GREENPOINT FINANCIAL CORP
S-3/A, 1998-06-26
SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS, NOT FEDERALLY CHARTERED
Previous: ASSOCIATED ESTATES REALTY CORP, 11-K, 1998-06-26
Next: MORGAN GRENFELL INVESTMENT TRUST, N-30D, 1998-06-26



<PAGE>
 
      
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 26, 1998     
                                                    
                                                 REGISTRATION NO. 333-56569     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                ---------------
                                 
                              AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       
                                    TO     
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                ---------------
       
                           GREENPOINT FINANCIAL CORP.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
       DELAWARE                    06-1379001                 6712
    (STATE OR OTHER            (I.R.S. EMPLOYER     (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL
    JURISDICTION OF           IDENTIFICATION NO.)   CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) 
   INCORPORATION OR                                
     ORGANIZATION)
 
                    90 PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016
                                 (212) 834-1710
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                                ---------------
                                HOWARD C. BLUVER
                   SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                                 90 PARK AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016
                                 (212) 834-1724
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                       OF REGISTRANT'S AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                                ---------------
                                    COPY TO:
                                                
        CRAIG M. WASSERMAN, ESQ.             RICHARD J. SANDLER, ESQ.     
     WACHTELL, LIPTON, ROSEN & KATZ              DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
          51 WEST 52ND STREET                     450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
        NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019                NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
             (212) 403-1000                          (212) 450-4000
                                ---------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
                                ---------------
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [_]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
 
                                ---------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PROPOSED
                                                            PROPOSED      MAXIMUM
                                                            MAXIMUM      AGGREGATE    AMOUNT OF
          TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE   OFFERING   REGISTRATION
        SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED          REGISTERED    PER SHARE       PRICE        FEE(1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share....      N/A           N/A       $690,000,000   $203,550
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
(1) Previously paid.     
 
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION
8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A REGIS-  +
+TRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECU-  +
+RITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION BUT HAS NOT YET BECOME EFFECTIVE. THESE SECU-  +
+RITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME    +
+THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CON-  +
+STITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL     +
+THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SO-   +
+LICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION   +
+UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE.                                       +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                               
PROSPECTUS                  DATED JUNE 26, 1998     
   
15,000,000 Shares     

GREENPOINT [LOGO] FINANCIAL

Common Stock
(par value $.01 per share)
   
All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being offered by
GreenPoint Financial Corp. (the "Company"). The Common Stock is listed on the
New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "GPT." On June 25, 1998,
the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE was $37 5/16 per
share. See "Price Range of Common Stock and Dividends."     
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, THE NEW YORK STATE
BANKING DEPARTMENT OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL REGULATORY AGENCY, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, THE NEW
YORK STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL REGULATORY AGENCY
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY
ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR SAVINGS DEPOSITS AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE COMMISSION, THE BANK INSURANCE FUND, THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
           PUBLIC   DISCOUNT (1) COMPANY (2)
- --------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>      <C>          <C>
Per Share  $        $            $
- --------------------------------------------
Total (3)  $        $            $
- --------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. See "Underwriting."
   
(2) Before deducting expenses of the offering payable by the Company estimated
at $900,000.     
   
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable within 30
days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional
2,250,000 shares of Common Stock on the same terms and conditions as set forth
above, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such over-allotment option
is exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and
Proceeds to Company will be $   , $    and $   , respectively.     
 
The shares of Common Stock are being offered by the Underwriters, subject to
prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters, and
subject to approval of certain legal matters by Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel
for the Underwriters. It is expected that delivery of the shares of Common
Stock will be made against payment therefor on or about     , 1998, at the
offices of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., 60 Wall Street, New York, New York.
 
J.P. MORGAN & CO.             GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.               LEHMAN BROTHERS
 
                              Joint Lead Managers
 
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY & CO., INC.
                         KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC.
                                           NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
 
     , 1998

<PAGE>
 
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK. SPECIFI-
CALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, AND MAY
BID FOR AND PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN MARKET. FOR A DESCRIP-
TION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any represen-
tation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospec-
tus, and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be re-
lied upon as having been authorized by the Company or any of the Underwriters.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, the Common Stock in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is
unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this pro-
spectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company since
the date hereof.
 
No action has been or will be taken by the Company or any Underwriter that
would permit a public offering of the Common Stock or possession or distribu-
tion of this Prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is
required, other than in the United States. Persons into whose possession this
Prospectus comes are required by the Company and the Underwriters to inform
themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to the offering of the Com-
mon Stock and the distribution of this Prospectus.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Available Information.................   3
Incorporation of Certain Documents
 by Reference.........................   3
Cautionary Statement Concerning
 Forward-Looking Information..........   4
Prospectus Summary....................   5
Risk Factors..........................   8
Use of Proceeds.......................  10
Price Range of Common Stock and
 Dividends............................  10
Capitalization........................  11
Selected Financial Data...............  12

Management's Discussion and Analysis
 of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations........................  14
Business..............................  29
Management............................  31
Description of Capital Stock..........  34
Underwriting..........................  38
Legal Matters.........................  39
Experts...............................  39
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Ex-
change Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance there-
with files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and
other information filed by the Company with the Commission may be inspected
and copied at the public reference facility maintained by the Commission at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and
the following regional offices of the Commission: New York Regional Office,
Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Chicago Re-
gional Office, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such material also may be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a Web site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants such as the Company that file
electronically with the Commission. In addition, reports, proxy statements and
other information about the Company may be inspected at the offices of the
NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (together with all
amendments and exhibits thereto, including documents and information incorpo-
rated by reference, the "Registration Statement") with the Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), that relates to
the securities offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of
the Commission, this Prospectus, which forms a part of the Registration State-
ment, omits certain information set forth in the Registration Statement.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the provisions of any document
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the
Commission are not necessarily complete and each such statement is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the copy of such document as so filed. Copies
of the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto are on file at the of-
fices of the Commission and may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed fee
or may be examined without charge at the public reference facilities of the
Commission described above.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
The following documents or portions of documents filed by the Company with the
Commission are incorporated herein by reference:
 
(1) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Decem-
ber 31, 1997, as amended;
(2) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
March 31, 1998;
(3) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 11, 1998; and
(4)  the description of the Company's Common Stock contained in its registra-
     tion statement on Form 8-A, filed on September 27, 1993, including any
     amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.
 
All reports and other documents filed by the Company with the Commission pur-
suant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to
the effective date of the Registration Statement and prior to the termination
of this Offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to
be a part hereof from the date of filing of such reports and documents. Any
statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent
that a statement contained or incorporated by reference herein modifies or su-
persedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Pro-
spectus.
 
Upon written or oral request, the Company will provide or will cause to be
provided to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, without charge,
a copy of any or all such documents that are incorporated herein by reference
(other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into the documents that are incorporated by refer-
ence into this Prospectus). Written or oral requests for copies should be di-
rected to GreenPoint Financial Corp., Attn. Investor Relations, 90 Park Ave-
nue, New York, New York 10016, telephone (212) 834-1710.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
This Prospectus includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and is
subject to the safe harbor created by such sections. These forward-looking
statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of
operations and business plans of the Company set forth under "Business" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Op-
erations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Quarterly Re-
port on Form 10-Q, and "Other Events" in the Company's Current Report on Form
8-K, each of which has been incorporated by reference herein. In addition,
these forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or as-
sumed future results of operations and business plans and strategies of the
Company set forth in this Prospectus under "Prospectus Summary -- Strategy,"
"-- Acquisition of BankAmerica Housing Services," "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business," and
other information set forth in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated
herein preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "believes," "ex-
pects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or similar words or ex-
pressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncer-
tainties. The Company's actual results may differ materially from the results
discussed in such forward-looking statements because of a number of factors,
many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Purchas-
ers of shares of Common Stock should understand that the following important
factors, in addition to those identified in the "Risk Factors" section of this
Prospectus and in the documents that have been incorporated herein, could af-
fect the future results of the Company and could cause results to differ mate-
rially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements: the effect of
economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, loan demand and real
estate values; risks and uncertainties associated with acquisitions, including
cost savings and ability to integrate the acquired business; levels of defaults
and prepayments on loans made by the Company; change in any applicable law,
rule, regulation or practice with respect to tax or accounting issues or other-
wise; and adverse changes or conditions in capital or financial markets. The
forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Prospectus, and the
Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to
update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the
forward-looking statements.
 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Reference is made to, and this summary is qualified in its entirety
by, the more detailed information and financial statements, including the notes
thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and/or incorporated herein by
reference. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Company
include GreenPoint Financial Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless
otherwise indicated, all information set forth herein assumes that the Under-
writers' over-allotment option is not exercised. Throughout this Prospectus,
all references to numbers of shares of Common Stock and per share amounts have
been adjusted to reflect a 2-for-1 stock split paid on March 4, 1998. Prospec-
tive investors should carefully consider the information set forth under the
heading "Risk Factors."
 
THE COMPANY
 
The Company is a bank holding company organized under the laws of the state of
Delaware and registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended
(the "BHCA"). The Company provides a variety of financial services, primarily
through its bank subsidiary, GreenPoint Bank, a New York State chartered sav-
ings bank (the "Bank") and the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, GreenPoint Mort-
gage Corp. ("GPMC"), a national home mortgage banking company headquartered in
Charlotte, North Carolina. As of March 31, 1998, the Company had consolidated
total assets of approximately $13.2 billion, total loans of approximately $8.9
billion, total deposits of approximately $10.9 billion and stockholders' equity
of approximately $1.3 billion. The Bank operates 73 full-service branches in
the greater New York City Metropolitan area.
 
Through the Bank and GPMC, the Company is primarily engaged in mortgage lending
in New York and across the nation. The Company originates both adjustable-rate
mortgage and fixed-rate loans, primarily through a network of mortgage brokers,
mortgage bankers, attorneys and other real estate professionals and, to a
lesser extent, from customers and members of the local communities in the
Company's lending area. The Company specializes in a limited documentation
mortgage loan product referred to as "No Doc" loans. The Company has histori-
cally funded its No Doc portfolio with consumer deposits raised through its
thrift operations in the greater New York City Metropolitan area. In 1997, the
Company's No Doc lending program accounted for 96.0% of its loan originations.
As a result of its No Doc lending focus, the Company traditionally has achieved
higher interest margins and levels of net interest income than those generated
by lenders that concentrate on loans underwritten in conformance with the Fed-
eral National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") standards. This, in turn, has re-
sulted in a relatively high level of profitability despite traditionally higher
levels of loan delinquencies. The Company, which expanded into 11 new markets
in the first quarter of 1998, currently operates in 27 markets across the
United States. The Company increased its mortgage loan originations from $2.4
billion in 1996 to $2.9 billion in 1997. For a more extensive discussion of the
business of the Company, see "Business -- The Company."
 
The Company maintains its principal executive offices at 90 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10016, telephone (212) 834-1710.
 
STRATEGY
 
The Company believes that its unique expertise in the niche business of No Doc
lending differentiates it from other financial services companies. The
Company's No Doc loan business serves a particular niche of borrowers willing
to provide larger down payments and pay a premium, in the form of higher inter-
est rates and loan fees, in exchange for loan processing that is made more ex-
pedient by virtue of requiring less income and asset information than is re-
quired for FNMA conforming loans. The Company's strategy incorporates the use
of in-house appraisers to value the properties securing its loans and the ap-
plication of consistent collection practices in order to manage its lending
risks.
 
The following competitive strengths were significant to the Company's past suc-
cess and are significant to its future business strategy:
 
  . Strong credit policies
 
  . Rigorous expense management
 
  . "Best in class" collection practices
 
  . Stable funding through a strong and efficient deposit franchise
 
  . Proactive capital management
 
  . A disciplined approach to acquisitions
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
The Company strives to achieve continued earnings growth through:
 
A Leading National Presence in No Doc Lending
The Company has sought to expand its No Doc lending operations beyond its orig-
inal base in the greater New York City Metropolitan area by opening offices in
five new markets in 1996, six new markets in 1997 and 11 new markets during the
first quarter of 1998. The Company intends to expand into 6 additional new mar-
kets during the remainder of 1998. Management expects the revenue contributions
of non-New York businesses to grow as a result of the Company's nation-wide ex-
pansion into new markets, increases in established markets outside New York and
investment in building its "True NoDoc" brand name.
 
Disciplined Expansion into Other Niche Consumer Finance Businesses
The Company believes that its pending acquisition of the manufactured housing
lending business of B of A Housing (as defined below) described below is con-
sistent with the Company's strategy of targeting under-served niche markets.
The Company intends to explore a variety of strategic investment options that
similarly complement its existing business strengths in order to diversify its
revenue sources, leverage its credit and expense management skills and provide
incremental growth opportunities.
 
