average             Average
                           SHARES     PRICE    Shares     Price    Shares     Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Share balance, January
 1......................  1,008,125   $22.88  1,205,859   $21.94    908,559   $14.19
 Awards.................    249,430   $52.45    316,570   $29.44    528,600   $31.72
 Forfeitures............    (27,887)  $20.81    (17,988)  $24.97    (41,277)  $17.30
 Released from
  forfeiture
  restrictions..........   (776,023)  $26.79   (496,316)  $24.70   (190,023)  $11.48
                          ---------           ---------           ---------
Share balance, December
 31.....................    453,645   $31.53  1,008,125   $22.88  1,205,859   $21.94
                          =========           =========           =========
(in millions)
Unearned compensation at
 December 31
 (a reduction of
 retained earnings).....  $       8           $      13           $      17
Compensation expense....  $      17           $      13           $       6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      68
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
The following is a summary of outstanding restricted stock at December 31,
1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Weighted
                                                                      Average
Range of                           Restricted Shares Weighted Average Price at
Market Value of Common Stock  at    Outstanding at      Remaining     Time of
Time of Grant                      December 31, 1996 Contractual Life  Grant
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>               <C>              <C>
$20.00 to $35.00 per share........      373,427         2.2 years      $26.68
$43.00 to $60.00 per share........       80,218         3.2 years      $54.12
</TABLE>
 
 
In addition to options granted under the Plans described above, the Corporation
granted 2,152,000 stock options on October 1, 1996 to substantially all employ-
ees world-wide at an exercise price of $58.00 per option, the fair value of the
Corporation's common stock on the grant date. The number of options granted to
an employee was based on the employee's salary on the grant date, subject to a
minimum of 100 options for a full-time employee and 50 options for a part-time
employee. Based on the price of the Corporation's common stock having reached
specified levels as of February 13, 1997, these options will become exercisable
on October 1, 1997. Unexercised options will expire on October 1, 2002.
 
Effective January 1, 1996, the Corporation adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation." As permitted by the new standard, the Corpora-
tion elected not to adopt the recognition provisions of the standard and to
continue to apply the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," in accounting for its stock options
and awards. Had compensation expense for the Corporation's stock options and
awards been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Corporation's net
income, primary and fully diluted earnings per share would have been as fol-
lows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                           1996  1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>   <C>
Net income applicable to common stock (in millions)
 As reported..................................................... $ 613 $ 641
 Pro forma....................................................... $ 612 $ 637
Primary earnings per share
 As reported..................................................... $3.99 $4.17
 Pro forma....................................................... $3.98 $4.13
Fully diluted earnings per share
 As reported..................................................... $3.93 $4.09
 Pro forma....................................................... $3.90 $4.05
</TABLE>
 
Solely for purposes of providing the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No.
123, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant us-
ing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following weighted average
assumptions used for grants of options and restricted stock in 1996 (other than
the world-wide option grant) and 1995, respectively: dividend yield -- 3.2 per-
cent and 4.2 percent; volatility -- 26 percent and 35 percent; risk free inter-
est rates -- 5.3 percent and 7.5 percent; and expected option lives -- 4 years.
Assumptions for the world-wide option grant for 1996 were: dividend yield --3.0
percent; volatility -- 23 percent; risk free interest rate -- 6.2 percent; and
expected option life -- 3 years.
 
Due to the inclusion of only 1995 and 1996 stock option and restricted stock
awards, the effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in 1996 and 1995 may not be repre-
sentative of the pro forma impact in future years.


                                      69
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
19. ACQUISITION, DIVESTITURE AND RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE
 
During 1996, the Corporation recorded $180 million of restructuring and merger-
related costs in connection with its acquisition of BayBanks. Included in these
costs were employee severance and property related costs; professional fees and
other costs of effecting the acquisition; and systems and other conversion
costs incurred during the period. Significant components of the costs were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31                                                      1996
(in millions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>
Personnel costs............................................................ $ 81
Facility costs.............................................................   50
Other costs................................................................   49
                                                                            ----
 Total..................................................................... $180
                                                                            ====
</TABLE>
 
Personnel costs were related primarily to the Corporation's plan to eliminate
approximately 2,000 executive, managerial and staff positions through attri-
tion, enhanced retirement plans and terminations. These costs included sever-
ance and retirement plan costs as well as employee assistance costs for sepa-
rated employees. As of December 31, 1996, approximately 700 employees have ei-
ther been terminated or have left the Corporation through enhanced retirement
plans. Facility costs were related to branch and back office consolidations,
and included lease termination costs and writedowns of bank owned properties
and other facility related costs. Other costs principally consisted of transac-
tion related costs, such as professional fees and stock registration costs, as
well as systems costs and other costs of effecting the acquisition. Cash out-
lays in 1996 amounted to $54 million, including $17 million of termination ben-
efits and $37 million of transaction, facility and systems and other conversion
costs. The remaining reserves and other liabilities of $126 million at December
31, 1996 include expected cash outlays of $94 million and expected noncash
costs of $32 million. Cash outlays are expected to occur throughout the inte-
gration process.
 
During 1995, the Corporation recorded $28 million of charges mainly related to
exiting, reorganizing and downsizing certain business and corporate staff
units. Included in these charges were costs related to reorganizations of the
Corporation's European and certain Asia/Pacific operations. The charges in-
cluded $16 million, composed of estimated costs of employee reduction of ap-
proximately 265, including executive, managerial and staff positions, and $4
million related to equipment and certain lease obligations. In addition, the
charges included $8 million of curtailment losses as defined by SFAS No. 106
and SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of De-
fined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits." The curtailment
losses resulted from the sale of BBMC, which removed mortgage banking employees
from the Corporation's pension and postretirement plans. Cash outlays during
1996 of $10 million consisted primarily of severance costs. Substantially all
of the remaining reserve of $5 million at December 31, 1996 is expected to be
utilized in 1997.
 
