WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORP
DEF 14A, 1997-03-17
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                               

Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant /_/

Check the appropriate box:

/_/ Preliminary Proxy Statement
/_/ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)
    (2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/_/ Definitive Additional Materials
/_/ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12

                         Webster Financial Corporation
________________________________________________________________________________
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

________________________________________________________________________________
                   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

/X/ No fee required.

/_/ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

   _____________________________________________________________________________

2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

   _____________________________________________________________________________

3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
   pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:*

   _____________________________________________________________________________

4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

   _____________________________________________________________________________

/_/ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

/_/ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
    Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
    the offsetting fee was paid previously.  Identify the previous
    filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule
    and the date of its filing.

    1) Amount previously paid: _________________________________________________

    2) Form, Schedule or Registration No. ______________________________________

    3) Filing party: ___________________________________________________________

    4) Date filed: _____________________________________________________________

___________
*Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
 determined.

<PAGE>

                                WEBSTER FINANCIAL
                                   CORPORATION
                                     [LOGO]





                                                           March 17, 1997


TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION:

                  You are  cordially  invited to attend  the  annual  meeting of
shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Webster Financial Corporation ("Webster")
to be held on  Thursday,  April 17,  1997,  at 4:00  p.m.,  local  time,  at the
Courtyard by Marriott, 63 Grand Street, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702.

                  At the Annual Meeting,  Webster's  shareholders  will be asked
to: (i) elect four directors,  each to serve for a three-year  term; (ii) ratify
the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent  auditors of Webster for
the year ending December 31, 1997; and (iii) transact such other business as may
properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

                  The Board of Directors  unanimously  recommends  that you vote
FOR the election of all the Board's four  nominees for election as directors and
FOR ratification of the appointment of Webster's independent  auditors.  You are
encouraged to read the accompanying Proxy Statement,  which provides information
regarding  Webster  and the matters to be voted on at the Annual  Meeting.  Also
enclosed is our 1996 annual report to shareholders.

                  It is important  that your shares be represented at the Annual
Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you are requested
to  complete,  date,  sign and return the  enclosed  proxy card in the  enclosed
postage paid envelope.

                                         Sincerely,

                                         /s/James C. Smith

                                         James C. Smith
                                         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


<PAGE>

                          WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                  Webster Plaza
                          Waterbury, Connecticut 06702
                                 (203) 753-2921
                              --------------------

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON APRIL 17, 1997
                              --------------------

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION:

                  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of shareholders
(the "Annual Meeting") of Webster Financial Corporation ("Webster") will be held
on  Thursday,  April 17, 1997,  at 4:00 p.m.,  local time,  at the  Courtyard by
Marriott,  63 Grand  Street,  Waterbury,  Connecticut  06702,  for the following
purposes:

             1. Election of Directors.  To elect four  directors,  each to serve
for a three-year term (Proposal 1);

             2.   Ratification  of  Appointment  of  Auditors.   To  ratify  the
appointment  by the Board of  Directors  of the firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as
independent  auditors of Webster for the fiscal  year ending  December  31, 1997
(Proposal 2);

             3. Other Business.  To transact such other business as may properly
come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

                  The Board of  Directors  has fixed  the close of  business  on
March 7, 1997, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled
to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.  Only  shareholders of record at
the close of  business on that date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

                                            By Order of the Board of Directors

                                            /s/James C. Smith

                                            James C. Smith
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Waterbury, Connecticut
March 17, 1997

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. THEREFORE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU
PLAN TO BE  PRESENT  IN PERSON AT THE  ANNUAL  MEETING,  PLEASE  DATE,  SIGN AND
COMPLETE  THE  ENCLOSED  PROXY AND  RETURN IT IN THE  ENCLOSED  ENVELOPE,  WHICH
REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.


<PAGE>

                          WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                  Webster Plaza
                          Waterbury, Connecticut 06702
                                 (203) 753-2921
                              --------------------

               PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON APRIL 17, 1997

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


                SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES

                  This  Proxy   Statement  (the  "Proxy   Statement")  is  being
furnished  to the  shareholders  of Webster  Financial  Corporation,  a Delaware
corporation  ("Webster" or the  "Corporation"),  as part of the  solicitation of
proxies by its board of directors (the "Board of Directors" or the "Board") from
holders of its outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"),  for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Webster to be
held on Thursday,  April 17, 1997, at 4:00 p.m., local time, at the Courtyard by
Marriott, 63 Grand Street, Waterbury,  Connecticut 06702, (the "Annual Meeting")
and at any adjournments thereof. The Proxy Statement, together with the enclosed
proxy card,  is being  mailed to  shareholders  of Webster on or about March 17,
1997.

                  The Annual Meeting has been called for the following purposes:
(i) to elect four  directors,  each to serve for a three-year term (Proposal 1);
(ii) to ratify the  appointment  by the Board of  Directors  of the firm of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP as independent auditors of Webster for the year ending December
31, 1997 (Proposal 2); and (iii) to transact such other business as may properly
come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

                  If the  enclosed  form  of  proxy  is  properly  executed  and
returned  to  Webster  in time to be voted at the  Annual  Meeting,  the  shares
represented  thereby will be voted in accordance  with the  instructions  marked
thereon.  EXECUTED  BUT  UNMARKED  PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE
BOARD'S  NOMINEES  AS  DIRECTORS  AND FOR  RATIFICATION  OF THE  APPOINTMENT  OF
WEBSTER'S  INDEPENDENT  AUDITORS.  Except for procedural matters incident to the
conduct  of the  Annual  Meeting,  the Board of  Directors  does not know of any
matters other than those  described in the Notice of Annual  Meeting that are to
come before the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before
the  Annual  Meeting,  the  persons  named in the  proxy  will  vote the  shares
represented  by such proxy on such  matters as  determined  by a majority of the
Board of Directors.

                  The presence of a shareholder  at the Annual  Meeting will not
automatically  revoke such  shareholder's  proxy.  A shareholder  may,  however,
revoke a proxy at any time prior to its  exercise by filing a written  notice of
revocation with, or by delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date to,
Lee A. Gagnon, Executive Vice President,  Chief Operating Officer and Secretary,
Webster Financial Corporation, Webster Plaza, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702 or by
attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

                  The cost of soliciting  proxies for the Annual Meeting will be
borne by  Webster.  In addition  to use of the mails,  proxies may be  solicited
personally or by telephone or telecopy by directors, officers and employees, who
will not be specially compensated for such activities. Webster will also request
persons,  firms and  companies  holding  shares in their names or in the name of
their nominees,  which are beneficially owned by others, to send proxy materials
to and  obtain  proxies  from such  beneficial  owners and will  reimburse  such
holders for their reasonable  expenses incurred in that connection.  Webster has
also retained D.F. King & Co., Inc., a proxy  soliciting  firm, to assist in the
solicitation  of  proxies  at a fee of  $4,000,  plus  reimbursement  of certain
out-of-pocket expenses.

<PAGE>

                  The  securities  which  can be  voted  at the  Annual  Meeting
consist of shares of Common Stock of Webster with each share entitling its owner
to one vote on all matters properly presented at the Annual Meeting. There is no
cumulative  voting  of  shares.  The Board of  Directors  has fixed the close of
business  on  March  7,  1997  as the  record  date  for  the  determination  of
shareholders of Webster entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
On the record date, there were 3,187 holders of record of the 11,778,151  shares
of Common Stock then outstanding and eligible to be voted at the Annual Meeting.

                  The presence,  in person or by proxy, of at least one-third of
the total number of  outstanding  shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the
Annual  Meeting is  necessary  to  constitute  a quorum at the  Annual  Meeting.
Assuming  the  presence  of a quorum at the Annual  Meeting,  directors  will be
elected by a  plurality  of the votes of the shares of Common  Stock  present in
person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote. The  affirmative  vote of a
majority  of the  votes  cast is  required  to  ratify  the  appointment  of the
Corporation's independent auditors. Shareholders' votes will be tabulated by the
persons appointed by the Board of Directors to act as inspectors of election for
the Annual Meeting.  Abstentions and broker  non-votes will be treated as shares
that  are  present,  or  represented,  and  entitled  to vote  for  purposes  of
determining  the presence of a quorum at the Annual  Meeting.  Broker  non-votes
will not be counted as a vote cast or entitled  to vote on any matter  presented
at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will not be counted in determining the number
of votes cast in connection with any matter presented at the Annual Meeting.

                  A copy of the  annual  report to  shareholders  for the fiscal
year ended  December  31,  1996  accompanies  this Proxy  Statement.  WEBSTER IS
REQUIRED TO FILE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR ITS 1996 FISCAL YEAR WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE "SEC"). SHAREHOLDERS MAY OBTAIN, FREE OF
CHARGE,  A COPY OF THE FORM 10-K BY WRITING  TO LEE A.  GAGNON,  EXECUTIVE  VICE
PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND SECRETARY, WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION,
WEBSTER PLAZA, WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT 06702.


                              ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
                                  (PROPOSAL 1)

                  At the Annual Meeting, four directors will be elected to serve
for  three-year  terms.  Unless  otherwise  specified  on the  proxy,  it is the
intention of the persons  named in the proxy to vote the shares  represented  by
each properly  executed proxy for the election as directors of the persons named
below as nominees.  The Board of Directors believes that the nominees will stand
for election and will serve if elected as  directors.  If,  however,  any person
nominated  by the  Board  fails to stand  for  election  or is  unable to accept
election, the proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as the
Board of  Directors  may  recommend.  Assuming  the  presence of a quorum at the
Annual  Meeting,  directors  will be elected by a plurality  of the votes of the
shares of Common Stock present in person,  or represented by proxy, and entitled
to vote at the Annual  Meeting.  There are no  cumulative  voting  rights in the
election of directors.