Additional Consolidation Opportunities in the New York Consumer Banking and
Thrift Market
The Company also intends to expand its thrift franchise--currently the second
largest thrift franchise in the greater New York City Metropolitan area mea-
sured by deposits--by acquisition and to improve the profitability of its
branch offices by generating increased fee income through the introduction of
new products. In 1995, the Company acquired the 60-branch franchise of Home
Savings of America, FSB in New York. In 1997, the Company added mutual fund
sales to its annuity program, introduced a GreenPoint credit card program
through First USA, expanded its ATM network and introduced its first retail
home equity line of credit product. To increase sales of this enhanced product
line, the Company began an incentive program designed to build a more effective
sales culture within the branch offices. The combination of new product offer-
ings and an improved sales culture helped the Company achieve a 30.6% increase
in branch fee income to $6.4 million in the first quarter of 1998 over the
first quarter of 1997.
 
A Strong Commitment to Expense and Capital Management
The Company employs rigorous expense management and active capital management
in an effort to deliver enhanced stockholder value. In 1997, the Company
achieved an efficiency ratio of 42.7%, representing a 160 basis point improve-
ment in its efficiency ratio versus 1996. Even though the Company opened six
new sales offices outside of the greater New York City Metropolitan area and
established a new risk management function during 1997, the Company decreased
its number of full-time equivalent employees by 8.6% (to 1,951 employees) in
1997. In addition to headcount reduction, the relocation of the Company's mort-
gage servicing operation from New York City to Columbus, Georgia, where average
operating costs are lower, contributed to expense savings. During 1997, the
Company repurchased 11.4 million shares of Common Stock, while maintaining
strong capital levels. The Company is committed to further efforts to manage
costs and manage its capital actively.
 
ACQUISITION OF BANKAMERICA HOUSING SERVICES
 
On April 13, 1998, the Company announced that the Bank had entered into a de-
finitive agreement with BankAmerica Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("BankAmerica"), to acquire the manufactured housing lending business of
BankAmerica Housing Services ("B of A Housing"), a division of Bank of America,
FSB, a federal savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of BankAmerica, for a
purchase price of approximately $703 million (the "B of A Housing Acquisi-
tion"). The B of A Housing Acquisition will constitute a purchase for account-
ing and financial reporting purposes, resulting in approximately $468 million
of tax-deductible goodwill, which will be amortized over 15 years.
 
B of A Housing is the second largest originator and servicer of manufactured
housing loans, with annual originations in 1997 of more than $2.5 billion and a
servicing portfolio of $10.6 billion as of December 31, 1997. B of A Housing
has a national sales and services network of 45 offices and more than 5,000
dealer relationships in 48 states. The Company believes that the manufactured
housing lending business of B of A Housing is a sound strategic fit with the
Company's existing business and expects that the B of A Housing Acquisition
will provide the Company with a significant additional source of revenue
growth. Furthermore, while the Company is acquiring the revenue associated with
the B of A Housing servicing portfolio, it will not acquire any existing credit
risk other than that associated with a warehouse portfolio of up to $800 mil-
lion in loans to be originated prior to the closing of the acquisition. In or-
der to ensure the integration and future performance of the acquired business,
the Company expects to retain the key management of B of A Housing. The B of A
Housing Acquisition is subject to certain customary conditions. The Company ex-
pects to consummate the B of A Housing Acquisition in the third quarter of
1998.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>   
 <C>                                                <S>
 COMMON STOCK OFFERED(1)........................... 15,000,000 shares
 COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER THE
  OFFERING(1)(2)(3)................................ 98,387,002 shares
 USE OF PROCEEDS................................... The Company intends to use
                                                    the net proceeds from the
                                                    offering together with
                                                    available cash to fund the
                                                    purchase price of the B of
                                                    A Housing Acquisition. In
                                                    addition, the net proceeds
                                                    of the offering will
                                                    qualify as Tier 1 Capital
                                                    of the Company for
                                                    regulatory purposes. See
                                                    "Use of Proceeds."
 NYSE TRADING SYMBOL FOR COMMON STOCK.............. "GPT"
</TABLE>    
- -------
   
(1) Excludes up to 2,250,000 shares of Common Stock subject to an over-allot-
ment option granted by the Company to the Underwriters. See "Underwriting."
       
(2) Excludes 6,795,926 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of out-
standing options and 2,448,104 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
pursuant to future option grants under the Company's stock option plans.     
   
(3) Estimated based on the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
June 25, 1998.     
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, prospective
investors should consider carefully the following risk factors relating to the
Company and the Common Stock before making an investment in the shares of Com-
mon Stock offered hereby.
 
COMPETITION RISK
 
The Company faces significant competition both in making loans and in at-
tracting deposits. The greater New York City Metropolitan area has a high den-
sity of financial institutions, many of which are branches of significantly
larger institutions with greater financial resources than those of the Company
and all of which are competitors of the Company to varying degrees. The
Company's competition for loans comes principally from savings banks, commer-
cial banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking companies, credit
unions and finance companies. Its most direct competition for deposits histori-
cally has come from savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial
banks and credit unions. The Company faces additional competition for deposits
from non-depository competitors such as the mutual fund industry, securities
and brokerage firms and insurance companies. Competition may also increase as a
result of the lifting of restrictions on the interstate operations of financial
institutions.
 
The Company competes primarily on the basis of pricing, terms and structure in
many of its markets. From time to time, competitors of the Company seek to com-
pete aggressively on the basis of these factors and the Company may lose market
share to the extent it is unwilling to match its competitors' pricing, terms
and structure in order to maintain its interest margins or to maintain its
credit discipline. To the extent that the Company matches competitors' pricing,
terms or structure, it may experience lower interest margins and/or increased
credit losses.
 
BUSINESS CONCENTRATION RISK
 
At March 31, 1998, one-to-four family residential mortgages constituted 87% of
the Company's total mortgage portfolio. In addition, in 1997, the Company's No
Doc lending program accounted for 96.0% of the Company's total originations. No
assurance can be given that the Company will be able to sustain the growth it
has achieved in the past, which may negatively impact its interest rate margin,
interest rate spread and net income. Further, in the event other financial in-
stitutions establish lending programs which target one-to-four family residen-
tial mortgages by offering lending products similar to the Company's No Doc
program, such intensified competition may result in the Company's inability to
sustain its previous growth in such lending or result in a decline in the
Company's market share. The Company's narrow lending focus may place the Com-
pany in a less favorable position to increase its market share in other types
of lending than an institution with a broader based lending business and expe-
rience in other types of lending.
 
NO DOC LENDING RISKS
 
The Company's lending activities emphasize the origination of real estate loans
that are underwritten with primary reliance placed upon a borrower's level of
equity in the property securing the loan or level of down payment. In contrast,
other lending institutions may rely more heavily upon a borrower's demonstrated
ability to repay the loan and independently verified income levels. The Company
does not seek to independently verify a borrower's income or asset information
in connection with its No Doc lending program. Compared to the loans originated
in accordance with FNMA underwriting guidelines and procedures ("FNMA con-
forming loans"), No Doc loans involve a higher degree of risk because the Com-
pany has limited verified knowledge of the borrower's level of income or abil-
ity to service the indebtedness which, in turn, may result in a higher rate of
default.
 
Because the Company's No Doc underwriting determinations rely upon the market
value of the properties securing the loans, declines in real estate values in
the Company's primary lending areas may result in unanticipated principal
losses to the Company and declines in the regional economies may result in in-
creased delinquencies or increased foreclosure-related expenses and expenses
related to its other real estate. At December 31, 1997, 69% of the Company's
mortgage loan portfolio was secured by properties located in New York State,
most of which were located in New York City and the surrounding counties. Com-
pared to lending institutions that rely more heavily upon a borrower's income
and demonstrated ability to repay the loan, No Doc loans involve additional li-
quidity risks because they are less readily marketable in the secondary market
either as whole loans or as pooled or securitized loans.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
RISKS FROM EXPANSION INTO NEW MARKETS
 
In the first quarter of 1998, the Company expanded its lending business into
11 new markets across the country, and it intends to continue to expand its
business into new markets. Although the Company believes that it has imple-
mented appropriate underwriting and credit quality controls in these new mar-
kets and will implement similar controls in future markets, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in generating significant loan
originations in these new markets or that the Company's loss experience in
these areas will be comparable to that in New York. The Company has less fa-
miliarity with real estate markets in these areas than it does in New York and
credit losses are likely to increase with the seasoning of these relatively
new loans.
 
RISKS FROM ACQUISITIONS
 
The Company recently announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire the manufactured housing lending business of B of A Housing, which
will constitute a new line of business for the Company. The Company expects
that the B of A Housing business will continue to be operated by its current
management, and therefore will be dependent on the current employees of B of A
Housing. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in re-
taining key personnel currently employed by B of A Housing. In addition, there
can be no assurance that the B of A Housing Acquisition will be accretive to
cash or GAAP earnings per share, that the Company will be able to manage the B
of A Housing business successfully or, to the extent appropriate, integrate it
into the Company's existing business or that the Company will be able to main-
tain B of A Housing's volume of loan originations. Furthermore, there is sub-
stantial competition in the market for originations of manufactured housing
loans. The Company continually evaluates acquisition opportunities and may un-
dertake informal discussions or negotiations that may result in future acqui-
sitions. Because acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over
book and market values, future acquisitions could result in dilution to the
Company's income and book value.
 
 
INTEREST RATE RISK
 
The Company's profitability, like that of most financial institutions, is de-
pendent to a large extent upon its net interest income, which is the differ-
ence between its interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and
investments, and its interest expense on its deposits and borrowings. Interest
rate risk arises in the ordinary course of the Company's business because the
repricing characteristics of its mortgage loans and other interest-earning as-
sets do not necessarily match those of its deposit and other interest-bearing
liabilities.
 
Changes in interest rates can also affect the amount of loans the Company
originates, as well as the value of its loans and other interest-earning as-
sets and its ability to realize gains on the sale of such assets and liabili-
ties. Prevailing interest rates also affect the extent to which borrowers pre-
pay loans owned by the Company. When interest rates increase, borrowers are
less likely to prepay their loans, and when interest rates decrease, borrowers
are more likely to prepay loans. Funds generated by prepayment might be in-
vested at a less favorable interest rate. Prepayments may adversely affect the
value of mortgage loans, the levels of such assets that are retained in the
Company's portfolio, net interest income and loan servicing income. Similarly,
prepayments on mortgage-backed securities can adversely affect the value of
such securities and the interest income generated by them.
 
In addition, an increase in interest rates could adversely impact the ability
of the Company's floating-rate borrowers to meet their higher payment obliga-
tions, which could result in an increase in non-performing assets and credit
losses.
 
Increases in interest rates might cause depositors to shift funds from ac-
counts that have a comparatively lower cost (such as regular savings accounts)
to accounts with a higher cost (such as certificates of deposit). If the cost
of deposits increases at a rate greater than yields on interest-earning assets
increase, the interest-rate spread will be negatively affected. Changes in the
asset and liability mix also affect the interest-rate spread.
 
PROVISIONS WITH POSSIBLE ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS
 
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that
might have the effect of discouraging certain transactions involving an actual
or threatened change of control of the Company, and Delaware law contains
certain provisions, including those related to transactions with certain
interested stockholders, that might have the effect of discouraging certain
transactions not approved by a company's board of directors. See "Description
of Capital Stock."
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
   
All of the Common Stock offered hereby is being sold by the Company. The net
proceeds of the offering are expected to be approximately $     or ($
if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). The Company
intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering together with available cash to
fund the purchase price of the B of A Housing Acquisition. In addition, the net
proceeds of the offering will qualify as Tier 1 Capital of the Company for reg-
ulatory purposes.     
 
                   PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
   
The following table sets forth the high and low last reported sale prices for
the Common Stock on the NYSE for the periods indicated and the cash dividends
declared per share of Common Stock in each quarter:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                        -----------------------
                                                          HIGH    LOW DIVIDENDS
                                                        ------ ------ ---------
<S>                                                     <C>    <C>    <C>
1996
  First Quarter........................................ $14.50 $12.00     $0.10
  Second Quarter.......................................  15.25  13.63      0.10
  Third Quarter........................................  19.13  13.50      0.10
  Fourth Quarter.......................................  25.07  19.63      0.10
1997
  First Quarter........................................ $31.69 $22.81     $0.13
  Second Quarter.......................................  33.28  25.88      0.13
  Third Quarter........................................  33.00  29.34      0.13
  Fourth Quarter.......................................  36.28  31.13      0.13
1998
  First Quarter........................................ $37.31 $32.69     $0.16
  Second Quarter (through June 25, 1998)...............  42.06  36.19      0.16
</TABLE>    
 
The number of stockholders of record of Common Stock on June 5, 1998 was 4,466.
For the last sale price of the Common Stock as of a recent date, see the cover
of this Prospectus.
 