During 1994, in connection with its acquisitions of BankWorcester Corporation
(BankWorcester) and Pioneer Financial, A Co-operative Bank (Pioneer), the Cor-
poration recorded acquisition-related costs of $21 million. Significant compo-
nents of the costs included $10 million for estimated costs of employee reduc-
tion of 414, and $11 million for estimated conversion costs. These conversions
were completed in 1994, and consisted of costs to convert loans, deposits and
other computer systems to a common Corporation system, as well as costs of re-
placing customers' checkbooks, automatic teller machine cards and other deposit
documents. During 1994 and 1995, the Corporation charged costs totaling $12
million and $9 million, respectively, to the BankWorcester and Pioneer re-
serves.

















 
20.OTHER EXPENSE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                          1996 1995 1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>  <C>  <C>
Advertising..................................................... $108 $ 87 $ 64
Communications..................................................  101   90   82
Software costs..................................................   35   27   23
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles..................   34   28   18
Legal fees......................................................   29   30   31
Consulting and other professional fees..........................   27   35   40
FDIC insurance premiums.........................................        39   73
All other.......................................................  287  242  239
                                                                 ---- ---- ----
                                                                 $621 $578 $570
                                                                 ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>


                                      70
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
21.INCOME TAXES
 
The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                        1996  1995  1994
(in millions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>   <C>   <C>
CURRENT TAX PROVISION
Federal....................................................... $219  $297  $135
Foreign
 Based on income..............................................  130    91    48
 Withheld on interest and dividends...........................   36    22    15
State and local...............................................   96    80   145
                                                               ----  ----  ----
                                                                481   490   343
                                                               ----  ----  ----
DEFERRED TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)
Federal.......................................................   (4)   (1)  121
State and local...............................................    6    40   (42)
                                                               ----  ----  ----
                                                                  2    39    79
                                                               ----  ----  ----
Income tax provision before extraordinary item................  483   529   422
INCOME TAXES APPLICABLE TO EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
Loss from early extinguishment of debt........................               (4)
                                                               ----  ----  ----
                                                               $483  $529  $418
                                                               ====  ====  ====
</TABLE>
 
Excluded from the above table are tax effects related to certain items that
were recorded directly in stockholders' equity, including foreign currency
translation, market value adjustments related to securities available for sale,
stock options and restricted stock. Net tax effects recorded directly in stock-
holders' equity amounted to a $40 million benefit in 1996, a $74 million charge
in 1995 and a $62 million benefit in 1994. The income tax provision included
tax provisions related to securities gains of $10 million in 1996, $3 million
in 1995 and $6 million in 1994.
 
The following table reconciles the expected federal tax provision before ex-
traordinary item, based on the federal statutory tax rate of 35%, to the actual
consolidated tax provision before extraordinary item for the periods presented:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                      1996  1995  1994
(in millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>   <C>   <C>
Expected tax provision applicable to income before
extraordinary item.......................................... $397  $423  $340
Effect of
 State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit...   66    81    67
 Tax-exempt income..........................................   (6)   (8)   (5)
 Non-creditable foreign taxes...............................   15    11     9
 Non-deductible goodwill from sale of subsidiaries..........         11
 Other, net.................................................   11    11    11
                                                             ----  ----  ----
Actual tax provision before extraordinary item.............. $483  $529  $422
                                                             ====  ====  ====
</TABLE>























 
The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                       1996   1995
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>    <C>
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Reserve for credit losses........................................ $ 354  $ 358
Foreign operations...............................................    86     63
Interest on nonaccrual loans.....................................    40     45
Mortgage servicing rights........................................           39
Other............................................................   145     92
                                                                  -----  -----
 Deferred tax assets.............................................   625    597
                                                                  -----  -----
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Leasing operations...............................................  (505)  (493)
Pension obligations..............................................   (69)   (71)
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale.................   (49)   (55)
Other............................................................   (46)   (57)
                                                                  -----  -----
 Deferred tax liabilities........................................  (669)  (676)
                                                                  -----  -----
Net deferred tax liability....................................... $ (44) $ (79)
                                                                  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
During 1995, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed a law which reduces the
state income tax rate for financial institutions from 12.5% to 10.5%, to be
phased in over five years, and permits apportionment of a bank's taxable in-
come. Additionally, in 1995, the Corporation reached a favorable settlement of
an outstanding Massachusetts tax matter relating to income earned on certain
securities. These items did not have a significant impact on the Corporation's
1995 effective tax rate, since reductions in the current tax provision from the
tax law changes and the settlement were offset by the required reduction in
FNBB's and BayBank, N.A.'s net deferred tax assets resulting from the tax law
changes.
 
It is expected that the Corporation's deferred tax assets at December 31, 1996
will be realized from the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities and
from the recognition of future taxable income, without relying on tax planning
strategies that the Corporation might not ordinarily follow.
 
Domestic pre-tax income was $755 million in 1996, $978 million in 1995 and $782
million in 1994. Foreign pre-tax income, defined as income generated from oper-
ations that are located outside the United States, was $378 million in 1996,
$229 million in 1995 and $178 million in 1994.


                                      71
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
22. OFF-BALANCE-SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments represent various degrees and types of
risk to the Corporation, including credit, interest rate, foreign exchange
rate, implied volatility rate and liquidity risk.
 
INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
In the normal course of its business, the Corporation enters into a variety of
interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange contracts as part of its trading
activities, which primarily focus on providing these products to customers, and
in its interest rate and currency risk management strategy. These products in-
volve, to varying degrees, credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the pos-
sibility that a loss may occur if a counterparty to a transaction fails to per-
form according to the terms of the contract. Market risk is the adverse effect
of a change in interest rates, currency rates or implied volatility rates on
the value of a financial instrument. The notional amount of interest rate de-
rivatives and foreign exchange contracts is the amount upon which interest and
other payments under the contract are based. For interest rate derivatives, the
notional amount is typically not exchanged. Therefore, notional amounts should
not be taken as the measure of credit or market risk as they tend to greatly
overstate the true economic risks of these contracts.
 
The Corporation controls credit risk arising from interest rate derivatives and
foreign exchange contracts using credit procedures similar to those used for
traditional lending activities. The Corporation believes that fair value, which
approximates the cost to replace the contract at the current market rates
should the counterparty default prior to settlement date, is generally repre-
sentative of credit exposure related to interest rate derivatives and foreign
exchange contracts at a point in time. Counterparty credit risk is also reduced
through the use of master netting agreements. Such agreements provide for the
offsetting of amounts receivable and payable under interest rate derivatives or
foreign exchange contracts with the same counterparty. The market risk associ-
ated with interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange contracts is managed
by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that
may be undertaken and is measured using a value-at-risk methodology.
 
Interest rate derivatives utilized by the Corporation include futures and for-
wards, interest rate swaps and interest rate options. Futures and forward con-
tracts generally are contracts for the delayed delivery of securities or money
market instruments in which the buyer agrees to purchase, and the seller agrees
to deliver, a specific instrument at a predetermined date for a specific price.
Market risks on both types of agreements stem from market movements in the un-
derlying securities' values, interest rates or implied volatility rates. Credit
risk stems from the ability of the counterparties to meet the terms of the con-
tracts. The Corporation's counterparty risk for futures is limited, as the ma-
jority of these transactions are executed on organized exchanges that assume
the obligations of counterparties, and generally require margin collateral and
daily settlement of variation margins.
 
Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate
interest payments between two parties based on a common notional principal
amount and maturity date. The primary risks associated with interest rate swaps
are the exposure to movements in interest rates and the ability of the
counterparties to meet the terms of the contracts.
 
Interest rate options are contracts that allow the holder of the option to re-
ceive cash, purchase, sell or enter into a financial instrument at a specified
price within a specified period of time. Options include interest rate caps and
floors, which are types of interest rate protection instruments involving the
potential payment between seller and buyer of an interest differential. In ad-
dition, other types of option products provide the holder with the right to en-
ter into interest rate swap, cap and floor agreements with the writer. The pri-
mary risks associated with interest rate options are the exposure to current
and the possible future movements in interest rates and the ability of the
counterparties to meet the terms of the contracts.
 
Foreign exchange contracts include such commitments as foreign currency spot,
forward, futures, option and swap contracts. The primary risks in these trans-
actions arise from exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and
the ability of the counterparties to meet the terms of the contracts.


                                      72
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
The following is a summary of the Corporation's notional amounts and fair val-
ues of interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange contracts included in its
trading and asset and liability management (ALM) portfolios.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               TRADING PORTFOLIO(1)                      ALM PORTFOLIO(1)
                          ---------------------------------  --------------------------------------------
December 31, 1996         NOTIONAL  FAIR VALUE(2)(3)(4)      NOTIONAL FAIR VALUE(2)(3)      UNRECOGNIZED
(in millions)              AMOUNT   ASSET       LIABILITY     AMOUNT  ASSET     LIABILITY  GAIN (LOSS)(5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>           
Interest rate contracts
 Futures and forwards...  $47,927  $       65    $       64  $ 3,382                            $(45)
 Interest rate swaps....    9,332          58            54    6,975       $25     $    40       (11)
 Interest rate options
  Purchased.............    6,471          14
  Written or sold.......    4,593                        13
                          -------  ----------    ----------  -------  --------     -------      ----
Total interest rate con-
tracts..................  $68,323  $      137    $      131  $10,357       $25     $    40      $(56)
                          =======  ==========    ==========  =======  ========     =======      ====
Foreign exchange con-
tracts
 Spot and forward con-
 tracts.................  $20,224  $      313    $      348  $ 1,755       $11     $     9      $  2
 Options purchased......    2,529          42
 Options written or
 sold...................    2,434                        37
                          -------  ----------    ----------  -------  --------     -------      ----
Total foreign exchange
contracts...............  $25,187  $      355    $      385  $ 1,755       $11     $     9      $  2
                          =======  ==========    ==========  =======  ========     =======      ====
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                               Trading Portfolio(1)                      ALM Portfolio(1)
                          ---------------------------------  --------------------------------------------
December 31, 1995         Notional Fair Value (2)(3)(4)      Notional Fair Value (2)(3)     Unrecognized
(in millions)              Amount   Asset       Liability     Amount  Asset     Liability  Gain (Loss)(5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>           
Interest rate contracts
 Futures and forwards...  $30,821                            $12,558               $    10      $(89)
 Interest rate swaps....    9,169  $       91    $       80    5,852  $     93           8       102
 Interest rate options
  Purchased.............    3,411           9                  3,968       119                     2
  Written or sold.......    3,986                         9      360                    34
                          -------  ----------    ----------  -------  --------     -------      ----
Total interest rate con-
tracts..................  $47,387  $      100    $       89  $22,738  $    212     $    52      $ 15
                          =======  ==========    ==========  =======  ========     =======      ====
Foreign exchange con-
tracts
 Spot and forward con-
 tracts.................  $13,254  $      172    $      167  $ 1,258  $      3     $     5      $ (2)
 Options purchased......    1,044          13
 Options written or
 sold...................    1,130                        16
                          -------  ----------    ----------  -------  --------     -------      ----
Total foreign exchange
contracts...............  $15,428  $      185    $      183  $ 1,258  $      3     $     5      $ (2)
                          =======  ==========    ==========  =======  ========     =======      ====
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Contracts under master netting agreements are shown on a net basis for both
    the trading and ALM portfolios.
(2) Fair value represents the amount at which a given instrument could be ex-
    changed in an arm's length transaction with a third party as of the balance
    sheet date. The fair value amounts of the trading portfolio are included in
    other assets or other liabilities, as applicable. The majority of deriva-
    tives that are part of the ALM portfolio are accounted for on the accrual
    basis, and not carried at fair value. In certain cases, contracts, such as
    futures, are subject to daily cash settlements; as such, the fair value of
    these instruments is zero.
(3) The credit exposure of interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange con-
    tracts is represented by the fair value of contracts reported in the "As-
    set" column.
(4) The average asset and liability fair value amounts for interest rate con-
    tracts included in the trading portfolio for the years ended December 31,
    1996 and 1995 were approximately $130 million and $129 million, respective-
    ly, and $99 million and $67 million, respectively. The average asset and
    liability fair value amounts for foreign exchange contracts included in the
    trading portfolio were approximately $224 million and $229 million, respec-
    tively, for the year ended December 31, 1996, and $313 million and $313
    million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1995.
(5) Unrecognized gain or loss represents the amount of gain or loss, based on
    fair value, that has not been recognized in the income statement at the
    balance sheet date. This includes amounts related to contracts that have
    been terminated. Such amounts are recognized as an adjustment of yield over
    the period being managed. At December 31, 1996, there were $16 million of
    unrecognized gains and $33 million of unrecognized losses related to termi-
    nated contracts that are being amortized to net interest revenue over
    weighted average periods of 26 months and 13 months, respectively. At De-
    cember 31, 1995, there were $32 million of unrecognized gains and $2 mil-
    lion of unrecognized losses related to terminated contracts that were being
    amortized to net interest revenue over weighted average periods of 32
    months and 23 months, respectively.
Net trading gains or losses from interest rate derivatives are recorded in
trading account profits and commissions. The Corporation's interest rate deriv-
ative trading activities primarily include providing risk management products
to its customers. Derivatives are also used to manage risk in other trading
portfolios, such as emerging markets securities. The results of these deriva-
tive activities are combined with the results of the respective trading portfo-
lio to determine the overall performance of the trading business and, as such,
are not included in the results of derivative trading activities. Net trading
gains from interest rate derivative trading were $4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and $7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 1995
and 1994.
Net trading gains from foreign exchange contracts are recorded in other income.
Net trading gains from foreign exchange activities, which include foreign ex-
change spot, forward and options contracts, for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 were $54 million, $60 million and $44 million, respective-
ly.