                  The Board of  Directors is divided  into three  classes,  each
composed of four  directors.  The term of office of only one class of  directors
expires in each year, and their  successors are elected for terms of up to three
years and until their  successors  are elected and qualified.  Webster's  Bylaws
were amended effective January 31, 1997 to increase the number of directors from
ten to twelve  in  connection  with the  acquisition  of DS  Bancor,  Inc.  ("DS
Bancor").  Under  the  terms of the DS  Bancor  acquisition  agreement,  Webster
selected the former DS Bancor directors  (Messrs.  Achille A. Apicella and Harry
P. DiAdamo,  Jr.) to serve on the Boards of the Corporation and Webster Bank for
terms expiring in 1999 and 1998,  respectively.  One of the two former DS Bancor
directors will be renominated when his term expires.

                                      - 2-
<PAGE>
INFORMATION AS TO NOMINEES AND OTHER DIRECTORS

                  The  following  table  sets  forth  the  names of the Board of
Directors'  nominees  for  election as  directors  and the current  directors of
Webster  whose offices  continue  beyond the Annual  Meeting.  Also set forth is
certain other information with respect to each such person's age at December 31,
1996,  the periods  during which such person has served as a director of Webster
and  positions  currently  held with  Webster and its wholly  owned  subsidiary,
Webster Bank.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 POSITIONS HELD WITH
DIRECTOR NOMINEES FOR A                        AGE AT            DIRECTOR       EXPIRATION           WEBSTER AND
THREE-YEAR TERM:                         DECEMBER 31, 1996        SINCE          OF TERM             WEBSTER BANK
- ---------------                          ------------------       -----          -------             ------------
<S>                                              <C>               <C>             <C>              <C>        
O. Joseph Bizzozero, Jr.                         62                1986            2000             Director
John J. Crawford                                 52                1996            2000             Director
Robert A. Finkenzeller                           46                1986            2000             Director
Sister Marguerite Waite, C.S.J.                  58                1990            2000             Director


CONTINUING DIRECTORS:
- ---------------------
Achille A. Apicella                              53                1997            1999             Director
Joel S. Becker                                   48                1986            1998             Director
Harry P. DiAdamo, Jr.                            53                1997            1998             Director
Walter R. Griffin                                75                1987            1999             Director
J. Gregory Hickey                                67                1994            1999             Director
C. Michael Jacobi                                54                1993            1999             Director
Harold W. Smith                                  85                1986            1998             Director
James C. Smith                                   47                1986            1998             Chairman,
                                                                                                    President, Chief
                                                                                                    Executive Officer
                                                                                                    and Director
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


             ACHILLE A. APICELLA is President of Apicella, Testa & Company P.C.,
a  certified  public  accounting  firm in Shelton,  Connecticut.  He served as a
director of DS Bancor and Derby Savings Bank until January 31, 1997.

             JOEL S. BECKER is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Torrington Supply Co., Inc., Waterbury, Connecticut.

             O.  JOSEPH  BIZZOZERO,  JR.  is  a  practicing  physician  and  the
President and Chief Executive  Officer of the BCB Medical Group.  Dr.  Bizzozero
has been affiliated with Waterbury  Hospital since 1969. He is also an Associate
Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine.

             JOHN J.  CRAWFORD is President and Chief  Executive  Officer of the
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. Since 1990, Mr. Crawford has
been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Aristotle Corporation,
New Haven,  Connecticut  (formerly First  Constitution  Financial  Corporation).
Aristotle  Corporation  is the holding  company  since 1994 of The Strouse Adler
Co., New Haven, Connecticut,  a manufacturer of women's apparel. From 1990 until
October 1992, Mr.  Crawford was President and Chief  Executive  Officer of First
Constitution

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

Financial  Corporation's  subsidiary,  First  Constitution  Bank, which bank was
placed into receivership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in October
1992,  concurrently  with its  acquisition  by Webster Bank.  Subsequent to that
acquisition and until April 1996, Mr. Crawford served as a consultant to Webster
Bank.

             HARRY P.  DIADAMO,  JR.  served as  President  and Chief  Executive
Officer of DS Bancor and Derby Savings  Bank,  which were acquired by Webster on
January 31, 1997.

             ROBERT A.  FINKENZELLER  is President of Eyelet  Crafters,  Inc., a
Waterbury-based  company  which  manufactures  deep  drawn  metal  parts for the
cosmetics, writing instrument and drapery hardware fields.

             WALTER R.  GRIFFIN is a principal  of  Griffin,  Griffin & O'Brien,
P.C., in Waterbury,  Connecticut.  Griffin,  Griffin & O'Brien,  P.C.  serves as
Webster's and Webster Bank's general counsel.

             J. GREGORY HICKEY is the retired  Managing  Partner of the Hartford
office of Ernst & Young, LLP, an independent auditing firm.

             C. MICHAEL JACOBI is President and Chief Executive Officer of Timex
Corporation,  Middlebury,  Connecticut, a manufacturer of timepieces. Mr. Jacobi
served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales of Timex  Corporation  from 1981
to 1992. He became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in April
1992,  President and Chief Operating Officer in December 1992, and President and
Chief Executive Officer in December 1993.

             HAROLD W. SMITH  retired as Chairman of Webster and Webster Bank in
1995 and as Chief Executive  Officer of Webster and Webster Bank on December 31,
1987.  He had served as managing  officer of Webster  Bank since its founding in
1935. He serves as a consultant  to Webster and Webster  Bank.  Mr. Smith is the
father of James C. Smith,  Chairman,  President,  Chief Executive  Officer and a
director of Webster and Webster Bank.

             JAMES C. SMITH is Chairman,  President and Chief Executive  Officer
of Webster and Webster  Bank,  having  been  elected  Chairman in 1995 and Chief
Executive Officer in 1987 upon Harold W. Smith's  retirement.  He joined Webster
Bank in 1975, and was elected  President and Chief Operating  Officer of Webster
in 1986 and of  Webster  Bank in 1982.  Mr.  Smith is a director  of  MacDermid,
Incorporated, Waterbury, Connecticut, a manufacturer and wholesaler of specialty
chemicals.  Mr.  Smith is the son of Harold W. Smith,  a director of Webster and
Webster Bank.

             SISTER  MARGUERITE  WAITE,  C.S.J.,  is President,  Chief Executive
Officer and Treasurer of St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury,  Connecticut.  Prior to
her election as President in 1986,  Sister  Marguerite  Waite was Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer of St. Mary's Hospital.

 CERTAIN BOARD COMMITTEES; NOMINATIONS BY SHAREHOLDERS; INSIDER PARTICIPATION

             The Board of Directors  has  appointed a standing  Audit  Committee
that  conducted four meetings  during 1996.  The members of the Audit  Committee
currently  are  Messrs.  Hickey  (Chairman),  Crawford  and  Jacobi.  The  Audit
Committee  oversees the Company's  financial  reporting  process,  the system of
internal  financial and  accounting  controls,  the audit process and compliance
with applicable laws and regulations.  The Audit Committee reviews the Company's
annual financial statements,  including management's discussion and analysis and
regulatory  examination  findings The Audit Committee recommends the appointment
of independent auditors.

             The Board of  Directors  also has  appointed a Personnel  Resources
Committee  that  reviews  employee  compensation  on an  annual  basis and makes
recommendations  to  the  full  Board  regarding  compensation.   The  Personnel
Resources  Committee  also  makes  recommendations  to the  Long-Term  Incentive
Compensation Committee concerning long-term incentive awards. All

                                      - 4 -
<PAGE>
recommendations of the Personnel  Resources Committee regarding the compensation
of executive  officers (other than long-term  incentive  awards) are approved by
Webster's  Board of  Directors  which  has  ultimate  responsibility  over  such
matters.  During 1996, the Personnel Resources Committee held five meetings. The
members of the Personnel Resources Committee currently are Messrs.  Finkenzeller
(Chairman), Becker, Dr. Bizzozero and Sister Marguerite Waite.

                  The Long-Term  Incentive  Compensation  Committee  makes final
determinations  concerning the granting of stock options under  Webster's  stock
option plans. During 1996, the Long-Term Incentive  Compensation  Committee held
six meetings.  The members of the Long-Term  Incentive  Compensation  Committee,
which consists of all disinterested  non-employee  directors of the Corporation,
are Messrs.  Finkenzeller  (Chairman),  Becker,  Crawford,  Hickey,  Jacobi, Dr.
Bizzozero and Sister Marguerite Waite.

                  During  1996,  Webster  held  twelve  meetings of its Board of
Directors.  Except for Mr. Jacobi, each incumbent director attended at least 75%
of the  aggregate of the total number of meetings held by the Board of Directors
during the period that such  individual  served and the total number of meetings
held by all  committees  of the Board on which the  director  served  during the
period that such  individual  served.  Mr. Jacobi attended seven meetings of the
Corporation's  board  of  directors  and  three  out  of  four  meetings  of the
committees on which he served during 1996.

                  The Board has appointed a Nominating Subcommittee of Walter R.
Griffin,  Harold W. Smith and James C. Smith to make initial  recommendations to
the  full  Nominating  Committee.  The  Board  of  Directors  acts  as the  full
Nominating Committee for selecting nominees for election as directors. Webster's
Bylaws also permit  shareholders  eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting to make
nominations  for  directors  but only if such  nominations  are made pursuant to
timely notice in writing to the Secretary of Webster. To be timely,  notice must
be delivered to, or mailed to and received at, the principal  executive  offices
of Webster  not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the
meeting, provided that at least 45 days notice or prior public disclosure of the
date of the  meeting  is given  or made to  shareholders.  If less  than 45 days
notice or prior public  disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting is given or
made to shareholders, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be received by
Webster not later than the close of business on the 15th day  following  the day
on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or such public
disclosure  was made.  Public  disclosure of the date of the Annual  Meeting was
made by the  issuance of a press  release on  February  20, 1997 and by filing a
Current Report on Form 8-K under the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934
Act") with the SEC on February 21, 1997. A  shareholder's  notice of  nomination
must also set forth certain information  specified in Article III, Section 13 of
the  Corporation's  Bylaws  concerning each person the  shareholder  proposes to
nominate for election and the nominating shareholder.