Future dividends will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors based
upon an assessment of the earnings and financial condition of the Company and
other factors, including applicable governmental regulations and policies. Cash
dividends from the Bank and liquid assets at the holding company level are the
Company's principal sources of funds for paying cash dividends on the Common
Stock. The Bank is subject to certain regulatory requirements that affect its
ability to pay cash dividends to the Company. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- Common Stock -- Dividends."
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table sets forth the long-term debt and consolidated capitaliza-
tion of the Company as of March 31, 1998 (i) on an actual basis and (ii) as ad-
justed to give effect to the sale by the Company of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby. This table should be read in conjunction with "Selected Finan-
cial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations".
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                ------------------------
                                                AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
                                                ------------------------
                                                  ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                --------     -----------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Total long-term debt........................... $  399.6        $  399.6
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock $0.01 par value, 220,000,000
   shares authorized, 84,469,000 shares
   outstanding (99,469,000 shares as
   adjusted)(1)................................      1.1             1.1
  Additional paid-in capital...................    835.3         1,122.1
  Unallocated Employee Stock Ownership Plan
   (ESOP) shares...............................   (113.7)         (113.7)
  Unearned stock plans shares..................     (5.3)           (5.3)
  Retained earnings............................  1,162.2         1,162.2
  Accumulated other comprehensive income, net..     (2.5)           (2.5)
  Treasury stock...............................   (597.8)         (342.6)
<CAPTION>
                                                --------     -----------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>
Total stockholders' equity..................... $1,279.3        $1,821.3
<CAPTION>
                                                --------     -----------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>
Total capitalization........................... $1,678.9        $2,220.9
<CAPTION>
                                                ========     ===========
<S>                                             <C>          <C>
REGULATORY CAPITAL RATIOS:
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets).............     7.32%(2)       11.65%(2)
Risk-based capital:
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets).......    14.78%(2)       23.11%(2)(3)
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)........    16.03%(2)       24.37%(2)(3)
</TABLE>    
- -------
   
(1)Excludes 7,162,488 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock
options (of which 2,566,565 are currently exercisable) and 2,496,104 shares
reserved for issuance for future option grants under the Company's stock option
plans.     
(2)These ratios are calculated using regulatory guidelines which exclude the
impact on stockholders' equity resulting from the adoption of Statement of Fi-
nancial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities".
   
(3)The net proceeds from the transaction are assumed to be invested in over-
night funds which are assigned to the 20% risk weight category.     
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The results of operations and balance sheet data presented below for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 and as of March 31, 1998 and 1997, respec-
tively, were derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of
the Company incorporated by reference herein, which, in the opinion of manage-
ment, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
necessary for a fair statement for the unaudited interim periods. The results
of operations and balance sheet data presented below for each of the years in
the three year period ended December 31, 1997 and as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively, were derived from the audited consolidated financial state-
ments of the Company and notes thereto incorporated by reference herein. The
results of operations and balance sheet data presented below for the year ended
December 31, 1994, the six months ended December 31, 1993, the year ended
June 30, 1993 and as of December 31, 1995, December 31, 1994 and December 31,
1993, respectively, were derived from the audited consolidated financial state-
ments and the related notes not presented or incorporated by reference herein.
The data for the three month period ended March 31, 1998 is not necessarily in-
dicative of operating results that may be expected for a full year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          SIX
                         THREE MONTHS                                    MONTHS      YEAR
                             ENDED             YEARS ENDED               ENDED      ENDED
                           MARCH 31,          DECEMBER 31,            DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
                         ------------- ---------------------------    ------------ --------
                           1998   1997   1997   1996   1995   1994            1993     1993
                         ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------    ------------ --------
Dollars in millions,
except per share data
<S>                      <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>          <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATION
Net interest income..... $119.4 $120.4 $475.0 $446.5 $350.7 $337.5          $158.4   $303.2
Provision for possible
 loan losses............    4.0    5.0   18.9   15.7    9.5   32.3            25.3     63.6
Total non-interest
 income.................   12.8   19.2   56.2   56.9   35.8   27.1            16.2     33.0
Total non-interest
 expense................   74.0   68.2  270.3  263.2  178.6  121.4            51.8     99.7
Income taxes............   20.6   26.7   94.4   92.0   90.9   98.0            41.2     83.7
Net income..............   33.6   39.7  147.6  132.5  107.5  112.9            56.3     83.9(1)
Basic earnings per
 share..................   0.47   0.49   1.96   1.56   1.16   1.12(2)          --       --
Diluted earnings per
 share..................   0.45   0.47   1.86   1.51   1.14   1.11(2)          --       --
Dividends per share.....   0.16   0.13   0.50   0.40   0.40   0.30(2)          --       --
</TABLE>
 
- -------
(1) Includes the cumulative effect of change in accounting principles of ($5.3)
million.
(2) Earnings per share calculations and dividends per share are for the period
subsequent to the Company's initial public offering on January 28, 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 AT
                            AT MARCH 31,                    DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------- --------------------------------------------
                              1998     1997     1997     1996     1995     1994     1993
                          -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Dollars in millions
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Loans receivable held
 for investment, net....  $8,916.9 $7,693.7 $8,795.6 $7,294.3 $5,858.6 $5,594.1 $5,376.6
Allowance for possible
 loan losses............     110.0    106.0    109.0    105.0    105.5    103.0    147.0
Securities and trading
 assets.................   2,357.4  3,999.1  2,036.7  4,359.4  5,900.8    736.7    378.2
Money market
 investments............     813.7    378.1  1,060.0    494.1  1,550.7    265.0  1,151.8
Goodwill................     565.6    612.0    577.1    623.6    670.2      0.5      0.7
Other real estate owned,
 net....................      20.4     26.8     24.0     28.6     29.2     54.0     74.8
Total assets............  13,228.2 13,261.2 13,083.5 13,325.6 14,670.5  6,955.0  7,377.1
Total deposits..........  10,867.7 11,230.5 10,973.0 11,452.3 12,898.3  5,223.5  5,650.4
Long term debt..........     399.6      --     399.5      --       --       --       --
Stockholders' equity....   1,279.3  1,432.9  1,269.6  1,459.8  1,551.3  1,521.2    786.3
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    AT OR
                          AT OR FOR THE                                                            FOR THE
                          THREE MONTHS                                             AT OR FOR THE     YEAR
                              ENDED            AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED          SIX MONTHS ENDED  ENDED
                            MARCH 31,                DECEMBER 31,                   DECEMBER 31,   JUNE 30,
                          --------------  --------------------------------------  ---------------- --------
                           1998    1997     1997      1996      1995      1994        1993 (1)       1993
                          ------  ------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------------- --------
Dollars in millions
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>              <C>
SELECTED DATA AND RATIOS
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
 Return on average
  assets (2)............    1.19%   1.05%     1.08%     0.91%     1.18%     1.59%        1.72%         1.36%
 Return on average
  equity (2)............   12.04    9.51     10.64      8.62      6.96      7.91        14.96         12.22
 Net interest margin
  (3)...................    3.93    3.97      3.93      3.51      4.05      4.92         5.05          5.07
 Operating expense to
  average assets (4)....    1.70    1.73      1.69      1.57      1.76      1.75         1.58          1.62
 Efficiency ratio (5)...    42.1%   43.4%     42.7%     44.3%     41.4%     34.0%        28.7%         26.8%
ASSET QUALITY
 Non-performing loans to
  total loans...........    3.77%   4.45%     3.97%     4.78%     6.49%     6.80%       12.02%        11.63%
 Non-performing assets
  to total assets.......    2.73    2.84      2.90      2.89      2.94      6.42        10.21         10.99
 Allowance for possible
  loan losses to non-
  performing loans......   32.23   30.32     30.70     29.48     26.24     26.26        23.45         23.70
 Net loan charge-off
  experience to average
  total loans (6).......    0.13    0.21      0.18      0.25      0.22      0.56         0.27          0.71
 Ratio of allowance for
  possible loan losses
  to net charge-offs
  (6)...................    9.13x   6.60x     7.32x     6.48x     8.05x     3.24x        3.54x         3.63x
CAPITAL
 Tier 1 capital to risk
  weighted assets.......   14.78%  15.33%    14.29%    15.47%    16.25%    39.61%       16.55%        15.73%
 Tier 1 capital to
  average assets........    7.32    6.90      7.19      6.78      6.19     21.85        10.68         11.33
OTHER
 Mortgage loan
  originations..........  $579.0  $645.0  $2,848.7  $2,353.0  $1,023.5  $1,058.3       $582.4      $1,079.6
 Full-service consumer
  bank offices..........      73      74        74        76        84        24           24            24
 Full-time equivalent
  employees.............   1,869   1,954     1,951     2,135     2,025     1,392        1,411         1,372
</TABLE>    
 
- -------
(1) Income statement ratios for the six months ended December 31, 1993 are
annualized.
(2) Excludes non-recurring personnel expense, net of tax, and gains on branch
and asset sales, net of tax.
(3) Represents net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis divided by av-
erage interest-earning assets.
(4) Operating expense excludes goodwill expense, ORE (income) or expense, non-
recurring personnel expense and restructuring (recovery) or charge.
(5) Calculated by dividing operating expense by the sum of net interest income
and non-interest income, excluding pre-tax gains on branch and asset sales.
   
(6) Excludes a non-recurring recovery of $6.1 million contingency reserve and a
non-recurring loss of $56.1 million related to the bulk sale of non-performing
loans for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.     
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
Overview
The Company's loan originations totaled $579 million, down 10% from the first
quarter of 1997, and down 21% from the prior quarter. The Company believes the
decline reflects the rise in market demand for refinancings, which became the
primary focus of mortgage brokers in the first quarter of 1998. The percentage
of new loans originated outside of New York was 59%, and ARMs as a percentage
of total originations were 32%. Management believes the decline was primarily
attributable to lower volume from the mortgage brokers. Due to the general in-
crease in refinance activity of "conforming" products during the first quarter
of 1998, mortgage brokers were primarily focused on meeting this demand, which
reduced the volume of no-documentation originations during the quarter.
 
Asset quality continued to improve as non-performing loans and non-performing
assets declined. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans declined 68
basis points to 3.77%, a 15% decrease from March 31, 1997 and 20 basis points
lower than the fourth quarter of 1997.
 
Net interest margin was 3.93%, down 4 basis points from the first quarter of
1997 and up 2 basis points from the fourth quarter of 1997.
 
Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 was $33.6 million, or $0.45 per
diluted share, a 4% per share decrease from the $0.47 per share ($39.7 million)
for the comparable 1997 period. Excluding a non-recurring charge, core earnings
were $0.52 per share, up 27% over the first quarter of 1997, and up 6% over the
fourth quarter of 1997.
 
Core Cash Earnings
Core cash earnings are net of non-recurring items, and include certain non-cash
charges related to goodwill and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). The
non-cash expenses, unlike all other expenses incurred by the Company, result in
net increases in the Company's tangible capital and enable the Company to pur-
sue increases in shareholder value through growth of earning assets, increases
in cash dividends and additional repurchases of the Company's stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              -----------------------------------------------
                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              MARCH 31, 1998 DECEMBER 31, 1997 MARCH 31, 1997
                              -------------- ----------------- --------------
<S>                           <C>            <C>               <C>
Dollars in millions, except
 per share amounts
Net income...................          $33.6             $36.7          $39.7
Non-recurring items, net of
 tax(1)......................            5.2               --            (5.0)
                                       -----             -----          -----
  Core net income............           38.8              36.7           34.7
Add back:
  Goodwill expense...........           11.6              11.6           11.6
  Employee stock plans
   expense...................            5.5               5.2            4.8
                                       -----             -----          -----
  Core cash earnings.........          $55.9             $53.5          $51.1
                                       =====             =====          =====
  Core cash earnings per
   share(2)..................          $0.76             $0.71          $0.61
                                       =====             =====          =====
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) Non-recurring items include branch sales, asset sales and non-recurring
personnel expense.
 
(2) Based on the weighted average shares used to calculate diluted earnings per
share.
 