                                      73
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
CREDIT-RELATED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
A commitment to extend credit is a legally binding agreement to lend to a cus-
tomer in the future that generally expires within a specified period of time.
The extension of a commitment, which is subject to the Corporation's credit re-
view and approval policies, gives rise to credit exposure when certain borrow-
ing conditions are met and it is drawn upon. Until such time, it represents
only potential exposure. In connection with entering into a commitment, the
Corporation may obtain collateral if deemed necessary, based upon the Corpora-
tion's credit evaluation. Such collateral varies but may include securities,
receivables, inventory, fixed assets, personal property and real estate. The
obligation to lend generally may be voided if the customer's financial condi-
tion deteriorates or if the customer fails to meet certain covenants. Commit-
ments to extend credit do not reflect the actual demand on liquidity that the
Corporation will be subjected to in the future, since historical experience
with loan commitments indicates that a large portion generally expire without
being drawn upon.
 
Standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees are commitments that
are primarily issued to third parties to guarantee obligations of the Corpora-
tion's customers. Standby letters of credit may be issued as credit enhance-
ments for corporate customers' commercial paper, bond issuances by municipali-
ties or other debt obligations, and to guarantee other financial performance of
a customer. The Corporation has current exposure only to the extent that a cus-
tomer may default on the underlying transaction. The risks involved in the is-
suance of standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees are primarily
credit risks. Again, the Corporation's credit review and approval policies and
practices are adhered to when evaluating issuances of standbys or guarantees
for customers. Similar to commitments to extend credit, the Corporation may ob-
tain various types of collateral, if deemed necessary, based upon the Corpora-
tion's credit evaluation.
 
The following table summarizes the Corporation's credit-related financial in-
struments:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                     1996    1995
(in millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>     <C>
Fee-based or otherwise legally binding commitments to extend
 credit(1).................................................... $26,742 $23,503
Standby letters of credit, foreign office guarantees and
 similar instruments(2)..................................... . $ 2,508 $ 2,315
Commercial letters of credit.................................. $ 1,582 $ 1,399
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Net of participations conveyed to others of $17 million in 1996 and $233
    million in 1995.
 
(2) Net of participations conveyed to others of $814 million in 1996 and $720
    million in 1995.
 
23.CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
Credit risk associated with concentrations can arise when changes in economic,
industry or geographic factors affect groups of counterparties with similar
economic characteristics, whose aggregate credit exposure is significant to the
Corporation's total credit exposure. Consistent policies exist regarding the
requirement for collateral security on asset based and real estate credits. Ap-
proximately 50% of the Corporation's business activity in 1996 and 1995 was
with customers located within New England. Information with respect to the Cor-
poration's overseas business activities and its geographic concentrations is
included in Note 26. The Corporation's commitments to lend against, and loans
collateralized by, domestic commercial real estate properties were approxi-
mately $5 billion in both 1996 and 1995, of which 70% in 1996 and 80% in 1995
related to properties in New England. Also, combined domestic credit exposure
from consumer lending and credits secured by 1-4 family residential properties
totaled $17 billion in 1996 and $16 billion in 1995. There were no other sig-
nificant concentrations of credit risk.
 
