                  Walter R.  Griffin is a principal  of the law firm of Griffin,
Griffin & O'Brien, P.C., which serves as general counsel for Webster and Webster
Bank. As general counsel, the firm of Griffin,  Griffin & O'Brien, P.C. received
$233,816 for general legal services rendered to Webster and its subsidiaries for
1996. The firm also represents Webster Bank in certain loan closings and related
transactions.  In 1996,  $81,240 in fees were paid to the firm by borrowers  (or
other related parties) in connection with such loan closing services.

                  THE   BOARD   OF   DIRECTORS   UNANIMOUSLY   RECOMMENDS   THAT
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL OF ITS DIRECTOR NOMINEES.


                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

                  The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  with
respect to the five highest paid executive officers of Webster,  each of whom is
elected to serve for a one-year  period.  Each such officer  currently holds the
same  positions  with Webster Bank.  All executive  officers  serve  pursuant to
employment  agreements  with  Webster  and  Webster  Bank.  See  "Management  --
Employment Agreements."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  AGE AT                       POSITIONS HELD WITH WEBSTER
      NAME                   DECEMBER 31, 1996                       AND WEBSTER BANK
      ----                   -----------------             --------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                                                
James C. Smith                      47              Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                                      Director
Lee A. Gagnon                       59              Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
                                                      and Secretary
John V. Brennan                     44              Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
                                                      and Treasurer
Peter K. Mulligan                   52              Executive Vice President -- Consumer and Small
                                                      Business Banking
Ross M. Strickland                  47              Executive Vice President -- Mortgage Banking
</TABLE>

                  Information  concerning  the  principal  occupation  of  these
executive  officers of Webster  and  Webster  Bank during at least the last five
years is set forth below.

                  JAMES C. SMITH is Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer
and a director of Webster and Webster Bank, having been elected Chairman in 1995
and Chief Executive Officer upon Harold W. Smith's retirement from that position
in 1987.  Mr. Smith joined  Webster Bank in 1975 and was elected  President  and
Chief Operating Officer of Webster Bank in 1982 and of Webster in 1986.

                  LEE A. GAGNON is Executive  Vice  President,  Chief  Operating
Officer and  Secretary  of Webster and Webster  Bank.  Mr.  Gagnon,  a certified
public  accountant,  joined  Webster  Bank  in 1983 as  Senior  Vice  President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial  Officer.  He was elected Executive Vice President
of  Webster  and  Webster  Bank in  1986,  Secretary  of  Webster  Bank in 1987,
Secretary of Webster in 1989, and Chief Operating Officer of Webster and Webster
Bank in 1990.

                  JOHN V. BRENNAN is Executive Vice  President,  Chief Financial
Officer and  Treasurer of Webster and Webster  Bank.  Mr.  Brennan,  a certified
public  accountant,  joined  Webster Bank in 1986 as Senior Vice  President  and
Treasurer.  He was elected Chief  Financial  Officer in 1990 and Executive  Vice
President in 1991.  Prior to joining  Webster Bank, he was a senior manager with
the accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

                  PETER K. MULLIGAN is Executive  Vice President -- Consumer and
Small Business Banking of Webster and Webster Bank,  positions he has held since
employment  in 1995.  Prior to joining  Webster  Bank,  he was the  Director  of
Product Management, Retail Sales and Insurance at The Bank of Boston, and served
as the  Executive  Vice  President  of the  Banking  Division at The Society for
Savings, Hartford, Connecticut from 1988 until 1992. Society was acquired by The
Bank of Boston in 1992.

                                     - 6 -

<PAGE>

                  ROSS M.  STRICKLAND  is Executive  Vice  President -- Mortgage
Banking of Webster and Webster Bank,  positions he has held since his employment
in 1991.  Prior to joining  Webster  Bank, he was  Executive  Vice  President of
Residential  Lending  with  the  former  Northeast  Savings,   F.A.,   Hartford,
Connecticut,  from 1988 to 1991.  Prior to  joining  Northeast  Savings,  he was
National Sales Manager, Credit Resources Group, for Shearson Lehman Brothers.



EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

                  The  following  table  sets  forth  the  compensation  paid by
Webster or Webster Bank for services  rendered in all  capacities to Webster and
its  subsidiaries  during 1996, 1995 and 1994 to the Chief Executive  Officer of
Webster and to each of the four most highly  compensated  executive  officers of
Webster serving at December 31, 1996 ("the named executive officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

                                                                                  LONG-TERM
                                                                            COMPENSATION AWARDS
                                                                            -------------------


                                         ANNUAL COMPENSATION              RESTRICTED     SECURITIES         ALL
       NAME AND                                                              STOCK       UNDERLYING         OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITIONS                   YEAR      SALARY       BONUS        AWARDS (a)     OPTIONS(#)    COMPENSATION (b)
- -------------------                   ----      ------       -----        ----------     ----------    ----------------

<S>                                    <C>      <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>               <C>    
 James C. Smith                        1996     $390,000   $627,724(c)        --           20,750            $39,850
   Chairman, President and             1995      330,000    198,000           --           50,000             22,044
   Chief Executive Officer             1994      300,000    271,221           --           50,000             17,206

 Lee A. Gagnon                         1996      190,000    264,171           --            6,250             27,917
   Executive Vice President,           1995      180,000     90,000           --            6,800             17,266
   Chief Operating Officer and         1994      170,000    134,955           --           12,000             13,024
   Secretary

 John V. Brennan                       1996      170,000    177,488           --            6,100             26,140
   Executive Vice President,           1995      155,000     77,500           --            6,000             16,517
   Chief Financial Officer and         1994      145,000     92,581       $31,160          10,500             12,089
   Treasurer

 Peter K. Mulligan                     1996      156,904    106,100           --            6,100             17,477
   Executive Vice President --         1995       95,846     33,600           --           11,000                 --
   Consumer and Small Business         1994          N/A        N/A           --               --                 --
   Banking

 Ross M. Strickland                    1996      160,000    150,492           --            6,000              25,686
  Executive Vice President             1995      155,000     51,600           --           11,500              16,296
  -- Mortgage Banking                  1994      152,000     83,438           --               --              12,528
                                                                       
</TABLE>

(a)  The value of the  restricted  stock  awards is based on the market value of
     Webster's  Common  Stock at the date of  award.  The  aggregate  number  of
     restricted shares held by each of Messrs. Smith, Gagnon, Brennan,  Mulligan
     and Strickland at December 31, 1996 was 19,065,  10,440, 8,329, 0 and 9,078
     shares, respectively, having a value as of such date of $700,639, $383,670,
     $306,091, $0 and $333,617, respectively. The aggregate number of restricted
     shares has been  adjusted to reflect a 10% stock  dividend paid on June 30,
     1993.  Cash  dividends on shares of Common Stock that are subject to awards
     are  distributed  promptly  after such  dividends  are received by the plan
     trustee.  The  restricted  stock  awards vest at the rate of 50%  following
     three years from the date of grant,  with the  remaining  50% vesting  five
     years from the date of grant, assuming consecutive service by the executive
     officer,  subject  to  certain  limited  exceptions  in the event of death,
     disability  or  retirement  of the  executive  officer  or  termination  of
     employment under certain circumstances.

(b)  All Other Compensation  includes amounts  contributed or allocated,  as the
     case may be, to the  Webster  Bank  401(k) plan (the  "401(k)  Plan"),  the
     Webster Bank  non-contributory  employee stock ownership plan (the "ESOP"),
     cash dividends paid on restricted  stock, and the Webster Bank nonqualified
     supplemental retirement plan, on behalf of each executive officer. For 1996
     matching contributions made by Webster Bank to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of
     Messrs.  Smith,  Gagnon,  Brennan,  and  Strickland  were $4,750 each.  Mr.
     Mulligan received a matching contribution of $2,566. In addition, for 1996,
     Messrs. Smith, Gagnon, Brennan,  Mulligan and Strickland were allocated 417
     shares, 412 shares,  412 shares,  406 shares and 408 shares,  respectively,
     pursuant to the ESOP, having a value based on the market value of Webster's
     Common  Stock at the  date of  allocation  of  $15,325,  $15,141,  $15,141,
     $14,921  and  $14,994,   respectively.  In  1996,  Messrs.  Smith,  Gagnon,
     Strickland and Brennan

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>
     received  cash  dividends on  restricted  stock of  $12,964.00,  $7,099.20,
     $5,903.40 and $5,933.38, respectively. In 1996, Webster Bank also allocated
     $6,811.54,  $926.93,  $315.39,  $0 and $38.46 to the supplemental  matching
     contributions  accounts of Messrs.  Smith,  Gagnon,  Brennan,  Mulligan and
     Strickland,   respectively,  pursuant  to  the  Webster  Bank  nonqualified
     supplemental retirement plan.

(c)  Includes the value of 7,954 shares of restricted  stock with a market value
     of $300,576 as of December  31, 1996 awarded to Mr. Smith in lieu of a cash
     payment pursuant to Webster's  Performance  Incentive Plan (the "PIP"). The
     value of each share of the restricted  stock granted to Mr. Smith under the
     PIP was valued at $37.7875,  which  reflects the average price of Webster's
     common stock during the last five trading days of fiscal year 1996.

                  Executive  officers  are  eligible to  participate  in Webster
Bank's  nonqualified  deferred  compensation  plan. Under the terms of the plan,
executive  officer  participants  may elect to defer all or any portion of their
bonuses.  Deferred  amounts are credited by Webster Bank to bookkeeping  reserve
accounts for each participant. Such accounts, plus accrued interest, are payable
upon termination of service,  disability or death of the participant,  in a lump
sum or in ten annual installments at the participant's  election. For 1996, only
Mr. Gagnon elected to defer the bonus portion of his annual compensation.