Net Interest Income
Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis decreased by $1.9 million, or
1.5%, to $120.8 million for the first quarter of 1998 from $122.7 million for
the first quarter of 1997. The decrease primarily reflects additional expense
resulting from the issuance of long term debt and guaranteed preferred benefi-
cial interest in Company's junior subordinated debentures ("capital securi-
ties"), partially offset by a rise in the average yield on interest-earning as-
sets due to a reduction in the lower yielding securities portfolio to fund the
net growth in the higher yielding loan portfolio.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Interest income on mortgages increased by $29.7 million, or 17.6%, to $198.6
million for the first quarter of 1998 versus $168.9 million for the first quar-
ter of 1997 as a result of $1.4 billion average loan portfolio growth. Interest
income on securities and money market investments fell by a combined $24.3 mil-
lion, or 35.3%, to $44.5 million for the first quarter of 1998 from $68.8 mil-
lion in the comparable 1997 quarter primarily as a result of a $1.5 billion de-
cline in the average securities and money market portfolios. This shift in the
Company's interest-earning asset mix into the higher yielding loan portfolio
primarily resulted in a 26 basis point increase in the yield on average inter-
est-earning assets to 8.12% in the first quarter of 1998 from 7.86% in the
first quarter of 1997.
 
Interest expense increased $7.8 million, or 6.6%, to $125.7 million in the
first quarter of 1998 from $117.9 million in the first quarter of 1997 primar-
ily as a result of a combined $8.0 million of interest expense on long term
debt and capital securities incurred in the 1998 quarter.
 
The average cost of funds increased 25 basis points to 4.47% in the first quar-
ter of 1998 from 4.22% in the comparable 1997 quarter primarily as a result of
the higher average cost of long term debt and capital securities and a 21 basis
point rise in the average cost of time deposits in the first quarter of 1998 as
compared to the first quarter of 1997. The Company makes use of long term debt
and capital securities as a means of managing its liquidity and capital posi-
tion.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Average Balance Sheets and Interest Yield/Cost
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company's
average statements of financial condition (unaudited) and statements of income
(unaudited) for the quarters ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, and reflects the
average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indi-
cated. Such annualized yields and costs are derived by dividing income or ex-
pense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the
periods shown. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. Aver-
age balances and yields include non-accrual loans. The yields and costs in-
clude fees that are considered adjustments to yields. Interest and yields are
presented on a taxable-equivalent yield basis.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1998                                 1997
                                   ------------------------------------------ -----------------------------
                                                  AVERAGE           AVERAGE    AVERAGE            AVERAGE
                                                  BALANCE INTEREST YIELD/COST  BALANCE  INTEREST YIELD/COST
                                   ------------------------------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------
Taxable--
Equivalent Interest and Rates, dollars in millions (1)
<S>                                <C>                    <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>        
ASSETS:
 Interest-earning assets:
 Mortgage loans(2)...............  $              8,930.2  $198.6     8.90%   $ 7,565.4  $168.9     8.93%
 Other loans(2)..................                    32.0     0.7     8.82         27.8     0.6     8.08
 Money market investments(3).....                 1,168.8    16.2     5.63        328.3     4.3     5.37
 Securities(4)...................                 1,911.6    28.3     5.97      4,234.4    64.4     6.13
 Trading assets..................                     3.6     0.1     5.73          2.5     0.1     6.41
 Other interest-earning assets...                   118.3     2.6     8.90        103.5     2.3     9.03
                                   ----------------------  ------             ---------  ------
 Total interest-earning assets...                12,164.5   246.5     8.12     12,261.9   240.6     7.86
                                   ----------------------  ------             ---------  ------
 Non-interest earning assets(5)..                   903.9                         923.7
                                   ----------------------                     ---------
 Total assets....................  $             13,068.4                     $13,185.6
                                   ======================                     =========
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUI-
 TY:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings.........................  $              1,715.3  $ 10.3     2.44%   $ 1,876.6  $ 12.2     2.64%
 N.O.W...........................                   332.8     1.0     1.26        335.3     1.4     1.70
 Money market and variable
  rate savings...................                 2,166.2    17.9     3.35      2,369.8    19.6     3.36
 Term certificates of deposit....                 6,505.0    86.4     5.39      6,507.7    83.1     5.18
 Mortgagors' escrow..............                   138.1     0.3     0.96         85.8     0.3     1.19
 Trading liabilities.............                     1.5     --      5.49          --      --       --
 Securities sold under agreements
  to repurchase..................                   145.4     1.7     4.66        144.3     1.3     3.55
 Long term debt..................                   199.8     3.5     6.94          --      --       --
 Guaranteed preferred beneficial
  interest in Company's junior
  subordinated debentures........                   199.8     4.6     9.16          --      --       --
                                   ----------------------  ------             ---------  ------
Total interest-bearing liabili-
 ties............................                11,403.9   125.7     4.47     11,319.5   117.9     4.22
                                   ----------------------  ------             ---------  ------
Other liabilities(6).............                   377.3                         401.9
                                   ----------------------                     ---------
Total liabilities................                11,781.2                      11,721.4
Preferred shares of subsidiary...                     --                            3.6
Stockholders' equity.............                 1,287.2                       1,460.6
                                   ----------------------                     ---------
Total liabilities, preferred
 shares of subsidiary and stock-
 holders' equity.................  $             13,068.4                     $13,185.6
                                   ======================                     =========
Net interest income/interest
 rate spread(7)..................                          $120.8     3.65%              $122.7     3.64%
                                                           ======     ====               ======     ====
Net interest-earning assets/net
 interest margin(8)..............  $                760.6             3.93%   $   942.4             3.97%
                                   ======================             ====    =========             ====
Ratio of interest-earning assets
 to interest-bearing liabili-
 ties............................                                     1.07x                         1.08x
                                                                      ====                          ====
</TABLE>
- -------
 
(1) The Company's incremental tax rate used to adjust tax-exempt interest to a
taxable-equivalent basis was 44.4% and 44.7% for the quarters ended March 31,
1998 and 1997.
(2) In computing the average balances and average yield on loans, non-accruing
loans and loans held for sale have been included.
(3) Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold and
securities purchased under agreements to resell.
(4) The average yield does not give effect to changes in fair value that are
reflected as a component of stockholders' equity.
(5) Includes goodwill, banking premises and equipment, net, net deferred tax
assets, accrued interest receivable, and other miscellaneous non-interest-
earning assets.
(6) Includes accrued interest payable, accounts payable, official checks drawn
against the Bank, accrued expenses, and other miscellaneous non-interest-bear-
ing obligations of the Company.
(7) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average
yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing lia-
bilities.
(8) Net interest margin represents net interest income on a taxable-equivalent
basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changes in interest rates and
changes in volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities
on the Company's interest income on a tax equivalent basis and interest expense
during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category on
changes (i) attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by
prior rate), (ii) attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied
by prior volume), and (iii) the net change. The changes attributable to the
combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to vol-
ume and rate.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
                                          COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                        MARCH 31, 1997 INCREASE/(DECREASE)
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                DUE TO
                                      ----------------------------
                                      AVERAGE VOLUME  AVERAGE RATE  NET CHANGE
                                      --------------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
Interest-earning assets:
  Mortgage loans (1).................          $30.3         $(0.6)      $29.7
  Other loans (1)....................            0.1           --          0.1
  Money market investments (2).......           11.7           0.2        11.9
  Securities.........................          (34.2)         (1.9)      (36.1)
  Trading assets.....................             --           --          --
  Other interest-earning assets......            0.3           --          0.3
                                               -----         -----       -----
    Total interest earned on assets..            8.2          (2.3)        5.9
                                               -----         -----       -----
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Savings............................           (1.0)         (0.9)       (1.9)
  N.O.W. ............................             --          (0.4)       (0.4)
  Money market and variable rate
   savings...........................           (1.7)          --         (1.7)
  Term certificates of deposit.......            0.4           2.9         3.3
  Mortgagors' escrow.................            0.1          (0.1)        --
  Trading liabilities................            --            --          --
  Securities sold under agreements to
   repurchase........................            --            0.4         0.4
  Long term debt.....................            3.5           --          3.5
  Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial
   Interest in Company's Junior
   Subordinated Debentures...........            4.6           --          4.6
                                               -----         -----       -----
    Total interest paid on
     liabilities.....................            5.9           1.9         7.8
                                               -----         -----       -----
Net change in net interest income....          $ 2.3         $(4.2)      $(1.9)
                                               =====         =====       =====
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) In computing the volume and rate components of net interest income for
loans, non-accrual loans and loans held for sale have been included.
 
(2) Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold and
securities purchased under agreements to resell.
 
Provision for Possible Loan Losses
The provision for possible loan losses decreased by $1.0 million, or 20.0%, to
$4.0 million for the first quarter of 1998, from $5.0 million for the compara-
ble 1997 period. The provision exceeded net charge-offs by $1.0 million for the
first quarter of 1998. The decrease to the allowance for loan losses is made in
recognition of the growth in the loan portfolio.
 
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income decreased by $6.4 million, or 33%, to $12.8 million in the
first quarter of 1998 from $19.2 million for the first quarter of 1997. The
first quarter 1997 results include a $5.9 million gain on the sale of two bank-
ing offices and a $2.4 million gain on the sale of bank owned properties. Ex-
cluding these non-recurring gains, non-interest income increased $1.9 million,
or 17.4%, for the current quarter compared to the 1997 quarter.
 
Banking fees and commissions rose $1.5 million, or 30.6%, to $6.4 million for
the first quarter of 1998 from $4.9 million in the first quarter of 1997. The
increase reflects a rise in fee income generated from the further development
of services and products, such as sales of annuities, mutual funds and credit
cards.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased by $5.7 million, or 8.4%, to $73.9 million in
the current quarter, as compared to $68.2 million for the comparable 1997 peri-
od. The first quarter 1998 results include a non-recurring charge of $8.3 mil-
lion in personnel expense related to the retirement of senior executives. Ex-
cluding the non-recurring personnel expense, non-interest expense decreased by
$2.6 million, or 3.8%, for the current quarter as compared to the comparable
1997 period.
 
The Company's emphasis on expense control resulted in reductions in other ad-
ministrative expenses and advertising expense. Other administrative expense
fell $1.7 million, or 13.6%, to $10.8 million for the first quarter of 1998
compared to $12.5 million for the first quarter of 1997. Advertising expense
decreased $0.5 million, or 22.7%, to $1.7 million in the first quarter of 1998
from $2.2 million in the comparable 1997 quarter.
 
ORE income, net, increased $1.1 million to $1.6 million for the first quarter
of 1998, compared to $0.5 million for the first quarter of 1997. The increase
primarily reflects a reduction in ORE operating expenses due to a decline in
the portfolio of foreclosed properties and a rise in the gains recognized on
the sales of ORE properties in the 1998 quarter as compared to the 1997 quar-
ter.
 
ESOP and stock plans expense increased $0.8 million, or 16.7%, to $5.6 million
for the first quarter of 1998 from $4.8 million in the first quarter of 1997
primarily as a result of a higher average market price of the Company's stock
during the 1998 quarter, compared to the 1997 quarter.
 
Salaries and benefits expense rose $0.4 million, or 1.8%, to $23.1 million for
the first quarter of 1998, compared to $22.7 million for the first quarter of
1997 primarily as a result of the expansion of the Company's national mortgage
business.
 
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense decreased by $6.1 million, or 22.8%, to $20.6 million in the
current quarter, from $26.7 million for the comparable period of 1997. The de-
crease is primarily due to a $12.2 million, or 18.4%, decrease in income before
income taxes. Additionally, income tax expense was further reduced by the de-
crease in the effective tax rate from 40.25% in the 1997 period to 38.00% in
the 1998 period.
 