24.LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
Rental expense for leases of real estate and equipment is summarized below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                          1996 1995 1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>  <C>  <C>
Rental expense.................................................. $132 $125 $118
Less sublease rental income.....................................   13   11   13
                                                                 ---- ---- ----
Net rental expense.............................................. $119 $114 $105
                                                                 ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
 
The Corporation has obligations under noncancelable operating leases for real
estate and equipment that include renewal options and escalation clauses. The
Corporation's minimum future rentals under its leases, exclusive of executory
costs and net of sublease rental income, for the years 1997 through 2001 are
$103 million, $89 million, $78 million, $71 million and $63 million, respec-
tively, and $400 million for 2002 and later. Capital leases, the minimum rent-
als of which are included in the preceding amounts, are not significant.
 
25.CONTINGENCIES
 
The Corporation and its subsidiaries are defendants in a number of legal pro-
ceedings arising in the normal course of business, including claims that bor-
rowers or others have been damaged as a result of the lending practices of the
Corporation's subsidiaries. Management, after reviewing all actions and pro-
ceedings pending against or involving the Corporation and its subsidiaries,
considers that the aggregate loss, if any, resulting from the final outcome of
these proceedings should not be material to the Corporation's financial state-
ments.
 
26.SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Corporation operates within the financial services industry. The geographic
segment information presented in the following table is provided to meet the
requirements of SFAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
Enterprise," and differs from the information used by the Corporation to manage
its businesses. Certain revenues and expenses are allocated differently for
this segment information than for the Corporation's management reporting. For
example, revenues and expenses herein are allocated based on the domicile of
the customer or service provider rather than to the business that earned or in-
curred those revenues or expenses, and certain corporate overhead expenses,
which are allocated to business units, have not been allocated to the interna-
tional segment for this presentation. This geographic segment information does
not consider other factors, such as method of funding (i.e., local vs. non-lo-
cal currency) or location of any cash collateral or guarantees.

                                      74
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
As a result of the inter-relationships that exist within the Corporation's
world-wide network, allocations of certain income and expense items are neces-
sarily based on assumptions and subjective criteria. Estimates of interest
costs charged to users of funds, stockholders' equity, and administrative and
other expenses incurred by one area on behalf of another are allocated utiliz-
ing internal methodologies. The information presented is based on reporting as-
sumptions in place at December 31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Income
Years Ended December 31      Total      Total     Before     Net     Period End
(in millions)              Revenue(1) Expense(1) Taxes(2) Income(3) Total Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>
1996
International
 Latin America............   $  776     $  535    $  241    $138      $13,023
 Europe...................      103         40        63      37        1,626
 Asia/Pacific.............       59         45        14       8        1,216
 All other regions........        2         (2)        4       2          100
                             ------     ------    ------    ----      -------
  Total International.....      940        618       322     185       15,965
Domestic..................    2,744      1,933       811     465       46,341
                             ------     ------    ------    ----      -------
  Total...................   $3,684     $2,551    $1,133    $650      $62,306
                             ======     ======    ======    ====      =======
1995
International
 Latin America............   $  606     $  433    $  173    $ 98      $10,864
 Europe...................       91         62        29      17        1,891
 Asia/Pacific.............       65         36        29      16        1,095
 All other regions........        2          7        (5)     (3)          45
                             ------     ------    ------    ----      -------
  Total International.....      764        538       226     128       13,895
Domestic..................    2,794      1,813       981     550       45,528
                             ------     ------    ------    ----      -------
  Total...................   $3,558     $2,351    $1,207    $678      $59,423
                             ======     ======    ======    ====      =======
1994
International
 Latin America............   $  480     $  331    $  149    $ 83      $ 7,822
 Europe...................       72         40        32      18        1,776
 Asia/Pacific.............       55         39        16       9          973
 All other regions........       14         11         3       2          337
                             ------     ------    ------    ----      -------
  Total International.....      621        421       200     112       10,908
Domestic..................    2,451      1,680       771     430       44,503
                             ------     ------    ------    ----      -------
  Total...................   $3,072     $2,101    $  971    $542      $55,411
                             ======     ======    ======    ====      =======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Total revenue includes net interest revenue and noninterest income. Total
    expense includes the provision for credit losses and noninterest expense.
 
(2) 1994 amounts exclude extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt.
 
(3) 1994 amounts include a $7 million extraordinary loss, net of tax, from
    early extinguishment of debt that, for purposes of this analysis, has been
    allocated to domestic.

                                      75
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
27. PARENT COMPANY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The following is a condensed balance sheet of the Corporation (Parent Company
only):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                                        1996   1995
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>    <C>
ASSETS
Cash and short-term investments in bank subsidiary............... $  723 $  119
Advances to subsidiaries
 Bank subsidiaries...............................................      1     19
 Nonbank subsidiaries............................................    718    437
Subordinated notes receivable from bank subsidiary...............    332    580
Investments in subsidiaries
 Bank subsidiaries...............................................  4,949  4,635
 Nonbank subsidiaries............................................    219    161
Other assets.....................................................    115     47
                                                                  ------ ------
  Total Assets................................................... $7,057 $5,998
                                                                  ====== ======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Notes payable.................................................... $1,570 $1,269
Other liabilities................................................     38     27
Junior subordinated debt payable to subsidiary trusts............    515
                                                                  ------ ------
 Total liabilities...............................................  2,123  1,296
                                                                  ------ ------
 Total stockholders' equity......................................  4,934  4,702
                                                                  ------ ------
  Total Liabilities and
   Stockholders' Equity.......................................... $7,057 $5,998
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
The following is a condensed statement of income of the Corporation (Parent
Company only):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                       1996  1995 1994
(in millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>   <C>  <C>
OPERATING INCOME
Dividends from subsidiaries
 Bank subsidiaries(1)........................................ $537  $391 $125
 Nonbank subsidiaries........................................   23    15   30
Interest from subsidiaries
 Bank subsidiaries...........................................   50    59   46
 Nonbank subsidiaries........................................   41    25    9
Noninterest income...........................................          9
                                                              ----  ---- ----
 Total operating income......................................  651   499  210
                                                              ----  ---- ----
OPERATING EXPENSE
Interest expense.............................................   95    92   79
Other expense, net...........................................   14     6    5
                                                              ----  ---- ----
  Total operating expense....................................  109    98   84
                                                              ----  ---- ----
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net
 income of subsidiaries......................................  542   401  126
Provision for (Benefit from) income taxes....................   (6)    2  (11)
                                                              ----  ---- ----
Income before equity in undistributed net income of
 subsidiaries................................................  548   399  137
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries...........  102   279  405
                                                              ----  ---- ----
Net Income................................................... $650  $678 $542
                                                              ====  ==== ====
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Dividends in 1995 included $205 million from a subsidiary bank holding com-
    pany in connection with the sale of Casco.