Option Grants

                  The  following  table  contains  information  with  respect to
grants of stock options to each of the named executive  officers during the year
ended December 31, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             OPTION GRANTS DURING 1996
                                                 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(a)
                           ----------------------------------------------------------------
                            Number of         % of Total                                             Potential Realizable
                            Securities         Options                                                 Value at Assumed
                            Underlying        Granted to                                             Annual Rates of Stock
                             Options          Employees         Exercise         Expiration         Price Appreciation for
Name                         Granted        in Fiscal Year        Price             Date                 Option Term(b)
- ----                         -------        --------------        -----             ----            -----------------------
<S>                        <C>                   <C>           <C>                  <C> <C>         <C>            <C>     
James C. Smith........     2,300 (c)             2.26%           $  28.00      Jan. 22, 2006         $ 40,500      $102,636
                          18,450 (d)            18.12%           $38.1875      Dec. 23, 2006         $441,211    $1,119,893


Lee A. Gagnon.........     6,250 (d)             6.14%           $38.1875      Dec. 23, 2006         $149,461      $379,367


John V. Brennan.......     6,100 (d)             5.99%           $38.1875      Dec. 23, 2006         $145,874      $370,262


Peter K. Mulligan.....     6,100 (d)             5.99%           $38.1875      Dec. 23, 2006         $145,874      $370,262


Ross M. Strickland....     6,000 (d)             5.89%           $38.1875      Dec. 23, 2006         $143,483      $364,192


- ----------
</TABLE>

(a)  All option  grants were made at 100% of the fair market value of the Common
     Stock on the date of grant. Options not immediately  exercisable may become
     exercisable  in full, or with respect to certain  option  grants,  in part,
     under certain circumstances,  including a "change in control" of Webster or
     Webster Bank.

(b)  Based on exercise price.

(c)  Options for 2,300  shares  will become  exercisable  in full on January 22,
     1999.

(d)  Options for 2,618 shares will be  excercisable on December 23, 1999 (except
     for Mr. James C. Smith, for whom options for 932 shares will be exercisable
     in full as such date),  and options for  17,518,  3,632,  3,482,  3,482 and
     3,382, with respect to Messrs.  James C. Smith, Gagnon,  Brennan,  Mulligan
     and Strickland,  respectively will become  excercisable in full on December
     23,  2006,  subject  to  accelerated  vesting at the rate of (i) 50% of the
     total  number of shares  covered  by the  option at the end of the first 20
     consecutive trading days on which the closing

                                      -8-
<PAGE>




     price of the Common  Stock is $51.75 or more,  (ii) 25% of the total number
     of shares  covered by the option (75% in the  aggregate)  at the end of the
     first 20 consecutive  trading days on which the closing price of the Common
     Stock is  $55.50  or more,  and  (iii)  25% of the  total  number of shares
     covered by the option  (100% in the  aggregate)  at the end of the first 20
     consecutive  trading days on which the closing price of the Common Stock is
     $59.00 or more.


OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS

                  The  following  table sets forth  information  with respect to
each of the named  executive  officers  concerning the exercise of stock options
during  1996  and the  value  of all  unexercised  options  held by each of such
individuals at December 31, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1996
                                         AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES



                                                                                                        VALUE OF
                                                                      NUMBER OF                      UNEXERCISED IN-
                              NUMBER OF                         SECURITIES UNDERLYING                   THE-MONEY
                                SHARES                         UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT                  OPTIONS AT
                               ACQUIRED          VALUE            DECEMBER 31, 1996                 DECEMBER 31, 1996
      NAME                   ON EXERCISE     REALIZED (a)     EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE       EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE (b)
      ----                 ---------------   ------------     -------------------------       -----------------------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>                     <C>                      <C>        
 James C. Smith..........       19,920        $478,986.36             85,600/46,150             $1,498,611/$322,724
 Lee A. Gagnon...........       17,925        $436,978.08             20,720/19,050             $464,785/$161,400
 John V. Brennan.........        4,995        $123,853.52             22,300/17,350             $551,795/$141,937
 Peter K. Mulligan.......            0        $      0.00              2,500/14,600             $35,625/$87,375
 Ross M. Strickland......            0        $      0.00             20,870/17,250             $494,043/$138,155
                                                 
- ----------
</TABLE>

(a) Based on the  market  value of Common  Stock at date of  exercise,  less the
exercise price.

(b) Based on the market value of Common  Stock at December  31,  1996,  less the
exercise price,  of all unexercised  stock options having an exercise price less
than such market value.

RETIREMENT PLANS

                  Webster  Bank  maintains a defined  benefit  pension plan (the
"Pension  Plan") for eligible  employees of Webster Bank.  The Pension Plan is a
qualified plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and complies with the  requirements of the Employee  Retirement  Income Security
Act of  1974,  as  amended.  All  employees  of  Webster  Bank are  eligible  to
participate in the Pension Plan upon attaining age 21 and completing one year of
service.

                  Benefits   under  the  Pension  Plan  are  funded   solely  by
contributions  made by Webster Bank. Under the Pension Plan's benefit formula, a
participant's  monthly normal retirement  benefit will equal the sum of: (a) his
or her accrued benefit as of December 31, 1986 (adjusted through August 31, 1996
to reflect certain future increases in compensation),  plus (b) the sum of 2% of
the  participant's  monthly  compensation  for  each  year of  credited  service
beginning on or after January 1, 1987. Benefits may not, in general, be based on
more than 30 years of credited service. The normal form of benefit is an annuity
for  the  participant's   lifetime  with  a  minimum  of  120  monthly  payments
guaranteed. A Pension Plan participant becomes 100% vested in the benefits under
the Pension Plan upon completion of five years of service. Benefit payments to a
participant or beneficiary  may commence upon a participant's  early  retirement
date (age 55), normal  retirement date (generally age 65),  deferred  retirement
date or  death.  Participants  may elect to  receive  their  benefits  in one of
several  optional  forms,  including a lump sum or periodic  payments during the
participant's  lifetime or during the lifetime of the participant and his or her
surviving spouse or designated beneficiary.

                  The  Board  of   Directors  of  Webster  Bank  has  adopted  a
nonqualified  supplemental retirement plan (the "Supplemental Plan") for certain
management and other highly  compensated  employees who are also participants in
the Pension Plan to provide supplemental retirement income

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

benefits which are not currently available because annual compensation in excess
of  $160,000  (subject  to  cost  of  living  increases)  may not be used in the
calculation of retirement  benefits under the Code and because pension  benefits
are  currently  subject to a statutory  maximum of $125,000  (subject to cost of
living  increases).  Benefits under the Supplemental Plan are payable in monthly
installments.  The Supplemental Plan also provides certain  management and other
highly  compensated  employees  who are  participants  in the  401(k)  Plan with
supplemental matching  contributions.  See "Management -- Executive Compensation
- -- Summary Compensation Table."

                  The estimated  annual  benefits  payable from the Pension Plan
upon  retirement at normal  retirement age for Messrs.  James C. Smith,  Gagnon,
Brennan,  Mulligan and Strickland are $94,890,  $52,840,  $82,470,  $40,910, and
$71,380, respectively. In addition, the estimated annual supplemental retirement
income benefits payable to Messrs. James C. Smith, Gagnon, Brennan, Mulligan and
Strickland under the Supplemental Plan are $142,090,  $16,460,  $26,290, $8,880,
and $19,570, respectively.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

                  During 1996, each non-employee director of Webster received an
annual retainer of 312 shares of Webster Common Stock with an aggregate value of
$8,400 at the date of  grant,  pursuant  to the  Directors'  Retainer  Fees Plan
adopted by shareholders at the 1996 Annual Meeting (the "Fees Plan").  Under the
Fees Plan, each non-employee director is granted shares of Common Stock equal to
the annual retainer (currently $8,400) divided by the average quarterly value as
of the grant date, on an annual basis.  The average  quarterly value is based on
the average of the closing prices of Common Stock of the four calendar  quarters
preceding  the  grant  date,  which  is the  date  of  each  Annual  Meeting  of
shareholders.  A pro-rated retainer is paid to any director who is first elected
to the Board or a subsidiary  board other than at an Annual  Meeting.  Shares of
Common Stock granted under the Fees Plan are subject to vesting requirements and
other substantial risks of forfeiture.  In addition,  each non-employee director
of  Webster  received  $400 for each  committee  meeting  attended  ($600,  if a
committee  chairman).  Non-employee  directors of Webster  receive no additional
compensation  for serving as  directors or  committee  members of Webster  Bank.
Employee directors of Webster receive no additional  compensation for serving as
directors or committee members of Webster or its subsidiaries.

                  Effective  January 1, 1997,  Webster and Webster Bank extended
through December 31, 1997 a consulting  agreement (the  "Consulting  Agreement")
with Harold W. Smith  pursuant to which Mr. Smith  renders such  consulting  and
other advisory services as the Boards of Directors or Chief Executive Officer of
Webster  and  Webster  Bank  may  from  time to  time  request.  The  Consulting
Agreement,  which was to have expired on December 31, 1996,  provides for annual
compensation  of $100,000,  as well as the use of a car,  payment of  membership
dues  (currently  in the amount of $102 per month) for  membership  in a private
business dining club, and  reimbursement of reasonable  business  expenses.  The
Consulting Agreement provides that while receiving such compensation,  Mr. Smith
will at all  reasonable  times be available to consult with and advise  officers
and other  representatives  of Webster and Webster Bank.  During 1996, Mr. Smith
maintained  regular  office hours at Webster's  principal  executive  offices in
Waterbury,  Connecticut and provided regular consulting and advisory services on
the  operations of Webster and its  subsidiaries,  particularly  with respect to
strategic planning.  The Consulting Agreement is terminable by Mr. Smith upon 30
days written notice to Webster and to Webster Bank. The Consulting  Agreement is
terminable  by  Webster  and  Webster  Bank  at  any  time,  provided  that  any
termination  by Webster  and  Webster  Bank other than for  "cause"  (as defined
therein)  will not affect Mr.  Smith's right to receive  compensation  and other
benefits  for  the  remaining  term of the  agreement.  During  the  term of the
Consulting  Agreement,  Mr. Smith may not engage in any business  activities  in
competition with Webster or Webster Bank.