Financial Condition
Total assets were $13.2 billion at March 31, 1998 compared to $13.1 billion at
December 31, 1997. Net loans receivable held for investment rose $121.3 million
to $8.9 billion at March 31, 1998 on total originations of $579.0 million.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity Gap Analysis
The table below depicts the Company's interest rate sensitivity as of March 31,
1998. Allocations of assets and liabilities, including non-interest-bearing
sources of funds to specific periods, are based upon management's assessment of
contractual or anticipated repricing characteristics, adjusted periodically to
reflect actual experience. Those gaps are then adjusted for the net effect of
off-balance sheet financial instruments such as interest rate swaps.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          -----------------------------------------------------------
                                       REPRICING PERIODS
                          --------------------------------------------------
                                         MORE       MORE       MORE
                                   THAN THREE   THAN SIX   THAN ONE     MORE
                            THREE   MONTHS TO     MONTHS    YEAR TO     THAN
                           MONTHS         SIX     TO ONE      THREE    THREE
                          OR LESS      MONTHS       YEAR      YEARS    YEARS    TOTAL
                          -------  ----------   --------   --------   ------  -------
Dollars in millions
<S>                       <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>
Total loans, net........   $1,006      $  726     $1,246     $1,787   $4,156  $ 8,921
Money market investments
 (1)....................      814         --         --         --       --       814
Securities held to
 maturity...............        2         --         --         --         2        4
Securities available for
 sale...................      909          95        310        644      396    2,354
Other interest earning
 assets.................      117         --         --         --       --       117
                           ------      ------     ------     ------   ------  -------
Total interest earning
 assets.................    2,848         821      1,556      2,431    4,554   12,210
                           ------      ------     ------     ------   ------  -------
Cash and due from
 banks..................      127         --         --         --       --       127
Goodwill................       11          10         21         84      440      566
Other non interest
 earning assets.........      325         --         --         --       --       325
                           ------      ------     ------     ------   ------  -------
Total assets............   $3,311      $  831     $1,577     $2,515   $4,994  $13,228
                           ======      ======     ======     ======   ======  =======
Term certificates of
 deposit................   $1,347      $1,597     $1,861     $1,472   $  231  $ 6,508
Core deposits...........      251         254        501      1,838    1,516    4,360
                           ------      ------     ------     ------   ------  -------
Total deposits..........    1,598       1,851      2,362      3,310    1,747   10,868
                           ------      ------     ------     ------   ------  -------
Mortgagors' escrow......        8           8         17         67       49      149
Securities sold under
 agreements to
 repurchase.............      160         --         --         --       --       160
Long term debt..........      --          --         --         --       200      200
Guaranteed Preferred
 Beneficial Interest in
 Company's Junior
 Subordinated
 Debentures.............      --          --         --         --       200      200
Other liabilities.......      372         --         --         --       --       372
Stockholders' equity....      --          --         --         --     1,279    1,279
                           ------      ------     ------     ------   ------  -------
Total liabilities and
 stockholders' equity...   $2,138      $1,859     $2,379     $3,377   $3,475  $13,228
                           ======      ======     ======     ======   ======  =======
Off balance sheet
 financial instruments..   $  800      $   --     $   --     $ (300)  $ (500) $   --
                           ======      ======     ======     ======   ======  =======
Interest rate
 sensitivity gap........    1,973      (1,028)      (802)    (1,162)   1,019
Cumulative gap..........    1,973         945        143     (1,019)
Interest rate
 sensitivity gap as a
 percentage of total
 assets                     14.92%      (7.77)%    (6.06)%    (8.78)%   7.70%
Cumulative gap as a
 percentage of total
 assets.................    14.92%       7.14%      1.08%     (7.70)%
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) Consists of interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold
and securities purchased under agreements to resell.
 
Market Risk Management
The Company's primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk.
 
Interest rate risk is defined as the sensitivity of the Company's current and
future earnings to changes in the level of market interest rates. It arises in
the ordinary course of the Company's business, as the repricing characteristics
of its mortgage loans do not match those of its deposit liabilities. The re-
sulting interest rate risk is managed by adjustments to the Company's invest-
ment portfolio and through the use of off-balance sheet instruments such as in-
terest rate swaps.
 
Management responsibility for interest rate risk resides with the Asset and Li-
ability Management Committee ("ALCO"). The committee is comprised of the Chair-
man and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Treasurer and
the Company's senior business-unit and financial executives. Interest rate risk
management strategies are formulated and
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
monitored by ALCO within policies and limits approved by the Board of Direc-
tors. These policies and limits set forth the maximum risk which the Board of
Directors deems prudent, govern permissible investment securities and off-bal-
ance sheet instruments and identify acceptable counterparties to securities and
off-balance sheet transactions.
 
ALCO risk management strategies allow for the assumption of interest rate risk
within the Board approved limits. The strategies are formulated based upon
ALCO's assessments of likely market developments and trends in the Company's
mortgage and consumer banking businesses. Strategies are developed with the aim
of enhancing the Company's net income and capital, while ensuring the risks to
income and capital from adverse movements in interest rates are acceptable.
 
The Company's income is affected by changes in the level of market interest
rates based upon mismatches between the repricing of its assets and liabili-
ties. One measure of interest rate sensitivity is provided by the accompanying
net gap analysis, which organizes assets and liabilities according to the time
period in which they reprice or mature. For many of the Company's assets and
liabilities, the maturity or repricing date is not determinable with certainty.
For example, the Company's mortgage loans and its mortgage-backed securities
can be prepaid before contractual amortization and/or maturity. Also, repricing
of the Company's non-time deposits is subject to management's evaluation of the
existing interest rate environment, current funding and liquidity needs, and
other factors influencing the market competition for such deposits. The amounts
in the accompanying schedule reflect management's judgment of the most likely
repricing schedule; actual results could vary from those detailed herein.
 
The difference between assets and liabilities repricing in a given period is
one approximate measure of interest rate sensitivity. More assets than liabili-
ties repricing in a period (a positive gap) implies earnings will rise as in-
terest rates rise, and decline as interest rates decline. More liabilities
repricing than assets implies declining income as rates rise.
 
The use of interest rate instruments such as interest rate swaps is integrated
into the Company's interest rate risk management. The Bank enters into interest
rate swap contracts in managing the interest rate risk associated with its
fixed-rate mortgages and variable rate securities in its investment portfolio.
The notional amounts of these contracts approximate $875 million at March 31,
1998, and are not reflected in the Company's balance sheet. These contracts
have an average term of approximately four years. Under the terms of these con-
tracts, the Bank pays an average fixed rate of 6.08% and receives an average
variable rate of 5.63% on the swaps hedging the fixed rate loan portfolio and
pays an average variable rate of 5.74% and receives an average variable rate of
5.71% on the swaps hedging the variable rate securities portfolio. The notional
amounts of derivatives do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and,
thus, are not a measure of the Company's exposure through its use of deriva-
tives. The amounts exchanged are determined by reference to the notional
amounts and the other terms of the derivatives. These instruments are included
in the interest rate sensitivity table for purposes of analyzing interest rate
risk. However, these relationships do not consider the impact that rate move-
ments might have on other components of the Bank's risk profile; for example,
an increase in interest rates, while implying that earnings will rise in a pos-
itive gap period, might also result in higher credit or default risk due to a
higher probability of borrowers being unable to pay the contractual payments on
loans. Likewise, a decrease in rates might result in an increase in the risk
that funds received from loan prepayments cannot be reinvested at rates and
spreads earned on earlier investments and loan originations.
 
As of March 31, 1998, the cumulative volume of assets maturing or repricing
within one year exceeded liabilities by $143.0 million, or 1.08% of assets, im-
plying modest current-year income sensitivity to movements in the level of in-
terest rates.
 
The static gap analysis is an incomplete representation of interest rate risk
for several reasons. It fails to account for changes in prepayment speeds on
the Company's mortgage loan and mortgage backed securities portfolios. The be-
havior of deposit balances will vary with changes in the general level of in-
terest rates and management's pricing strategies. The gap analysis does not
provide a clear presentation of the risks to income arising from options embed-
ded in the balance sheet.
 
Accordingly, ALCO makes extensive use of an earnings simulation model in the
formulation of its market risk management strategy. The model gives effect to
management assumptions concerning the repricing of assets, liabilities and off-
balance sheet financial instruments, as well as business volumes, under a vari-
ety of hypothetical interest rate scenarios. These hypothetical scenarios in-
corporate interest rate increases and decreases of 200 basis points. Actual in-
terest rate changes during the past three years have fallen within this range
and management expects that any changes over the next year will not exceed this
range.
 
Management's assumptions, particularly those concerning prepayments in the loan
portfolio and pricing of the Company's deposit products, are based on frequent
historical analyses of the behavior patterns of the Company's customers in re-
sponse
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
to changes in both general market interest rates and rates offered by banks.
These assumptions represent management's estimate of the likely effect of
changes in interest rates and do not necessarily reflect actual results. The
earnings simulation model takes into account interest rate caps and floors,
call options and balloon payments embedded in certain mortgage loans, and mort-
gage backed securities, in determining the earnings at risk.
 
At March 31, 1998, based on this model, the Company's potential earnings at
risk to a gradual, parallel 200 basis point rise in market interest rates over
the next 12 months on instruments held for other than trading purposes was ap-
proximately 1.1% of projected 12 month earnings.
 
 
Liquidity Risk Management
The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits and proceeds from principal
and interest payments on loans, mortgage-backed securities and other securi-
ties. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are a
predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly
influenced by general interest rate levels, economic conditions and competi-
tion.
 
The Company and the Bank also have both short-term and long-term debt ratings
from four recognized credit rating firms. These ratings allow the Company and
the Bank to access the wholesale debt markets thereby providing the Company
with additional flexibility in accessing and utilizing the most cost effective
and appropriate means for meeting its funding needs.
 
The Company's most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents, including money
market investments. The level of these assets is dependent on the Company's op-
erating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.
Cash and cash equivalents, including money market investments, totaled $0.9
billion at March 31, 1998.
 
The Company had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $455.8 million at
March 31, 1998. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds
available to meet its current loan commitments.
 
Credit Risk Management
In conducting its lending activities, the Company is exposed to the possibility
that borrowers may default on their loans. To manage this risk, the Company fo-
cuses its efforts on its fundamental disciplines, loan underwriting and admin-
istration.
 
The Company lends funds based on the borrower's level of equity in the property
securing the loan. The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan
to value ratio in excess of 75%. Strict appraisal standards are maintained, re-
quiring all appraisers to be state certified, and all appraisals are subject to
additional levels of review by senior management.
 
The Company closely monitors trends in delinquent and nonperforming loans
through cycles in the economy and in the real estate market. The Company also
tracks economic and housing market trends. These performance and economic
trends are analyzed in the ongoing fine-tuning of lending practices. In 1997,
the Company created an independent, executive-level risk management function.
Along with monitoring trends and developing lending policies, the risk manage-
ment function is building credit scoring and other quantitative models to en-
hance GreenPoint's strong expertise in effectively managing credit risk.
 
The Company uses various collection procedures and works to maintain contact
with the borrowers to obtain repayment. In addition, the Company reviews the
trends in amount and frequency of loans that were transferred to other real es-
tate owned, trends in sales activity of its foreclosed property including aver-
age principal loss experienced and the holding period for such properties.
 
Management has set forth a policy for establishment and review of the adequacy
of the allowance for loan losses. The policy requires management to provide for
estimated future costs related to problem loans. Management believes that the
allowance for loan losses is adequate. However, such determination is suscepti-
ble to the effect of future unanticipated changes in general economic and mar-
ket conditions that may affect the financial circumstances of borrowers and/or
residential real estate values within the Company's lending areas.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
Non-Performing Assets
The Company's asset quality improved during the quarter ended March 31, 1998,
as non-performing assets decreased by 4.6%. The ratio of non-performing loans
to total loans fell to 3.77% at March 31, 1998 from 3.97% at December 31, 1997
while the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets fell to 2.73% at March
31, 1998 from 2.90% at December 31, 1997.
 
Non-performing assets, net of related specific reserves, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         AT MARCH 31, 1998 AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                         ----------------- --------------------
<S>                                      <C>               <C>
Dollars in millions
Mortgage loans secured by:
  Residential one-to-four family........            $265.6               $271.0
  Residential multi-family..............              42.0                 46.0
  Commercial property...................              33.3                 38.0
Other loans.............................               0.3                  0.1
                                                    ------               ------
Total non-performing loans(1)...........             341.2                355.1
                                                    ------               ------
Total other real estate owned, net......              20.4                 24.0
                                                    ------               ------
Total non-performing assets.............            $361.6               $379.1
                                                    ======               ======
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) Includes $18.4 million and $24.3 million of non-accrual mortgage loans un-
der 90 days past due at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively.
 
Allowance for Possible Loan Losses
The following is a summary of the provision and allowance for possible loan
losses:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       ------------------------
                                                                THREE
                                                       MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                       ------------------------
                                                              1998         1997
                                                       -----------  -----------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Balance beginning of period........................... $     109.0  $     105.0
Provision charged to income...........................         4.0          5.0
Charge-offs...........................................        (3.2)        (4.1)
Recoveries............................................         0.2          0.1
                                                       -----------  -----------
Balance end of period................................. $     110.0  $     106.0
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
Capital Ratios
The Company's ratio of period-end stockholders' equity to ending total assets
at March 31, 1998 was 9.67% compared to 9.70% at December 31, 1997.
 
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements
administered by the Federal and state banking agencies. The Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System establishes minimum capital requirements for the
consolidated bank holding company, as well as for the Bank.
 
Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt cor-
rective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve
quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off balance sheet
items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. These guidelines re-
quire minimum ratios of risk-based capital to risk adjusted assets of 4% for
Tier 1 capital and 8% for total capital. The Federal Reserve Board also has
guidelines for a leverage ratio that is designed to complement the risk-based
capital ratios in determining the overall capital adequacy of banks and bank
holding companies. A minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total
assets of 3% is required for banks and bank holding companies, with an addi-
tional 100 to 200 basis points required for all but the highest rated institu-
tions. Management believes, as of March 31, 1998, that the Company and the Bank
meet all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
 
As of March 31, 1998, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized
the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt correc-
tive action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain min-
imum
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
Tier 1 capital, total capital and leverage ratios of 6%, 10% and 5%, respec-
tively. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that
management believes have changed the Company's or Bank's category.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      --------------------------
                                                         AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
                                                      --------------------------
                                                                    REQUIRED FOR
                                                                      CAPITAL
                                                                      ADEQUACY
                                                         ACTUAL       PURPOSES
                                                      ------------- ------------
                                                      AMOUNT  RATIO AMOUNT RATIO
                                                      ------ ------ ------ -----
<S>                                                   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Dollars in millions
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
  Company............................................ $993.4 16.03% $495.7 8.00%
  Bank...............................................  980.6 15.84%  495.2 8.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
  Company............................................ $915.9 14.78% $247.8 4.00%
  Bank...............................................  903.2 14.59%  247.6 4.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets):
  Company............................................ $915.9  7.32% $500.2 4.00%
  Bank...............................................  903.2  7.23%  499.7 4.00%
<CAPTION>
                                                      --------------------------
                                                       AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                      --------------------------
                                                                    REQUIRED FOR
                                                                      CAPITAL
                                                                      ADEQUACY
                                                         ACTUAL       PURPOSES
                                                      ------------- ------------
                                                      AMOUNT  RATIO AMOUNT RATIO
                                                      ------ ------ ------ -----
<S>                                                   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Dollars in millions
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
  Company............................................ $974.1 15.54% $501.3 8.00%
  Bank...............................................  959.6 15.34%  500.6 8.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
  Company............................................ $895.8 14.29% $250.6 4.00%
  Bank...............................................  881.4 14.09%  250.3 4.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets):
  Company............................................ $895.8  7.19% $498.5 4.00%
  Bank...............................................  881.4  7.08%  497.7 4.00%
</TABLE>
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 VS. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
Overview
During 1997, the Company continued to expand its presence in the national mort-
gage market. Summarized below are several significant 1997 financial results.
 
 . Net income per diluted share for the year increased 23% over 1996.
 
 . Diluted core cash earnings per share for the year were $2.65, or $210.3 mil-
lion, an increase of 24% over 1996.
 
 . Core cash return on average equity increased to 15.68% in 1997 from 12.70% in
1996.
 
 . Mortgage loan originations totaled $2.85 billion for 1997, an increase of 21%
over the $2.35 billion in 1996.
 
 . The Company repurchased 11.4 million shares of its stock during 1997 at a to-
tal cost of $355.5 million.
 
 . GreenPoint continues to maintain a strong capital position with a leverage
ratio of 7.19%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 14.29% and a total risk based ra-
tio of 15.54% at December 31, 1997.
 
 . Asset quality continued to improve. The ratio of non-performing loans to to-
tal loans at December 31, 1997 was 3.97% versus 4.78% at December 31, 1996. Al-
though the Company's loan portfolio grew by $1.5 billion in 1997, or 21%, total
non-performing loans of $355.1 million at December 31, 1997 were essentially
equal to the amounts reported last year.
 
Core Cash Earnings
Core cash earnings are net of non-recurring items, and include certain non-cash
charges, related to goodwill and the ESOP. The non-cash expenses, unlike all
other expenses incurred by the Company, result in net increases in GreenPoint's
tangible capital and enable the Company to pursue increases in shareholder
value through growth of earning assets, increases of cash dividends, and addi-
tional repurchases of the Company's stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               ----------------
                                                                YEARS ENDED
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                 1997      1996
                                                               ------    ------
<S>                                                            <C>       <C>
Dollars in millions, except per share amounts
Net income (excluding non-recurring items)(1)................. $144.2    $126.3
Add back:
  Goodwill amortization(2)....................................   46.4      46.5
  Employee stock plans expense................................   19.7(3)   14.7
                                                               ------    ------
Core cash earnings............................................ $210.3    $187.5
                                                               ======    ======
Core cash earnings per share(4)............................... $ 2.65    $ 2.14
                                                               ======    ======
</TABLE>
- -------
 
(1) Non-recurring items include branch sales, asset sales and restructuring
(recovery) charge.
 
(2) Goodwill amortization relates to the 1995 acquisitions. This expense will
continue through the year 2010.
 
(3) Includes ESOP amortization expense of $17.1 million and stock plans share
amortization expense of $2.6 million. ESOP amortization expense is scheduled to
occur through the year 2018 and will vary from year to year based upon changes
in the average annual market price of the Company's stock and by changes in an-
nual allocations to plan participants. Stock plans share amortization expense
is scheduled to occur through the year 2000 and will be approximately $2.1 mil-
lion annually.
 
(4) Based on the weighted average shares used to calculate diluted earnings per
share.
 
Net Interest Income
Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis increased by $28.4 million,
or 6.3%, to $482.1 million for 1997 from $453.7 million for 1996. The increase
primarily reflects the reduction of the lower yielding securities portfolio to
fund the net growth in the Company's loan portfolio. During 1997, the Company
made greater use of alternative funding sources such as repurchase agreements
and long-term debt as a means of managing the cost of funds.
 
Interest income on mortgages increased by $137.2 million, or 23.2%, to $728.9
million for 1997 from $591.7 million for 1996 primarily as a result of $1.6
billion average loan portfolio growth partially offset by a 14 basis point de-
crease in the average yield. The decline in the average yield on mortgages re-
flects the generally lower interest rate environment of 1997, particularly its
effects on increased loan prepayments. Interest income on securities and money
market investments decreased by a combined $148.5 million, or 38.4%, to $238.4
million for 1997 from $386.9 million for 1996.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
The shift in the Company's interest-earning asset mix into the higher yielding
loan portfolio resulted in a 40 basis point increase in the yield on average
interest-earning assets to 7.99% for 1997 from 7.59% for 1996.
 
The Company aggressively managed its cost of funds during 1997 by reducing core
deposit rates, allowing certain high cost customer deposits to run off and,
where appropriate, replacing those funds with alternative sources such as re-
purchase agreements and long-term debt. The cost of funds for 1997 was 4.36%,
the same as for 1996.
 
The increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets, combined with
control of the cost of funds resulted in GreenPoint's 1997 interest rate spread
and net interest margin rising to 3.63% and 3.93%, respectively, from 3.23% and
3.51%, respectively, for 1996.
 
Provision for Possible Loan Losses
The provision for possible loan losses increased by $3.2 million, or 20.4%, to
$18.9 million for 1997 from $15.7 million for 1996. The increase included 1997
net additions to the allowance for possible loan losses totaling $4.0 million.
 
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income decreased slightly to $56.2 million for 1997 from $56.9
million for 1996. The decline was primarily the result of lower net gains on
sales of loans, lower proceeds from branch sales and a decline in securities
lending fee income. These declines were partially offset by larger securities
gains and gains on the sale of assets.
 
The Company's consumer branch network generated $4.5 million of additional fee
income during 1997 compared with 1996 primarily as the result of the introduc-
tion of new fee generating services and products such as sales of annuities,
mutual funds and GreenPoint's new credit card.
 
Non-Interest Expense
Total non-interest expense increased by $7.1 million, or 2.7%, to $270.3 mil-
lion for 1997 from $263.2 million in 1996. The 1997 amount includes a $2.5 mil-
lion restructuring charge related to the transfer of the Company's mortgage
servicing from New York to Georgia, while the 1996 amount includes a $1.6 mil-
lion recovery of an unrelated 1995 restructuring charge. The Company's emphasis
on expense control resulted in a 160 basis point improvement in the efficiency
ratio to 42.7% for 1997 from 44.3% for 1996.
 
Salaries and benefits increased by $6.9 million, or 8.0%, to $93.7 million for
1997 from $86.8 million in 1996, primarily as a result of the expansion of the
Company's national mortgage business.
 
ESOP and stock plans expense increased by $5.0 million, or 33.6%, to $19.7 mil-
lion primarily as a result of a higher average market price of the Company's
stock during 1997 compared to 1996.
 
Lower FDIC deposit insurance rates combined with a smaller deposit base for
1997 resulted in a $2.4 million, or 46.2%, decrease in deposit insurance premi-
ums to $2.8 million for 1997 from $5.2 million for 1996.
 
Net expense of premises and equipment remained relatively flat at $47.3 million
for 1997 compared with $46.6 million for 1996. Other administrative expense
fell $6.1 million, or 9.4%, to $59.7 million for 1997 compared to $65.8 million
for 1996.
 
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased by $2.4 million, or 2.6%, to $94.4 million for
1997 from $92.0 million for 1996 primarily as a result of higher pre-tax income
in 1997 partially offset by a drop in the Company's effective tax rate. The
Company's effective tax rate was 39.0% for 1997 compared to 41.0% for 1996.
 
Financial Condition
Total assets were $13.1 billion at December 31, 1997 compared with $13.3 bil-
lion at December 31, 1996.
 
Net loans receivable held for investment increased by $1.5 billion to $8.8 bil-
lion at December 31, 1997 on total originations of $2.9 billion.
 
The combined balances of money market investments and securities available for
sale decreased by $1.8 billion to $3.1 billion at December 31, 1997. During
1997, the Company used the proceeds from the decline of these investments pri-
marily to fund loan portfolio growth.
 
Total deposits decreased by $0.5 billion to $11.0 billion at December 31, 1997.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 VS. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
Effect of 1995 Acquisitions on Comparability of Operating Results
The comparability of 1996 and 1995 operating results is significantly affected
by two acquisitions completed by the Company during 1995. GreenPoint purchased
the wholesale residential mortgage lending business of Barclays
American/Mortgage Corp. ("BAM") in July 1995 and the 60 New York consumer bank-
ing branches of Home Savings of America, FSB ("HSA") in September 1995. The
1995 annual results include only those related revenues and expenses subsequent
to the respective acquisition dates.
 
Substantial increases in the Company's asset, liability and employee bases re-
sulting from the acquisitions (and the inclusion of a full year's effect in
1996) are the primary factors contributing to increases in revenue, expense and
average balances from year to year. The HSA acquisition also resulted in a sub-
stantial change in the composition of the Company's balance sheet that affected
certain key performance ratios. The Company received cash, certificates of de-
posit and short-term debt securities totaling approximately $7.5 billion in re-
turn for assuming approximately $8.1 billion of customer deposits from HSA. The
resulting shift in the Company's average interest-earning asset mix away from
the higher yielding loan portfolio caused a reduction in the yield on average
interest-earning assets and contributed to compression of the interest rate
spread.
 
General
Net income for 1996 was $132.5 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, a 23.2% in-
crease over the $107.5 million, or $1.14 per diluted share, earned in 1995, re-
flecting the full year's effect in 1996 of the two 1995 acquisitions, a sub-
stantial increase in loan production and the achievement of planned cost sav-
ings.
 
Core cash earnings rose to $187.5 million, or $2.14 per diluted share, in 1996
compared to $140.7 million, or $1.50 per diluted share in the prior year.
 
Net Interest Income
Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis increased by $103.0 million,
or 29.4%, to $453.7 million for 1996 from $350.7 million for 1995. The increase
reflects the Company's higher level of average net interest-earning assets re-
sulting from the two 1995 acquisitions, the Company's ability to re-deploy pro-
ceeds from the maturity of lower yielding money market and securities invest-
ments into loan portfolio growth during 1996, and significant improvement in
the Company's average cost of funds resulting from an aggressive deposit pric-
ing strategy.
 
Provision for Possible Loan Losses
The provision for possible loan losses increased by $6.2 million, or 65.3%, to
$15.7 million for 1996 from $9.5 million for 1995. The 1995 provision included
the effect of a $6.1 million recovery of a special contingency reserve relating
to a 1994 bulk sale of non-performing loans.
 
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income increased by $21.1 million, or 58.9%, to $56.9 million for
1996 from $35.8 million for 1995. The increase is primarily the result of
higher fee income generated by the Company's expanded consumer banking branch
network, a $1.5 million increase in securities lending fees and an $8.9 million
gain on the sale of two branches.
 
Non-Interest Expense
Total non-interest expense increased by $84.6 million, or 47.4%, to $263.2 mil-
lion for 1996 from $178.6 million for 1995. The 1995 results include an $8.0
million restructuring charge while the 1996 results include a $1.6 million re-
covery of the same charge. Excluding the 1995 restructuring charge and the sub-
sequent recovery in 1996, the increase in non-interest expense is primarily the
result of recognizing a full year's effect of the 1995 acquisitions in 1996,
partially offset by lower FDIC deposit insurance premiums.
 