                                      76
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
The following is a condensed statement of cash flows of the Corporation (Parent
Company only):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31                                       1996  1995  1994
(in millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>   <C>   <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income..................................................  $650  $678  $542
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided from
operating activities
 Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries.........  (102) (279) (405)
 Gain on sale of subsidiary.................................          (8)
 Other, net.................................................   (52)    1   (13)
                                                              ----  ----  ----
  Net cash provided from operating activities...............   496   392   124
                                                              ----  ----  ----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net cash provided from (used for) short-term investments in
banking subsidiary..........................................  (600)   86     1
Net cash provided from (used for) advances to subsidiaries..  (263) (203)   37
Investments in subsidiaries.................................   (16)  (12)  (39)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary............................          92
Purchase of subordinated note receivable from bank
subsidiary..................................................              (180)
Repayment of subordinated note receivable by bank
subsidiary..................................................   250
                                                              ----  ----  ----
  Net cash used for investing activities....................  (629)  (37) (181)
                                                              ----  ----  ----
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayments/repurchases of notes payable.....................  (100) (150) (189)
Net proceeds from issuance of notes payable.................   400         400
Net proceeds from issuance of junior subordinated
debentures..................................................   515
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock..................    92    70    40
Purchases of treasury stock.................................  (490)  (53)  (29)
Dividends paid..............................................  (284) (221) (166)
                                                              ----  ----  ----
  Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities....   133  (354)   56
                                                              ----  ----  ----
Net change in cash and due from banks.......................           1    (1)
Cash and due from banks at January 1........................     1           1
                                                              ----  ----  ----
Cash and due from banks at December 31......................  $  1  $  1  $
                                                              ====  ====  ====
Interest payments made......................................  $ 95  $ 90  $ 73
Income tax payments made (refunds received).................  $  6  $  5  $ (8)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      77

<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
28. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
SFAS No. 107 requires that the Corporation disclose estimated fair values for
certain of its financial instruments. Financial instruments include such items
as loans, deposits, securities, interest rate and foreign exchange rate con-
tracts, swaps and other instruments as defined by the standard.
 
Fair value estimates are generally subjective in nature and are dependent upon
a number of significant assumptions associated with each instrument or group of
similar instruments, including estimates of discount rates, risks associated
with specific financial instruments, estimates of future cash flows and rele-
vant available market information. Fair value information is intended to repre-
sent an estimate of an amount at which a financial instrument could be ex-
changed in a current transaction between a willing buyer and seller engaging in
an exchange transaction. However, since there are no established trading mar-
kets for a significant portion of the Corporation's financial instruments, the
Corporation may not be able to settle its financial instruments immediately; as
such, the fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could
be realized through immediate settlement. In addition, the majority of the Cor-
poration's financial instruments, such as loans and deposits, are held to matu-
rity and are realized or paid according to the contractual agreement with the
customer.
 
Where available, quoted market prices are used to estimate fair values. Howev-
er, due to the nature of the Corporation's financial instruments, in many in-
stances quoted market prices are not available. Accordingly, the Corporation
has estimated fair values based on other valuation techniques, such as dis-
counting estimated future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks
involved or other acceptable methods. Fair values are estimated without regard
to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of
a financial instrument, possible income tax ramifications or estimated transac-
tion costs. Fair values are also estimated at a specific point in time and are
based on interest rates and other assumptions at that date. As events change
the assumptions underlying these estimates, the fair values of financial in-
struments will change.
 
Disclosure of fair values is not required for certain items such as lease fi-
nancing, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, obli-
gations for pension and other postretirement benefits, premises and equipment,
OREO, prepaid expenses, purchased mortgage servicing rights, core deposit in-
tangibles and other customer relationships, other intangible assets and income
tax assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts pre-
sented do not purport to represent, and should not be considered representative
of, the underlying "market" or franchise value of the Corporation.
 
Because the standard permits many alternative calculation techniques and be-
cause numerous assumptions have been used to estimate the Corporation's fair
values, reasonable comparisons of the Corporation's fair value information with
that of other financial institutions cannot necessarily be made.
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of each class of
financial instrument are as follows:
 
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, INTEREST BEARING DEPOSITS IN OTHER BANKS, FEDERAL
FUNDS SOLD AND SECURITIES PURCHASED UNDER AGREEMENTS TO RESELL, FUNDS BORROWED,
DUE FROM CUSTOMERS ON ACCEPTANCES AND ACCEPTANCES OUTSTANDING These items are
generally short-term in nature and, accordingly, the carrying amounts reported
in the balance sheet are reasonable approximations of their fair values.
 