                                      -10-

<PAGE>

                  Harold W. Smith also receives  payments  under a  nonqualified
supplemental  retirement plan that was established by Webster Bank, effective as
of January 1, 1988. This supplemental plan is designed to provide Mr. Smith with
retirement  benefits for his service from 1976 through 1987, during which period
he  was  not  covered  by  the  Pension  Plan.   Benefits  provided  under  this
supplemental plan amount to $12,500 per year and began as of January 1, 1994. In
the event of Mr. Smith's  death,  such benefits will be payable to his surviving
spouse,  if any, until her death. In the event of a merger or  consolidation  of
Webster Bank with any other institution,  the Board of Directors of Webster Bank
may, with the consent of Mr.  Smith,  pay to him in a lump sum the present value
of the future benefits under this supplemental plan.

                  Directors  are  eligible  to  participate  in  Webster  Bank's
nonqualified  deferred  compensation plan. Under the terms of the plan, director
participants  may elect to defer all or any  portion of their  directors'  fees.
Deferred  amounts are credited by Webster Bank to bookkeeping  reserve  accounts
for each participant.  Such accounts,  plus accrued  interest,  are payable upon
termination of service, disability or death of the participant, in a lump sum or
in ten annual installments at the participant's election. For 1996, no directors
elected to defer compensation.

                  The  Board of  Directors  of  Webster  adopted  in 1992,  with
shareholder  approval,  the 1992 Stock Option Plan for the benefit of directors,
officers and other full-time employees of Webster and its subsidiaries. The 1992
Stock  Option Plan was  amended in 1994 with  shareholder  approval.  The option
exercise price for options to non-employee  directors is 100% of the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of the option. Options granted to
non-employee  directors may be exercised at any time after grant. The 1992 Stock
Option Plan was amended in 1996 to provide that the number of options granted to
non-employee  directors  upon election or re-election  shall be 2,000 shares.  A
director  elected to the Board for less than a three-year  term will be entitled
to an option for 2,000  shares on a pro-rated  basis for the number of months of
his or her term as a percentage of 36 months.  Dr. Bizzozero,  Messrs.  Crawford
and  Finkenzeller  and Sister  Marguerite  Waite each will be granted options to
purchase 2,000 shares upon reelection by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

                  Webster and  Webster  Bank  entered  into  revised  employment
agreements with Messrs. James C. Smith, Gagnon, Brennan and Strickland effective
January 1, 1997,  which  replaced  the prior  employment  agreements  with these
executive  officers.  Webster and Webster Bank also  entered into an  employment
agreement with Mr. Mulligan, effective January 1, 1997. James C. Smith serves as
President  and Chief  Executive  Officer of both Webster and Webster  Bank;  Mr.
Gagnon serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary
of both  Webster  and  Webster  Bank;  Mr.  Brennan  serves  as  Executive  Vice
President,  Treasurer  and Chief  Financial  Officer of both Webster and Webster
Bank;  Mr.  Mulligan  serves as Executive  Vice  President -- Consumer and Small
Business Banking of both Webster and Webster Bank; and Mr.  Strickland serves as
Executive Vice President -- Mortgage Banking of both Webster and Webster Bank.

                  Under their respective employment  agreements,  each executive
officer may receive annual cost of living increases and may also receive a merit
increase as  determined  by the Boards of Directors of Webster and Webster Bank.
Each executive officer shall be eligible to receive discretionary bonuses as may
be  authorized  by the Boards of Directors of Webster and Webster Bank and shall
be eligible to  participate  in any plan of Webster or Webster Bank  relating to
stock options, stock purchases, pension, thrift, employee stock ownership, group
life  insurance and medical  coverage or other  retirement or employee  benefits
that  Webster or Webster  Bank has  adopted or may adopt for the  benefit of its
executive employees.  In addition,  each executive officer will be provided with
an  automobile  or an  automobile  allowance  for business  use. The  employment
agreements  provide for initial  terms of three years  ending  December 31, 1999
with renewals for one additional year following each  anniversary  date with the
approval of the Board of Directors,  unless the executive  officer gives written
notice to the contrary. The 1997 base salaries for Messrs. James C.

                                      -11-

<PAGE>

Smith,  Gagnon,  Brennan,  Mulligan  and  Strickland  are  $475,000,   $200,000,
$200,000,  $170,000,  and  $170,000,  respectively,  which  salaries  may not be
reduced  under the  employment  agreements  without the consent of the executive
officer.

                  The  Boards of  Directors  of  Webster  and  Webster  Bank may
terminate the executive officer's employment at any time. In the case of Messrs.
James C. Smith,  Gagnon,  Brennan and Mulligan,  unless the  termination  is for
"cause" (as defined therein) and where there has been no "change in control" (as
defined  therein),  such  executive  officers would be entitled (a) to receive a
lump sum payment  equal to the sum of (x) the executive  officer's  then current
annual base salary and (y) the amount of any bonuses paid  pursuant to Webster's
and Webster Bank's annual  incentive  compensation  plan during the then current
fiscal year  multiplied  by a fraction  the  numerator of which is the number of
full months during the then current  fiscal year in which the executive  officer
was  employed  and the  denominator  of which is 12, and (b)  subject to certain
limitations,  to continue to be entitled to medical and dental  coverage for one
year (or the remaining  term of the  agreement,  if less) or until the executive
officer accepts other employment on a substantially full time basis if earlier.

                  In the case of Mr.  Strickland,  unless the termination is for
cause and where there has been no change in  control,  Mr.  Strickland  would be
entitled  (a) to  receive  a lump  sum  payment  equal  to  the  sum of (A)  Mr.
Strickland's  then current  annual base salary and (B) the amount of any bonuses
paid pursuant to Webster's and Webster Bank's annual incentive compensation plan
during the then current  fiscal year  multiplied  by a fraction the numerator of
which is the number of full months during the then current  fiscal year in which
Mr.  Strickland was employed and the denominator of which is 12, except that, if
such  termination  occurs before  January 1, 1998,  the sum payable would not be
less than $200,000,  and (b) subject to certain  limitations,  to continue to be
entitled to medical and dental  coverage for one year (or the remaining  term of
the agreement,  if less) or until Mr.  Strickland  accepts other employment on a
substantially full-time basis if earlier.

                  If any executive officer terminates his employment without the
consent of the Board of Webster or Webster Bank or other than in connection with
or within two years after a change in control,  then the  employment  agreement,
among other things,  would restrict him from having any other employment for one
year or the remaining term of the agreement plus six months,  whichever is less,
with a commercial bank, savings bank, savings and loan association,  or mortgage
banking company,  or a holding company affiliate of any of the foregoing,  which
has an office  out of which the  executive  officer  would be  primarily  based,
located within 35 miles of Webster Bank's home office.

                  If  during  the term of the  employment  agreement  there is a
change in  control  of  Webster  or  Webster  Bank,  and the  employment  of the
executive  officer is terminated,  voluntarily or  involuntarily,  in connection
with or within two years after the change in control, unless such termination is
(i) for cause, (ii) is a voluntary termination without "good reason" (as defined
therein) in  connection  with a change in control that occurs solely as a result
of any cash tender or exchange  offer,  merger,  or other  business  combination
where  the  persons  who  were  directors  of  Webster  before  the  transaction
constitute less than two-thirds (but not less than one-half) of the directors of
Webster or a successor  corporation  following  the  transaction  (a  "Technical
Change"),  or  (iii)  by  virtue  of  normal  retirement,  permanent  and  total
disability  or death,  the  executive  officer  would be  entitled  to receive a
severance  payment.  In the case of James C. Smith, such payment would be in the
amount of (i) one year's  salary plus any bonuses  paid during the then  current
fiscal year, if he voluntarily  terminates his employment  without "good reason"
(as defined  therein)  other than in  connection  with or  following a Technical
Change or (ii) three times Mr. Smith's annual base salary in effect  immediately
before the change in control plus an amount  equal to three times the  aggregate
amount of bonuses that were paid to Mr. Smith by Webster and Webster Bank during
the 24 calendar  months  preceding the change in control  divided by two, if Mr.
Smith's  termination  of  employment  was either  voluntary  with good reason or
involuntary,  reduced  to the  extent  necessary  to  prevent  any  amount  from
constituting  a "parachute  payment"  under the Code. In the case of a Technical
Change, no amount would be payable under clause (i) above and the amount payable
under clause (ii) above shall be two times the Employee's  annual base salary in
effect immediately before the change in

                                      -12-

<PAGE>
control,  plus two times the amount of any  bonuses  paid during the fiscal year
preceding the fiscal year in which such change in control occurs.

                  In  the  case  of  Messrs.  Gagnon,  Brennan,   Strickland  or
Mulligan,  such  severance  payment would be equal to one year's salary plus any
bonuses  paid during the then  current  fiscal year,  if the  executive  officer
voluntarily  terminates his employment  without "good reason" (as defined) other
than  in  connection  with  or  following  a  Technical  Change.  If any of such
executive officers voluntarily  terminates his employment with "good reason" (as
defined) or if his employment is terminated involuntarily without cause, if such
change in control of Webster or Webster Bank occurs (i) before  January 1, 1999,
such  payment  would be in the amount of three times the  respective  employee's
average annual  compensation that was payable by Webster or Webster Bank and was
includible  in gross income for federal  income tax purposes with respect to the
five most recent  taxable  years of the employee  ending prior to such change in
control of Webster or Webster Bank (or such portion of such period  during which
the  employee  was a full-time  employee of Webster or Webster  Bank),  less one
dollar,  other than in the case of a Technical Change; or (ii) if such change in
control of Webster or Webster Bank occurs after December 31, 1998,  such payment
would be two times  the  employee's  annual  base  salary in effect  immediately
before the change in control  plus an amount  equal to the  aggregate  amount of
bonuses that were paid to the employee by Webster and Webster Bank during the 24
calendar months  preceding the change in control;  provided,  however,  that the
amount payable under clause (i) will not exceed the amount that would be payable
over a  period  equal  to  the  remaining  term  of  the  employee's  employment
agreement, plus one year, if the employee's compensation for such period were at
an annual rate equal to the employee's base salary, determined as of the time of
termination,  and bonuses paid during the fiscal year  preceding the fiscal year
in which such change in control occurs.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  in the
case of a Technical  Change, no amount would be payable under the first sentence
of this  paragraph  and the amount  payable  under the second  sentence  of this
paragraph  would be two  times  the  employee's  annual  base  salary  in effect
immediately  before  the  change in  control,  plus two times the  amount of any
bonuses  paid  during the fiscal  year  preceding  the fiscal year in which such
change in control occurs.

                  In  addition,  except  to the  extent  that any  amount  would
constitute a "parachute payment" under the Code, in the case of a termination of
employment in the context of a change in control as to which a severance payment
would be required to be paid to any of the  executive  officers as  described in
the two preceding paragraphs,  the executive would also be entitled to continued
medical,  dental,  group term life insurance and long-term  disability insurance
coverages and to continued  eligibility  for benefits  under any other  employee
welfare  plan in which he was  eligible  to  participate  before  the  change in
control.  Such continued  coverage and eligibility  would continue:  (i) for one
year or the remaining term of the employment agreement,  if less, in the case of
a voluntary  termination of employment  without "good reason" (as defined) other
than in the  case of a  Technical  Change;  (ii) for the  remaining  term of the
employment agreement, in the case of an involuntary termination without cause or
a voluntary  termination with "good reason" (as defined); or (iii) for two years
after the  termination or for the remaining  term of the  employment  agreement,
whichever is less, in the case of an involuntary  termination without cause or a
voluntary termination with "good reason" (as defined) in the case of a Technical
Change.

                  A  "change  in  control"  of  Webster  will be  deemed to have
occurred if: (i) any person becomes the  beneficial  owner of 25% or more of the
total number of voting shares of the  Corporation;  (ii) any person  becomes the
beneficial  owner of 10% or more,  but less  than 25%,  of the  total  number of
voting  shares of the  Corporation,  unless the Director of the Office of Thrift
Supervision  (the  "Director")  has approved a rebuttal  agreement filed by such
person or such person has filed a  certification  with the  Director;  (iii) any
person (other than the persons named as proxies solicited on behalf of the Board
of  Directors of Webster)  holds  revocable or  irrevocable  proxies,  as to the
election or removal of two or more directors of Webster,  for 25% or more of the
total number of voting shares of the  Corporation;  (iv) any person has received
the approval of the Director  under  Section 10 of the Home Owners' Loan Act, as
amended (the "Holding  Company  Act"),  or  regulations  issued  thereunder,  to
acquire  control of Webster;  (v) any person has  received  the  approval of the
Director

                                      -13-

<PAGE>
under  Section  7(j) of the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Act,  as amended  (the
"Control Act"), or regulations issued thereunder, to acquire control of Webster;
(vi) any person has  commenced a tender or exchange  offer,  or entered  into an
agreement or received an option, to acquire beneficial  ownership of 25% or more
of the total  number of voting  shares of the  Corporation,  whether  or not the
requisite  approval for such  acquisition  has been  received  under the Holding
Company Act, the Control Act or the respective regulations issued thereunder; or
(vii) as a result of, or in connection  with, any cash tender or exchange offer,
merger or other business  combination,  sale of assets or contested election, or
any combination of the foregoing transactions, the persons who were directors of
Webster before such transaction shall cease to constitute at least two-thirds of
the Board of  Directors  of  Webster  or any  successor  corporation;  provided,
however,  a change in control will not be deemed to have occurred  under clauses
(ii),  (iii),  (iv), (v) or (vi) if within 30 days of such action,  the Board of
Directors of Webster (by two-thirds  vote of the directors in office before such
action)  makes a  determination  that such  action does not and is not likely to
constitute  a change in control of Webster.  A change in control of Webster Bank
will be deemed to have taken  place if  Webster's  beneficial  ownership  of the
total number of voting shares of Webster Bank is reduced to less than 50%.

PERSONNEL RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

                  The  Personnel  Resources  Committee of the Board of Directors
comprises  four  non-employee  directors.  The Committee  recommends to the full
Board of  Directors,  which  has  ultimate  responsibility  over  such  matters,
executive officer salaries, bonuses and certain other forms of compensation, and
recommends to the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Committee,  consisting of all
disinterested   non-employee   directors,   long-term   incentive  awards.   All
recommendations of the Personnel Resources Committee regarding executive officer
compensation for the 1996 fiscal year were approved by the Board of Directors or
the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Committee, as the case may be.

                  Set forth below is a report addressing Webster's  compensation
policies for fiscal year 1996 as they affected Webster's executive officers. For
compensation  purposes,  Webster  compares itself to a peer group composed of 14
commercial  banks and  savings  institutions  that range in asset size from $3.0
billion to $8.2 billion and are located in the Eastern United States.

                  Compensation   Policies  for  Executive  Officers.   Webster's
executive  compensation  policies are designed to provide  competitive levels of
compensation, to assist Webster in attracting and retaining qualified executives
and to  encourage  superior  performance.  In  determining  levels of  executive
officers' overall compensation,  the Personnel Resources Committee considers the
qualifications  and  experience  of  the  persons  concerned,  the  size  of the
institution  and the  complexity  of its  operation,  the  financial  condition,
including  income,  of the institution,  the compensation  paid to other persons
employed by the institution and the compensation  paid to persons having similar
duties and responsibilities in peer group institutions.  The Personnel Resources
Committee  employs outside  consultants  and refers to published  survey data in
establishing compensation.

                  Relationship   of  Performance   to  Executive   Compensation.
Compensation  paid to  Webster's  executive  officers in 1996  consisted  of the
following  components:  base salary,  bonuses,  long-term  incentives (awards of
stock options,  restricted  stock and performance  units) and  participation  in
other Webster  employee  benefit  plans.  While each of these  components  has a
separate  purpose  and may  have a  different  relative  value to the  total,  a
significant portion of the total compensation package is highly dependent on the
financial success of Webster and total return to shareholders.  Generally,  base
salaries for executive officers are at or below the average of salaries paid for
comparable   positions  at  other  institutions  within  Webster's  peer  group.
Short-term and long-term  incentive  compensation  plans are designed to provide
significant  compensation  opportunities  when  Webster  meets  or  exceeds  its
financial and other goals. The value of long-term incentive compensation such as
stock options,  restricted stock and performance units is dependent primarily on
the market  price of Webster's  Common  Stock and the return on average  equity.
Webster's  executive  officers may earn lower total  compensation  than that for
comparable positions at

                                      -14-

<PAGE>
peer group  institutions  should  Webster not meet its goals,  and they may earn
higher than  average  total  compensation  than for  comparable  positions  when
Webster meets or exceeds its goals. For 1996, the Personnel  Resources Committee
intended  that total  compensation  for  executive  officers  be at or above the
average for Webster's peer group.

                  Base  Salary.  The  Personnel   Resources   Committee  reviews
executive base salaries  annually in January.  Base salary is intended to signal
the internal  value of the position and to track with the external  marketplace.
All executive officers serve pursuant to employment agreements which provide for
a minimum  base  salary  that may not be  reduced  without  the  consent  of the
executive  officer.  In establishing the 1996 salary for each executive officer,
the Personnel  Resources  Committee  considered the officer's  responsibilities,
qualifications and experience, the size of the institution and the complexity of
its operations,  the financial  condition of the institution (based on levels of
income,  nonperforming  assets and  capital)  and  compensation  paid to persons
having similar duties and responsibilities within peer group institutions.  Base
salaries  for  executive  officers  increased  in 1996 due in large  part to the
record operating earnings for 1995, which were  substantially  improved from the
prior year and favorable in light of the region's  continuing economic weakness.
In addition, the Committee considered,  in order of significance,  the increased
size  and  complexity  of  the  institution,   the  successful  acquisition  and
integration of Shelton Savings Bank and the signing of a definitive agreement to
acquire twenty branch banking  offices and related assets and  liabilities  from
the former Shawmut Bank ("Shawmut").

                  Short-Term  Incentive  Compensation.  The Personnel  Resources
Committee  makes  recommendations  to the Board of  Directors  for awards  under
Webster's Short-Term Incentive  Compensation Plan with such awards generally not
to exceed 60% or 80% of the recipient's base salary depending upon the executive
officer's  responsibilities.  The Board may in its discretion adjust the Plan to
reflect changes in circumstances.  Generally,  cash bonuses are paid for a given
year  only if  Webster's  results  exceed  certain  minimum  performance  levels
established  by the  Board of  Directors  for that  year.  Performance  measures
established for 1996 specified that Webster's  adjusted net income must exceed a
certain  target.  The amount  available  for the awards is  dependent  on actual
performance. Awards for 1996 were based on, in order of significance,  Webster's
financial  results,  the acquisition and integration of twenty Shawmut  branches
and the signing of a definitive  agreement  to acquire DS Bancor.  Awards to the
Chief Executive Officer are based entirely on corporate performance.  Awards for
other executive officers are based in part on corporate  performance and in part
on the results of their business units.