TRADING SECURITIES Trading securities are carried at fair value in the balance
sheet. Such values are generally based on quoted market prices.
 
MORTGAGES HELD FOR SALE Fair values are based on the estimated value at which
the loans could be sold in the secondary market. The fair value of commitments
to issue mortgage loans, net of forward contracts to sell mortgage loans, is
included as part of the disclosure of off-balance-sheet financial instruments.
 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY Fair values are
principally based on quoted market prices. For certain debt and equity invest-
ments made in connection with the Corporation's Private Equity Investing busi-
ness that do not trade on established exchanges and for which markets do not
exist, estimates of fair value are based upon management's review of the
investee's financial results, condition and prospects.
 
LOANS The fair value of accruing consumer mortgage loans is estimated using
market quotes or by discounting contractual cash flows, adjusted for credit
risk and prepayment estimates. Discount rates are obtained from secondary mar-
ket sources. The fair value of accruing home equity loans is estimated using
comparable market information adjusted for credit and other relevant character-
istics. The fair value of all other accruing loans is estimated by discounting
cash flows, using interest rates that consider the credit and interest rate
risks inherent in the loans, and current economic and lending conditions. The
fair value of nonaccrual loans is primarily estimated by discounting manage-
ment's estimate of future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks
involved.
 
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE AND OTHER ASSETS The carrying amount of accrued in-
terest receivable approximates its fair value. Financial instruments classified
as other assets subject to the disclosure requirements of the standard consist
principally of accounts receivable and investments in limited partnerships. The
carrying amounts of short-term receivables are considered to approximate their
fair value. For longer-term receivables, fair value is estimated by discounting
expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks
involved. Estimates of fair value of investments in limited partnerships are
based upon management's review of the investee's financial results, condition
and prospects.

                                      78
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
DEPOSITS The fair values of deposits subject to immediate withdrawal, such as
interest and noninterest bearing checking, passbook savings and money market
deposit accounts, are, by definition, equal to their carrying amounts. The car-
rying amounts for variable rate certificates of deposit and other time deposits
approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed rate
certificates of deposit and other time deposits are estimated by discounting
future cash flows using interest rates currently offered on time deposits with
similar remaining maturities.
 
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES Financial instruments classified as ac-
crued expenses and other liabilities subject to the disclosure requirements of
the standard consist principally of short-term liabilities; the carrying
amounts approximate their fair values.
 
NOTES PAYABLE The fair value of long-term borrowings is estimated using second-
ary market prices and does not include the fair values of related interest rate
swap agreements, which are presented separately.
 
GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN CORPORATION'S JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
DEBT The fair value is estimated using secondary market prices.
 
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE AND INTEREST RATE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The fair values
of foreign exchange rate and interest rate contracts, including contracts used
to manage interest rate, currency and market risks, are estimated based on mar-
ket information adjusted for credit and other relevant characteristics using
pricing models, including option models.
 
OTHER UNRECOGNIZED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The fair value of commitments to ex-
tend credit is estimated using the fees charged to enter into similar legally
binding agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements
and customers' credit ratings. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also
considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the com-
mitted rates. The fair values of foreign office guarantees and letters of
credit are based on fees charged for similar agreements or on the estimated
cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the
counterparties at the reporting date.

                                      79
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of the Corporation's
financial instruments:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31                                      1996               1995
                                                   ESTIMATED          Estimated
                                          CARRYING   FAIR    Carrying   Fair
(in millions)                              AMOUNT    VALUE    Amount    Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks.................   $4,273   $4,273    $3,561   $3,561
Interest bearing deposits in other
banks...................................    1,634    1,634     1,356    1,356
Federal funds sold and securities
purchased under agreements to resell....    1,857    1,857     1,548    1,548
Trading securities......................    1,238    1,238     1,159    1,159
Mortgages held for sale.................                         910      919
Securities(1)
 Available for sale.....................    7,804    7,956     7,582    7,658
 Held to maturity.......................      680      675       660      667
Loans...................................   38,877             37,176
Reserve for credit losses(2)............     (883)              (890)
                                           ------             ------
                                           37,994   39,062    36,286   37,415
Due from customers on acceptances.......      438      438       360      360
Accrued interest receivable.............      546      546       554      554
Financial instruments included in other
assets..................................      860      916       611      700
LIABILITIES
Deposits................................   42,831   42,916    41,064   41,117
Funds borrowed..........................    9,158    9,158     9,503    9,503
Acceptances outstanding.................      448      448       360      360
Financial instruments included in
accrued expenses and other liabilities..      630      630       537      537
Notes payable...........................    2,821    2,828     2,189    2,255
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interest
in Corporation's junior subordinated
debt....................................      500      497
INTEREST RATE CONTRACTS(3)
Trading
 Asset..................................               137                100
 Liability..............................              (131)               (89)
Asset and liability management
 Asset..................................                25                212
 Liability..............................               (40)               (52)
FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS(3)
Trading
 Asset..................................               355                185
 Liability..............................              (385)              (183)
Asset and liability management
 Asset..................................                11                  3
 Liability..............................                (9)                (5)
OTHER UNRECOGNIZED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fee based or otherwise legally binding
commitments to extend credit............               (65)               (59)
Standby and commercial letters of
credit, foreign office guarantees and
similar instruments.....................               (12)               (32)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Securities include investments made in connection with the Corporation's
    Private Equity Investing business that do not trade on established ex-
    changes, and for which no markets exist. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,
    these investments were classified as securities available for sale, and
    their estimated fair values exceeded the related carrying amounts by $152
    million and $76 million, respectively.
(2) The reserve for credit losses is established for future charge-offs arising
    from all extensions of credit. The Corporation has not made a specific al-
    location of the reserve to other instruments such as leases, commitments to
    extend credit, standby letters of credit and interest rate contracts. Ac-
    cordingly, a separate determination of the reserve allocable to loans has
    not been made.
(3) Additional information with respect to interest rate and foreign exchange
    contracts can be found in Note 22 to the Financial Statements. The Corpora-
    tion's accounting policy related to such instruments is discussed in Note 1
    to the Financial Statements.