                  Certain  executive  officers also received an additional bonus
in recognition of Webster's 1996 operating  results.  In awarding the additional
bonus,  which was intended to assist in the  retention of Webster  Common Stock,
the Personnel  Resources Committee took into account the tax benefits to Webster
and the anticipated tax liability of the executive  officers  resulting from the
executive officers' exercise in 1996 of grants of non-qualified stock options.

                  Long-Term Incentive Compensation.  Webster uses stock options,
restricted  stock  awards  and  performance  unit  awards to  provide  long-term
incentive compensation.  The Personnel Resources Committee makes recommendations
to the  Long-Term  Incentive  Compensation  Committee for awards under the Stock
Option Plan and the Performance  Incentive Plan and for restricted stock awards.
Long-term  compensation,  which emphasizes long-term results, is targeted at 75%
or 100% of the recipient's  base salary  depending upon the executive  officer's
responsibilities.

                  The  Board of  Directors  endorses  the  position  that  stock
ownership by management is beneficial in aligning management's and shareholders'
interests in the enhancement of shareholder  value.  The purpose of stock option
awards is to provide an opportunity  for the recipients to acquire or increase a
proprietary interest in Webster, thereby creating a stronger incentive to expend
maximum effort for the long-term  growth and success of Webster and  encouraging
recipients  to remain in the employ of  Webster.  Officers  and other  full-time
employees  of Webster and its  subsidiaries  are  eligible  for grants under the
Corporation's  1986 and 1992 Stock  Option  Plans.  Stock  options are  normally
granted each year as a component of long-term compensation with the size of

                                      -15-

<PAGE>
the grants  generally  tied to and weighted  approximately  equally  based on an
officer's  responsibility  level,  base  salary and  performance.  The number of
options held is not considered when  determining the option awards for executive
officers,  including  the Chief  Executive  Officer.  During 1996,  45,200 stock
options were granted to Webster's executive officers.

                  The purpose of Webster's restricted stock awards is to attract
and retain  executive  officers  whose actions will impact  Webster's  long-term
operating  results and to motivate  such  executives  by providing  them with an
immediate ownership stake in the business.  Recipients are paid dividends on the
shares  and have  voting  rights.  All  restricted  stock  awards  have  vesting
requirements. Fifty percent of the restricted stock vests after three years, and
the  remainder  after five years.  The  restricted  stock  awards are  generally
considered  part of the officer's  targeted  long-term  compensation  during the
vesting  period.  In  addition  to  providing  a  direct  relationship   between
shareholder value and the value of the benefit to the officer,  restricted stock
is a powerful  retention  device as the shares are not conveyed to the executive
until vesting  restrictions  have been satisfied.  No shares of restricted stock
were granted in 1996.

                  The purpose of the  Performance  Incentive  Plan is to further
the growth and profitability of Webster by providing  long-term  incentives that
are  dependent  on  achieving  a  specified  return  on  average  equity  over a
three-year  period.  Executive  officers are granted awards of performance units
for a  performance  period  of  three  consecutive  fiscal  years.  During  that
performance  period,  a specified  return on average  equity must be attained in
order to  trigger  a payout  to the  executive  officers.  During  1996,  14,000
performance  units were granted to the  executive  officers for the 1996 through
1998 performance  period.  The material terms of the Performance  Incentive Plan
were approved by shareholders at the 1996 Annual Meeting.

                  Other.  In  addition  to the  compensation  paid to  executive
officers as described above, executive officers received,  along with and on the
same terms as other  employees,  certain  benefits  pursuant to the 401(k) Plan,
ESOP and the Pension  Plan. In addition,  executive  officers  received  certain
benefits under  Webster's  nonqualified  supplemental  retirement  plan that are
otherwise limited by IRS caps on qualified plans.

                  CEO  Compensation.   The  Personnel  Resources  Committee,  in
determining  the  compensation  for  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,   considers
Webster's size and complexity,  financial  condition and results and progress in
meeting strategic objectives. The Chief Executive Officer's 1996 base salary was
increased  by 18% to $390,000  based on the  Corporation's  increase in size and
complexity of operations, its 1995 financial results and its progress in meeting
strategic objectives.  Base salary for the Chief Executive Officer was below the
average for Webster's peer group.  For 1996, the Personnel  Resources  Committee
intended that total  compensation  for the Chief Executive  Officer be above the
average for Webster's  peer group.  Consistent  with the terms of the Short-Term
Incentive  Compensation  Plan, the Chief  Executive  Officer  received an annual
incentive  award  for  1996  performance  equal  to 47% of  salary.  The  annual
incentive award was based entirely on corporate performance,  which exceeded the
minimum  performance  benchmarks  established  by the Board at the  beginning of
1996. The Chief Executive  Officer also received an additional bonus of $143,148
in recognition of Webster's 1996 operating  results.  In awarding the additional
bonus,  which was intended to assist in the  retention of Webster  Common Stock,
the Personnel  Resources Committee took into account the tax benefits to Webster
and the anticipated tax liability of the Chief Executive  Officer resulting from
the Chief Executive  Officer's exercise in 1996 of grants of non-qualified stock
options.  Regarding long-term incentive  compensation during 1996, stock options
were granted to the Chief  Executive  Officer in accordance with Webster's Stock
Option  Plan, a grant of 4,800  performance  units was made for the 1996 through
1998 performance period and no shares of restricted stock were granted.

                                      -16-

<PAGE>
                  Internal  Revenue Code Section  162(m).  In 1993, the Code was
amended to disallow  publicly traded companies from receiving a tax deduction on
compensation paid to executive  officers in excess of $1 million (section 162(m)
of  the  Code),   unless,   among  other  things,  the  compensation  meets  the
requirements  for  performance-based   compensation.  In  structuring  Webster's
compensation programs and in determining executive  compensation,  the Committee
takes into consideration the deductibility limit for compensation.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      LONG-TERM INCENTIVE
                                      -------------------
BOARD OF DIRECTORS                    COMPENSATION COMMITTEE              PERSONNEL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
- ------------------                    ----------------------              -----------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                                <C>    
Joel S. Becker                        Joel S. Becker                      Joel S. Becker
O. Joseph Bizzozero, Jr.              O. Joseph Bizzozero, Jr.            O. Joseph Bizzozero, Jr.
John J. Crawford                      John J. Crawford                    Robert A. Finkenzeller
Robert A. Finkenzeller                Robert A. Finkenzeller                (Chairman)
Walter R. Griffin                       (Chairman)                        Sister Marguerite Waite
J. Gregory Hickey                     J. Gregory Hickey
C. Michael Jacobi                     C. Michael Jacobi
Harold W. Smith                       Sister Marguerite Waite
James C. Smith
  (Chairman)
Sister Marguerite Waite
</TABLE>


Comparative Company Performance

                  The  following  table  sets  forth   comparative   information
regarding Webster's  cumulative  shareholder return on its Common Stock over the
last five fiscal years.  Total shareholder  return is measured by dividing total
dividends (assuming dividend  reinvestment) plus share price change for a period
by the  share  price  at the  beginning  of the  measurement  period.  Webster's
cumulative  shareholder return over a five-year period is based on an investment
of $100 on December 31, 1991 and is compared to the  cumulative  total return of
the Standard & Poor's 500 Index ("S&P 500 Index"),  the Keefe,  Bruyette & Woods
New England Bank Index ("KBW Index"),  the Wilshire 5000 Equity Index ("Wilshire
5000 Index") and the SNL All Bank and Thrift Index.

             COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG
  Webster, S&P 500, KBW Index, Wilshire 5000 and SNL All Bank and Thrift Index

                                [GRAPHIC OMITTED]

            WEBSTER    S&P 500        KBW        WILSHIRE 500   SNL ALL BANK
                                      INDEX      INDEX

12/91       100        100            100        100            100
12/92       164        107.61         175.64     106.87         137.3
12/93       222.87     118.39         234.48     116.04         152.38
12/94       184.87     119.99         236.05     113.12         149
12/95       302.42     164.92         368.43     150.91         231.9
12/96       384.89     202.69         508.88     179.33         321.5



                                      -17-


<PAGE>
                  In the  future  Webster  will not  include  the KBW Index when
comparing  total return because the median asset size and market  capitalization
of the eighteen banks in the index are  significantly  below  Webster's  current
asset size and market  capitalization.  Webster  also will  exclude the Wilshire
5000  Index  because  the S&P 500 Index is a  better-known  indicator  of market
performance.

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

                  From time to time  Webster  Bank makes loans to the  directors
and  executive  officers  for the  financing  of  their  homes,  as well as home
improvement  and consumer loans. It is the belief of management that these loans
are made in the ordinary course of business,  are made on substantially the same
terms, including interest rates and collateral,  as those prevailing at the time
for comparable  transactions  with other persons,  and neither involve more than
normal risk of collectibility nor present other unfavorable  features.  At March
7, 1997, loans to directors,  executive  officers and members of their immediate
families and affiliates totaled $1,107,024.

SECTION 16(A) COMPLIANCE

                  Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act requires Webster's directors and
executive  officers,  and persons who own more than 10% of its Common Stock,  to
file with the SEC initial  reports of ownership of Webster's  equity  securities
and to file subsequent  reports when there are changes in such ownership.  Based
on a review of reports  submitted  to Webster,  the  Corporation  believes  that
during the fiscal  year ended  December  31,  1996,  all  Section  16(a)  filing
requirements  applicable  to Webster's  officers,  directors,  and more than 10%
owners were complied with on a timely basis.