                                      80

<PAGE>
 
                                                    Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of Bank of Boston Corporation

  There is no parent company of Bank of Boston Corporation (the "Corporation").
The First National Bank of Boston (the "FNBB"), all of whose voting securities
(except for directors' qualifying shares) are owned directly or indirectly by
the Corporation, is the principal subsidiary of the Corporation.  Other major
banking subsidiaries of the Corporation are BayBank, N.A., Bank of Boston
Connecticut, Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank and BayBank NH, N.A.

  A number of entities which are owned wholly or in part, either directly or
indirectly, by the Corporation are not listed below.  However, their assets if
considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary would not constitute a
significant subsidiary of the Corporation.

                                                 JURISDICTION
NAME OF SUBSIDIARY                               OF ORGANIZATION

The First National Bank of Boston                      US
 BancBoston Financial Company                          MA
 BancBoston Insurance Agency, Inc.                     MA
 Bank of Boston International                          US Edge Act Corp.
 Boston Overseas Financial Corp.                       US Edge Act Corp.
 Boston World Holding Corporation                      MA
   Boston Brazil Holding Corporation                   MA
      Boston Administracao E Empre Endimentos LTDA     Brazil
 BancBoston Leasing, Inc.                              MA
 BancBoston Aircraft Leasing, Inc.                     MA
 BancBoston Leasing Services, Inc.                     MA
 BancBoston Services, Inc.                             MA
   Boston EquiServe, L.P.(3)                           MA
 BancBoston Ventures Inc.                              MA
 Ganis Credit Corporation                              DE
 GBFC, Inc.                                            DE
 Multibank Leasing Corporation                         MA
   Matthews Street Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.  MA
 1784 Investor Services, Inc.                          MA
 West Broadway Security Corp.                          MA
BancBoston Capital Inc.                                MA
BancBoston Holdings, Inc.                              MA
 Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank             US
 Bank of Boston Connecticut                            CT
 Bank of Boston Florida, N.A.                          US
 Bank of Boston (Maine), N.A.                          US
 Bullfinch Indemnity Company, LTD                      VT
 Thor Credit Corp.                                     DE
 RIHT Life Insurance Co.                               AZ
 Bank of Boston Connecticut                            CT
   BancBoston Capital Inc.                             MA
   Fidelity Acceptance Corporation                     MN
BancBoston Leasing Investments Inc.                    MA
BancBoston Trust Company of New York                   NY
BancBoston Investments Inc.                            MA
BancBoston Real Estate Capital Corporation             MA
BancBoston Securities Inc.                             MA
BayBanks, Inc.                                         MA
Boston International Holdings Corporation              MA
Boston Bancorp (The)                                   MA
 Boston Bancorp Securities, Inc.                       MA
Boston Overseas Holding Corporation                    MA
FSC Corp                                               MA

_________________________________________________________________
(1) Except as noted, each such business organization is directly or indirectly
    owned by the Corporation.

(2) FNBB and certain other subsidiaries own a number of subsidiaries which hold
    real property acquired in connection with certain loan workout situations.
    If considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, they would not
    constitute a significant subsidiary.

(3) Boston EquiServe, L.P. is 50% owned by Boston Financial Data Services, which
    is a joint venture owned by State Street Bank and DST, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To The Board of Directors
Bank of Boston Corporation


We consent to the incorporation by reference, in the registration statements of
Bank of Boston Corporation on Forms S-3 (Registration Nos. 33-52571 and 333-
13697), Forms S-4 (333-19083 and 333-19111), and Forms S-8 (Registration Nos.
33-1899, 33-11186, 33-64462, 33-66012, 333-00297, 333-07329, 333-09041, 333-
12851 and 333-18999) of our report dated January 16, 1997 on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of Bank of Boston Corporation and Subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996, included in the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders and in Exhibit 13 to the Corporation's 1996 Annual Report on Form
10-K.

The consolidated financial statements of BayBanks, Inc., as of December 31, 1995
and for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, prior to the restatement for
the 1996 pooling of interests, included in the 1995 and 1994 restated
consolidated financial statements were audited by other auditors whose reports
expressed unqualified opinions on those financial statements.  We audited the
combination of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
1995, and the consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity
and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, after restatement
for the 1996 pooling of interests; in our opinion, such consolidated financial
statements have been properly combined on the basis described in Note 2 to the
financial statements.



                          /S/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Boston, Massachusetts
March 19, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
                                                                      
<ARTICLE> 9
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           4,273
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                           1,634
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                 1,857
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                 1,238
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                      7,804
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                             680
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                               675
<LOANS>                                         41,061
<ALLOWANCE>                                      (883)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  62,306
<DEPOSITS>                                      42,831
<SHORT-TERM>                                     8,508
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                              1,614
<LONG-TERM>                                      3,321<F1>
                                0
                                        508
<COMMON>                                           230
<OTHER-SE>                                       4,196
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                  62,306
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                  3,844
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                  569
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   480
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                 4,893
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                               1,680
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,553
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                            2,340
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                      231
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                  23
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                    621
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,133
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                         650
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       650
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     3.99
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     3.93
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    4.42
<LOANS-NON>                                        402
<LOANS-PAST>                                        41
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     8
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                   890
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    (310)
<RECOVERIES>                                        80
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                  883
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                               535
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                217
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                            131

        
<FN>
<F1> Includes guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in the Corporation's 
     junior subordinated debt.
</FN>

</TABLE>


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