                            STOCK OWNED BY MANAGEMENT

                  The following table sets forth information as of March 7, 1997
with respect to the amount of Webster's Common Stock  beneficially owned by each
director of Webster,  each nominee for election as a director,  each of the five
most highly  compensated  executive  officers of Webster serving at December 31,
1996 and by all directors and executive officers of Webster as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               Number of Shares                   Percent of
               Name and Position(s)                             and Nature of                    Common Stock
                   with Webster                            Beneficial Ownership (a)              Outstanding
                   ------------                            ------------------------              -----------
<S>                                                              <C>                                 <C>    
Achille A. Apicella
  Director.........................................                 12,985                            *

Joel S. Becker
  Director.........................................                  9,404                            *

O. Joseph Bizzozero, Jr.
  Director.........................................                  5,288                            *

John V. Brennan
  Executive Vice President, Chief
  Financial Officer and Treasurer..................
                                                                    54,918                            *
John J. Crawford
  Director.........................................                  1,979                            *

Harry P. DiAdamo, Jr.
  Director.........................................                 85,639                            *

Robert A. Finkenzeller
  Director.........................................                  3,478                            *

Lee A. Gagnon
  Executive Vice President, Chief
  Operating Officer and Secretary..................
                                                                    78,796                            *

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

Walter R. Griffin
  Director.........................................                 27,554                            *

J. Gregory Hickey
  Director.........................................                  6,712                            *
    
C. Michael Jacobi                                                                                          
  Director.........................................                  5,722                            *
    
Peter K. Mulligan                                                                                          
  Executive Vice President --                                                                              
  Consumer and Small Business Banking..............                  9,645                            *   
 
Harold W. Smith                                                                                            
  Director.........................................                 56,660                            *
   
James C. Smith                                                                                             
  Chairman, President and                                                                                  
  Chief Executive Officer..........................                269,091                          2.27% 
 
Ross M. Strickland                                                                                         
  Executive Vice President --                                                                              
  Mortgage Banking.................................                 43,439                            *  
  
Sister Marguerite Waite, C.S.J.                                                                            
  Director.........................................                  4,812                            *    

All directors and executive                                                                                
  officers as a group (16 persons).................                676,122                          5.65%  
                                                                     
                                                                  
</TABLE>
- ----------

(a)   In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act, a person is deemed to be
      the  beneficial  owner,  for purposes of this table,  of any shares of the
      Common Stock if such person has or shares voting power or investment power
      with  respect to such  security,  or has the right to  acquire  beneficial
      ownership  at any time within 60 days from March 7, 1997.  As used herein,
      "voting  power" is the power to vote or direct  the  voting of shares  and
      "investment  power" is the power to dispose or direct the  disposition  of
      shares.

      The table  includes  shares  owned by  spouses or other  immediate  family
      members over which the persons  named in the table  possess  shared voting
      and/or  investment  power  as  follows:  Mr.  Becker,  7,204  shares;  Dr.
      Bizzozero, 572 shares; Mr. DiAdamo, 505 shares; Mr. Griffin, 9,966 shares;
      Mr. Hickey, 100 shares;  Harold W. Smith,  13,165 shares;  James C. Smith,
      70,230  shares;  and all  directors  and  executive  officers  as a group,
      101,742 shares. All other shares included in the table are held by persons
      who exercise sole voting and investment power over such shares.

      The  table  also  includes  the  following:   189,493  shares  subject  to
      outstanding  options  which are  exercisable  within 60 days from March 7,
      1997:  44,988 shares held in the 401(k) Plan;  95,112  shares  pursuant to
      restricted stock awards; and 24,356 shares held in the ESOP that have been
      allocated to the accounts of officers.

      Outstanding  options  reflected  in the table  were held as  follows:  Mr.
      Apicella,  5,661 shares; Mr. Becker,  2,200 shares;  Dr. Bizzozero,  1,100
      shares;  Mr.  Brennan,  23,050  shares;  Mr.  Crawford,  667  shares;  Mr.
      Finkenzeller,  1,100 shares; Mr. Gagnon, 21,570 shares; Mr. Griffin, 3,100
      shares; Mr. Hickey,  5,300 shares; Mr. Jacobi, 5,300 shares; Mr. Mulligan,
      3,250  shares;  Harold W. Smith,  2,200  shares;  James C.  Smith,  88,625
      shares; Mr. Strickland,  21,970 shares; and Sister Marguerite Waite, 4,400
      shares.

* Less than 1% of Common Stock outstanding.



                PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES OF WEBSTER

                  As of March 7, 1997,  based upon a review of Schedules  13D or
13G  filed at the  SEC,  management  does not  believe  that any  person  is the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock.


                                      -19-

<PAGE>




               RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                                  (PROPOSAL 2)

                  The Board of  Directors  has  appointed  the firm of KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP to continue as independent  auditors for Webster for the year ending
December  31,  1997,   subject  to  ratification  of  such  appointment  by  the
shareholders. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP was appointed as the independent auditors of
Webster Bank in 1985, has performed  audits for Webster Bank for the years ended
December 31, 1983 through 1996, and has similarly  performed  audits for Webster
for the years ended December 31, 1986 through 1996. Unless otherwise  indicated,
properly executed proxies will be voted in favor of ratifying the appointment of
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,  independent  certified public accountants,  to audit the
books and  accounts  of  Webster  for the year  ending  December  31,  1997.  No
determination  has been made as to what action the Board of Directors would take
if the shareholders do not ratify the appointment.

                  Assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual  Meeting,  the
affirmative  vote of the  holders  of at least a  majority  of the votes cast is
required  to ratify  the  appointment  of KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP as  Webster's
independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 1997.

                  Representatives  of KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP are  expected to be
present  at the  Annual  Meeting.  They will be given an  opportunity  to make a
statement  if  they  desire  to do so  and  will  be  available  to  respond  to
appropriate questions.



                  DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

                  Any shareholder  proposal  intended for inclusion in Webster's
proxy  statement and form of proxy  relating to Webster's 1998 Annual Meeting of
shareholders  must  be  received  by  Webster's   Secretary  at  Webster  Plaza,
Waterbury,  Connecticut  06702  by  December  1,  1997,  pursuant  to the  proxy
soliciting  regulations of the SEC. In addition,  Webster's  Bylaws require that
notice of shareholder proposals and nominations for director be delivered to the
Secretary  of  Webster  no less than 30 days nor more than 90 days  prior to the
date of an annual meeting, unless notice or public disclosure of the date of the
meeting  occurs  less than 45 days prior to the date of such  meeting,  in which
event,  shareholders  may  deliver  such  notice  not  later  than  the 15th day
following  the day on which  notice  of the date of the  meeting  was  mailed or
public disclosure thereof was made. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to
require  Webster to include  in its proxy  statement  and form of proxy for such
meeting any shareholder proposal which does not meet the requirements of the SEC
in effect at the time.


                                      -20-

<PAGE>



                                  OTHER MATTERS

                  As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors
does  not  know  of  any  other  matters  to be  presented  for  action  by  the
shareholders at the Annual Meeting. If, however, any other matters not now known
are properly  brought before the meeting,  the persons named in the accompanying
proxy will vote such proxy in accordance with the determination of a majority of
the Board of Directors.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors

                                          /s/ James C. Smith
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          James C. Smith
                                          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



Waterbury, Connecticut
March 17, 1997

                                      -21-

<PAGE>

                          WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

           THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         The undersigned shareholder of Webster Financial Corporation ("Webster"
or the  "Corporation")  hereby  appoints  James C. Smith,  Harold W. Smith,  and
Walter R. Griffin,  or any of them,  with full power of substitution in each, as
proxies to cast all votes which the undersigned  shareholder is entitled to cast
at the annual meeting of shareholders  (the "Annual Meeting") to be held at 4:00
p.m., local time, on Thursday,  April 17, 1997, at the Courtyard by Marriott, 63
Grand Street, Waterbury,  Connecticut, and at any adjournments thereof, upon the
following  matters.  The  undersigned  shareholder  hereby  revokes any proxy or
proxies heretofore given.

         This proxy will be voted as  directed by the  undersigned  shareholder.
UNLESS CONTRARY DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF
THE  NOMINEES  LISTED  IN  PROPOSAL  1 AND FOR  THE  RATIFICATION  OF  WEBSTER'S
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT  AUDITORS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DETERMINATION OF
A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS TO ANY OTHER  MATTERS.  The  undersigned
shareholder  may revoke this proxy at any time before it is voted by  delivering
to the Secretary of the Corporation  either a written revocation of the proxy or
a duly  executed  proxy  bearing a later  date,  or by  appearing  at the Annual
Meeting and voting in person. The undersigned  shareholder  hereby  acknowledges
receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.

         If you  receive  more than one proxy  card,  please sign and return all
cards in the accompanying envelope.

   1.   Election of directors.  For three-year terms: O. Joseph Bizzozero,  Jr.;
        John J. Crawford;  Robert A. Finkenzeller;  and Sister Marguerite Waite,
        C.S.J.


   FOR all nominees listed           WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees
   above.                            listed above.

              |_|                                                   |_|

   WITHHOLD  AUTHORITY to vote for the following  nominees only: (write the name
   of the nominee(s) in the space below).

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




           (CONTINUED AND TO BE DATED AND SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE)
           ----------------------------------------------------------



<PAGE>



                           (CONTINUED FROM OTHER SIDE)
                           ---------------------------


   2.       To ratify the  appointment  by the Board of  Directors  of the
            firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, as independent  auditors of the
            Corporation for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997.

            |_|   FOR                |_|    AGAINST           |_|      ABSTAIN

   3.       The proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as
            may  properly  come before the  meeting,  or any  adjournments
            thereof, in accordance with the determination of a majority of
            the Corporation's Board of Directors.


                                              Date:
                                                   -----------------------------

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

                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Signature(s) of Shareholder or
                                              Authorized Representative

                                              Please  date and sign  exactly  as
                                              name    appears    hereon.    Each
                                              executor, administrator,  trustee,
                                              guardian,   attorney-in-fact   and
                                              other  fiduciary  should  sign and
                                              indicate  his or her  full  title.
                                              When stock has been  issued in the
                                              name of two or more  persons,  all
                                              should sign.




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