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased by $1.1 million to $92.0 million for 1996 from
$90.9 million for 1995. The increase resulted from a $26.1 million increase in
pre-tax income, which was partially offset by the effect of a 10.6% decrease in
the Company's effective tax rate to 40.98%.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
Average Consolidated Balance Sheet, Interest and Rates
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1997                        1996                       1995
                          --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------
                                             AVERAGE                     AVERAGE                    AVERAGE
                                              YIELD/                      YIELD/                     YIELD/
                            BALANCE INTEREST    COST    BALANCE INTEREST    COST   BALANCE INTEREST    COST
                          --------- -------- -------  --------- -------- -------  -------- -------- -------
<S>                       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Taxable--Equivalent Interest and Rates, dollars in millions(1)
ASSETS:
Mortgage loans(2).......  $ 8,167.0   $728.9    8.92% $ 6,531.0   $591.7    9.06% $5,822.0   $532.2    9.14%
Other loans(2)..........       28.9      2.3    7.94       31.7      2.6    8.12      26.6      1.9    7.35
Money market
 investments(3).........      740.3     41.4    5.59    1,261.0     70.0    5.54     742.7     43.8    5.91
Securities(4)...........    3,212.9    197.0    6.13    5,101.4    316.9    6.22   2,059.9    118.6    5.76
Trading assets..........        3.9      0.2    5.93        --       --      --        --       --      --
Other interest-earning
 assets.................      110.9     10.0    9.05        --       --      --        --       --      --
                          ---------   ------          ---------   ------          --------   ------
 Total interest-earning
  assets................   12,263.9    979.8    7.99   12,925.1    981.2    7.59   8,651.2    696.5    8.05
                          ---------   ------          ---------   ------          --------   ------
Non-interest earning
 assets(5)..............      904.9                     1,031.0                      437.9
                          ---------                   ---------                   --------
 Total assets...........  $13,168.8                   $13,956.1                   $9,089.1
                          =========                   =========                   ========
LIABILITIES &
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Savings.................  $ 1,830.1     46.7    2.55% $ 1,976.5     55.2    2.79% $  972.1     28.4    2.93%
N.O.W. .................      330.5      5.3    1.61      333.9      6.1    1.83     170.9      3.4    1.97
Money market and
 variable rate savings..    2,273.7     76.5    3.36    2,541.9     85.6    3.37   1,675.1     55.7    3.33
Term certificates of
 deposit ...............    6,512.8    343.1    5.26    7,126.6    377.8    5.30   4,472.4    257.0    5.75
Mortgagors' escrow......       98.3      1.1    1.09       80.9      1.0    1.26      79.6      1.3    1.59
Securities sold under
 agreements to
 repurchase.............      170.9      7.8    4.58       47.9      1.8    3.88       --       --      --
Trading liabilities.....        1.9      0.1    5.89        --       --      --        --       --      --
Long term debt..........       92.4      6.4    6.92        --       --      --        --       --      --
Guaranteed Preferred
 Beneficial Interest in
 Company's Junior
 Subordinated
 Debentures.............      115.4     10.7    9.29        --       --      --        --       --      --
                          ---------   ------          ---------   ------          --------   ------
 Total interest-bearing
  liabilities...........   11,426.0    497.7    4.36   12,107.7    527.5    4.36   7,370.1    345.8    4.69
                                      ------                      ------                     ------
Other liabilities(6)....      397.7                       371.5                      173.8
                          ---------                   ---------                   --------
 Total liabilities......   11,823.7                    12,479.2                    7,543.9
Preferred shares of
 subsidiary.............        3.4                         0.9                        --
Stockholders' equity....    1,341.7                     1,476.0                    1,545.2
                          ---------                   ---------                   --------
 Total liabilities &
  stockholders' equity..  $13,168.8                   $13,956.1                   $9,089.1
                          =========                   =========                   ========
Net interest
 income/interest rate
 spread(7)..............              $482.1    3.63%             $453.7    3.23%            $350.7    3.36%
                                      ======   =====              ======   =====             ======   =====
Net interest-earning
 assets/net interest
 margin(8)..............  $   837.9             3.93% $   817.4             3.51% $1,281.1             4.05%
                          =========            =====  =========            =====  ========            =====
Ratio of interest-
 earning assets to
 interest-bearing
 liabilities............                       1.07x                       1.07x                      1.17x
                                               =====                       =====                      =====
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) The Company's incremental tax rate used to adjust tax-exempt interest to a
taxable-equivalent basis was 44.2% and 44.6% for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996.
 
(2) In computing the average balances and average yield on loans, non-accruing
loans and loans held for sale have been included.
 
(3) Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold and
securities purchased under agreements to resell.
 
(4) The average yield does not give effect to changes in fair value that are
reflected as a component of stockholders' equity.
 
(5) Includes goodwill, banking premises and equipment, net deferred tax assets,
accrued interest receivable, and other miscellaneous non-interest earning as-
sets.
 
(6) Includes accrued interest payable, accounts payable, official checks drawn
against the Bank, accrued expenses, and other miscellaneous non-interest bear-
ing obligations of the Company.
 
(7) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average
yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing lia-
bilities.
 
(8) Net interest margin represents net interest income on a taxable-equivalent
basis divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changes in interest rates and
changes in volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities
on the Company's interest income and interest expense during the years indicat-
ed. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have
been allocated proportionately to volume and rate.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          -------------------------------------------------------------------
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                  COMPARED TO                        COMPARED TO
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                              INCREASE/(DECREASE)                INCREASE/(DECREASE)
                          ---------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                DUE TO                             DUE TO
                          ---------------------              ---------------------
                            AVERAGE     AVERAGE        NET     AVERAGE    AVERAGE        NET
                             VOLUME        RATE     CHANGE      VOLUME       RATE     CHANGE
                          ---------   ---------   ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
<S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Mortgage loans(1).......      $146.2      $ (9.0)    $137.2      $ 64.2    $  (4.7)    $ 59.5
Other loans(1)..........        (0.2)       (0.1)      (0.3)        0.5        0.2        0.7
Money market
 investments(2).........       (29.1)        0.5      (28.6)       29.0       (2.8)      26.2
Securities..............      (114.2)       (5.7)    (119.9)      195.7        2.6      198.3
Trading assets..........         0.2         --         0.2         --         --         --
Other interest-earning
 assets.................        10.0         --        10.0         --         --         --
                           ---------   ---------  ---------   --------- ----------  ---------
  Total interest earned
   on assets............        12.9       (14.3)      (1.4)      289.4       (4.7)     284.7
                           ---------   ---------  ---------   --------- ----------  ---------
Savings.................        (4.0)       (4.5)      (8.5)       28.2       (1.4)      26.8
N.O.W. .................        (0.1)       (0.7)      (0.8)        2.9       (0.2)       2.7
Money market and
 variable rate savings..        (9.0)       (0.1)      (9.1)       29.2        0.7       29.9
Term certificates of
 deposit................       (31.3)       (3.4)     (34.7)      142.1      (21.3)     120.8
Mortgagors' escrow......         0.2        (0.1)       0.1         --        (0.3)      (0.3)
Securities sold under
 agreements to
 repurchase.............         5.6         0.4        6.0         1.8        --         1.8
Trading liabilities.....         0.1         --         0.1         --         --         --
Long term debt..........         6.4         --         6.4         --         --         --
Guaranteed Preferred
 Beneficial Interest in
 Company's Junior
 Subordinated
 Debentures.............        10.7         --        10.7         --         --         --
                           ---------   ---------  ---------   --------- ----------  ---------
  Total interest paid on
   liabilities..........       (21.4)       (8.4)     (29.8)      204.2      (22.5)     181.7
                           ---------   ---------  ---------   --------- ----------  ---------
Net change in net
 interest income........      $ 34.3      $ (5.9)    $ 28.4      $ 85.2     $ 17.8     $103.0
                           =========   =========  =========   ========= ==========  =========
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) In computing the volume and rate components of net interest income for
loans, non-accrual loans and loans held for sale have been included.
 
(2) Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds and secu-
rities purchased under agreement to resell.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company is a bank holding company organized in August 1993 under the laws
of the state of Delaware and registered under the BHCA. The Company provides a
variety of financial services through the Bank and GPMC and, to a lesser ex-
tent, through GreenPoint Community Development Corp. ("GPCDC"), its community
development subsidiary. As part of the Company's long term business plans, the
Company intends to continue to explore a variety of alternative strategic in-
vestment options to complement its existing business strengths, including pos-
sible acquisitions of other thrift institutions, acquisitions of other finan-
cial institutions or financial services companies or their assets, or expansion
into other banking, mortgage, real estate or consumer finance related business-
es. As of March 31, 1998, the Company had consolidated total assets of approxi-
mately $13.2 billion, total deposits of approximately $10.9 billion and stock-
holders' equity of approximately $1.3 billion.
 
The Bank was organized in 1868 as a New York State chartered savings bank. The
Bank and its wholly owned subsidiary GPMC, a national mortgage banking company,
are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage lending throughout the United
States. The Bank and GPMC have total loans receivable of approximately $8.9
billion, which represents approximately 67% of total assets of the Company as
of March 31, 1998. The Bank continues to attract retail deposits from the gen-
eral public, which the Bank then invests, together with funds generated from
operations, in mortgage loans and marketable securities. The Bank's revenues
are derived principally from interest on its loan portfolio and investment se-
curities. The Bank's primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and in-
terest payments from loans, and wholesale funds.
 
GPCDC is a for-profit community development subsidiary organized in 1993. Com-
plementing the Bank's leadership in lending in low- and moderate-income areas
and to minorities, GPCDC's focus is primarily on special lending programs, de-
velopment opportunities and assistance, consulting and other activities that
promote the objective of greater access to affordable housing for low- and mod-
erate-income persons residing in the areas served by the Company.
 
MORTGAGE BANKING SERVICES
 
The Company specializes in No Doc mortgage loan products. No Doc loan products
serve a particular niche of borrowers willing to provide larger down payments
and pay a premium, in the form of higher interest rates and loan fees, in ex-
change for loan processing that is made more expedient by virtue of requiring
less income and asset information than is required for loans underwritten in
conformance with FNMA standards. This business strategy, which also relies on
strict appraisal requirements, has enabled the Company to achieve higher inter-
est margins and levels of net interest income than typical FNMA conforming
loans which, in turn, has resulted in a high level of profitability despite
historically higher levels of loan delinquencies.
 
CONSUMER BRANCH NETWORK
 
The Consumer Branch Network ("Branch Network") consists of 73 full-service
banking offices, with 89 ATMs, located in the greater New York City Metropoli-
tan area. The Branch Network offers a variety of financial services to meet the
needs of the communities it serves. Among the services offered by the Branch
Network are traditional time, savings and checking accounts, annuity products,
mutual funds, mortgages, home equity loans, credit cards, Savings Bank Life In-
surance, safe deposit services and student loans.
 
MANUFACTURED HOUSING LENDING
 
Manufactured housing lending, like the Company's No Doc lending, is a niche
residential lending business. The Company hopes to leverage its experience in
residential lending and the experience of the current management and personnel
of B of A Housing to enhance its revenues and further expand the Company's
mortgage lending business.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
 
Bank Regulation and Supervision
The Bank is a New York State chartered savings bank and its deposit accounts
are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora-
tion (the "FDIC"). The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by both the New
York State Banking Department (the "Banking Department") and by the FDIC. New
York State Banking law and federal law respecting FDIC-insured state banking
institutions both delineate permissible activities of the Bank and require the
Bank, among other things, to file reports with the Banking Department and the
FDIC regarding its activities and financial condition, to obtain regulatory ap-
provals prior to entering into certain transactions such as establishing
branches, mergers with or acquisitions of other depository institutions, to
maintain certain minimum levels of capital and to serve the credit needs of the
communities in which it operates. In addition, the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "FRB") requires the Bank to maintain certain re-
serves against its transaction accounts.
 
Holding Company Regulation and Supervision
The Company is a registered bank holding company pursuant to the BHCA, and as
such is subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting under the
BHCA, as administered by the FRB. Under the BHCA and the rules and regulations
of the FRB, the Company, as a bank holding company, is required to meet capital
adequacy guidelines substantially similar to those of the FDIC for the Bank, is
required, under certain circumstances, to obtain the prior approval or to give
prior written notice to the FRB before entering into certain transactions such
as mergers or acquisitions involving the Company or acquisitions of more than
5% of any class of voting shares of a bank or bank holding company. In addi-
tion, as a bank holding company, the Company is generally prohibited from en-
gaging in, or acquiring direct or indirect control of, any company engaged in
non-banking activities.
 
Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, depository institutions are liable to
the FDIC for losses suffered or anticipated by the FDIC in connection with the
default of a commonly controlled depository institution or any assistance pro-
vided by the FDIC to such an institution in danger of default. This law would
have potential applicability if the Company ever acquired as a separate subsid-
iary a depository institution in addition to the Bank.
 
In addition, although the Company is not currently a "bank holding company" as
defined under the New York State Banking Law, if it were to become such, it
would be subject to additional regulation by the Banking Department.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of the individuals who are
deemed to be executive officers of the Company and the Bank as of the date of
this Prospectus.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                         AGE OFFICE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C> <C>
Thomas S. Johnson...........  57 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Bharat B. Bhatt.............  54 President and Chief Operating Officer
Ralph Hall..................  49 Executive Vice President, Mortgage Banking
S.A. Ibrahim................  46 Executive Vice President, Risk Management
Jeffrey R. Leeds............  52 Executive Vice President, Finance
Charles P. Richardson.......  51 Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
Ramesh Shah.................  50 Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking
</TABLE>
 
THOMAS S. JOHNSON was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and the Bank from August 1993 to October 1997. Since that time, he has
been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. Mr.
Johnson previously served as President of both Chemical Bank and Manufacturers
Hanover Trust Company. He is a Director of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, a
printing company, Online Resources & Communications Corporation and Alleghany
Corporation, and a trustee of not-for-profit organizations including The Insti-
tute of International Education, The Asia Society, The United States Japan
Foundation, WNET Channel 13, New York, and Trinity College. A graduate of Trin-
ity, Mr. Johnson received a masters degree in business administration from Har-
vard University.
 
BHARAT B. BHATT joined the Company in July 1995 and serves as President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Bank. Prior to that he served as
Vice Chairman of the Company and the Bank. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
Bhatt was the Chief Financial Officer of Shawmut National Corporation (1992 -
1994), Senior Vice President at Mellon Bank (1989-1992) and Vice President at
Chemical Bank (1971-1989). Mr. Bhatt holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of
Commerce degree from the University of Bombay. Mr. Bhatt attended the Manage-
ment Program at Harvard Business School. Mr. Bhatt is also a member of the In-
stitute of Chartered Accountants.
 
RALPH HALL is Executive Vice President, Mortgage Banking, of the Company and
the Bank. Mr. Hall had been General Manager, Chief Operating Officer and Direc-
tor of General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) Mortgage from 1992 to 1994;
and President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of GMAC Capital Corp.
from 1988 to 1992. Mr. Hall began his mortgage career at Citicorp Mortgage,
Inc. from 1986 to 1988; his last position at the Company being Vice President
of Operations and Product Development. Previously, he was a Senior Consulting
Manager with Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1978 to 1986. Ralph Hall served in the
United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971. Mr. Hall holds a MBA at the Uni-
versity of Houston (1977) and a BS/BA in Accounting and Economics at Southwest
Missouri State University (1974).
 
S.A. IBRAHIM joined GreenPoint Bank in March 1997 and now serves as Executive
Vice President, Risk Management of the Company and the Bank. Prior to joining
the Bank, Mr. Ibrahim was in charge of International Reengineering at American
Express' Travel Related Services Company. Previously, he held various positions
at Chemical Banking Corporation, including Chief Executive Officer of the Mort-
gage Business, Chief of Staff to the Vice Chairman in charge of Consumer Bank-
ing and Chief Credit Officer for Consumer Banking. He has also been head of the
Credit Card Operations at Crocker Bank and Chief Financial Officer of the Busi-
ness Services Division at Bank of America. Mr. Ibrahim holds a B.E. in Engi-
neering from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India, and an MBA in Finance from
the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
 
JEFFREY R. LEEDS joined the Bank in September 1995 and serves as Executive Vice
President, Finance of the Company and the Bank. Prior to that, he served as Se-
nior Vice President and Treasurer. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Leeds held a
variety of positions at Chemical Bank. His final assignment was as Head of the
Asset and Liability Management staff. Prior to that he served for seven years
as Chief Money Market Economist. Mr. Leeds began his career as an economist at
the First National Bank of Chicago. He also spent two years as Director of New
Product Development at the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Mr. Leeds earned a
Bachelor's Degree in economics from the University of Michigan and holds a Mas-
ters in Business Administration and Master of Philosophy from the Columbia Uni-
versity Graduate School of Business.
 
CHARLES P. RICHARDSON joined the Company in April, 1993 and serves as Executive
Vice President, Corporate Development of the Company and the Bank. Prior to
that, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
each. Prior to his joining the Company, Mr. Richardson was Executive Vice Pres-
ident and Chief Financial Officer for Dollar Dry Dock Bank (1985-1992) and was
a banking and thrift industry consultant (1992-1993). Mr. Richardson holds a
business degree in Accounting from Temple University.
 
RAMESH SHAH joined the Bank in June 1996 as Executive Vice President, Marketing
and Product Development, and now serves as Executive Vice President, Consumer
Banking of the Company and the Bank. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Shah was
Senior Vice President of NatWest Bancorp. (1994-1996); Senior Vice President of
Shearson Lehman Brothers (1991-1994) and Senior Vice President of American Ex-
press Company (1988-1991). Mr. Shah holds a Masters in Business Administration
from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College.
 
DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
 
Set forth below are the names and ages of the directors of the Company as of
the date of this Prospectus and the year in which each director's term expires.
The biographies of Messrs. Bhatt and Johnson are located above under the cap-
tion "--Executive Officers."
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                                            AGE TERM EXPIRES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C> <C>
Bharat B. Bhatt................................................  54         2001
Dan Huebner....................................................  67         1999
William M. Jackson.............................................  49         2000
Thomas S. Johnson..............................................  57         1999
Susan J. Kropf.................................................  49         1999
Robert M. McLane...............................................  68         2001
Charles B. McQuade.............................................  57         2000
Alvin N. Puryear...............................................  61         2000
Robert P. Quinn................................................  62         2000
Edward C. Schmults.............................................  67         2001
Wilfred O. Uhl.................................................  70         2001
Robert F. Vizza................................................  65         2001
Jules Zimmerman................................................  64         1999
</TABLE>
 
DAN F. HUEBNER has been a Director of the Company since its formation in August
1993. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Mr. Huebner also holds both a
masters and professional degree in aeronautics from the California Institute of
Technology. He is the retired Vice Chairman and a Director of Grumman Corpora-
tion. Mr. Huebner is presently a Trustee of the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co.
and the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, and a Director of the Centennial
Insurance Co. and the Atlantic Specialty Insurance Co.
 
WILLIAM M. JACKSON has been a Director of the Company since its formation in
August 1993. A graduate of Harvard College, Mr. Jackson received a law degree
from George Washington University Law School. Mr. Jackson is a partner with
Satterlee, Stephens, Burke & Burke, L.L.P., a law firm in New York City.
 
SUSAN J. KROPF has been a Director of the Company since July 1994. Ms. Kropf
has served as Executive Vice President/President, North America of Avon Prod-
ucts, Inc. ("Avon") since March, 1997. She served as Senior Vice
President/President--New and Emerging Markets of Avon from July 1996 to Febru-
ary 1997. She served as Senior Vice President--Global Product and Business
Development/President--Eastern Europe of Avon from 1994 to July 1996. She
served as Senior Vice President--Global Product Management of Avon from 1993 to
1994, and Group Vice President, U.S. Product Marketing Group of Avon from 1992
to 1993. Ms. Kropf is a Director of Avon and Mead Corporation. A graduate of
St. John's University, Ms. Kropf received a masters degree in business adminis-
tration from New York University.
 
ROBERT M. MCLANE has been a Director of the Company since its formation in Au-
gust 1993. A graduate of Yale University, Mr. McLane is a retired Senior Vice
President of Marsh & McLennan, Inc., an insurance brokerage corporation. He is
presently a Director of several private corporations and is a Trustee of Green-
wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.
 
CHARLES B. MCQUADE has been a Director of the Company since its formation in
August 1993. A graduate of Fordham College, Mr. McQuade also obtained a masters
degree in business administration at the Bernard M. Baruch Graduate Business
School. Mr. McQuade is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Securi-
ties Industry Automation Corporation. Mr. McQuade is a Director with the Brook-
lyn Bureau of Community Service and serves on the Advisory Boards of the
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
Center for Advanced Technology in Telecommunications (Polytechnic Institute)
and The Stanton Heiskell Center for Public Policy in Telecommunications and In-
formation Systems (City University of New York).
 
ALVIN N. PURYEAR has been a Director of the Company since its formation in Au-
gust 1993. A graduate of Yale University, he received masters and doctorate de-
grees from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business Administration.
Dr. Puryear is a Professor of Management at Bernard M. Baruch College of the
City University of New York. He is a director of Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi
Trust Company in New York City. He is also the Chairman of the Presbyterian
Church Investment and Loan Corporation, and a Director of the Broadcast Capital
Fund, a small business investment company licensed by the Small Business Admin-
istration, and The Interracial Council for Business Opportunity.
 
ROBERT P. QUINN has been a Director of the Company since its formation in Au-
gust 1993. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mr. Quinn was a General
Partner and Managing Director of the investment banking firm of Salomon Broth-
ers Inc, where he continues as an Honorary Director. Mr. Quinn is also a
Trustee of G.E. Funds, a registered investment management company with several
mutual fund portfolios. Mr. Quinn is the former Chairman and present member of
the Board of Directors of St. Francis-Mercy Corporation, Roslyn, New York. Mr.
Quinn is a member of the Advisory Council for the University of Notre Dame
School of Arts and Letters.
 
EDWARD C. SCHMULTS has been a Director of the Company since July 1994. Mr.
Schmults served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of GTE Corporation
from February 1984 to June 1994. A graduate of Yale University, Mr. Schmults
received a law degree from Harvard Law School. Mr. Schmults held various posi-
tions in government, including service as Deputy Attorney General of the United
States and Under Secretary of the United States Treasury Department. Mr.
Schmults was a partner with White & Case, a law firm in New York City. Mr.
Schmults is a Director of The Germany Fund, The Central European Equity Fund,
Deutsche Portfolio and Deutsche Funds, Inc., and Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation.
 
WILFRED O. UHL has been a Director of the Company since its formation in August
1993. A graduate of The Cooper Union School of Engineering, Mr. Uhl is the re-
tired President of The Long Island Lighting Company, and a member of The New
York Society of Professional Engineers and The Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers. Mr. Uhl is also Treasurer of The Interdenominational
Housing Project in Great Neck, New York, and a Director of Wartburg Lutheran
Services, Brooklyn, New York, a provider of services to the elderly.
 
ROBERT F. VIZZA has been a Director of the Company since its formation in Au-
gust 1993. He is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the St.
Francis-Mercy Corporation, the St. Francis Hospital Foundation and the St.
Francis Research and Education Corp., Roslyn, New York. Having earned a doctor-
ate in business administration from New York University, Dr. Vizza also at-
tained an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from LaSalle College and is a Fellow of
The International Academy of Management. He is a Director of the Phoenix Home
Life Mutual Insurance Company, Greater New York Hospital Association, and the
Catholic Health Network of L.I.
 
JULES ZIMMERMAN has been a Director of the Company since its formation in Au-
gust 1993. A graduate of Hofstra University, Mr. Zimmerman is the retired Pres-
ident and Chief Executive Officer of Hickok Associates, Incorporated, a con-
sulting firm. He was a senior officer with Avon Products, Inc. from 1976 to
1985 and Chief Financial Officer from 1985 to 1988. Mr. Zimmerman was the New
York Chapter President of The National Association of Corporate Directors and
is affiliated with The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is a member of
the Board of Directors of Projectvision Inc., an electronics company, Manhattan
Scientific, Inc., a development stage electronics company, and the Associated
Blind.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
The following information discusses certain provisions of the Company's Certif-
icate of Incorporation, as amended (the "Certificate"), and Bylaws (the "By-
laws") and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). This information
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the Certificate, the Bylaws and the DGCL.
 
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL
   
The Company is authorized to issue two hundred and seventy million
(270,000,000) shares of capital stock consisting of two hundred and twenty mil-
lion (220,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and
50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share ("Preferred
Stock"). As of June 25, 1998, there were 83,387,002 shares of Common Stock out-
standing and no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding.     
 
COMMON STOCK
 
Voting
Except as described below under the caption "--Restrictions on Acquisitions--
Limitations on Voting Rights," the holders of Common Stock (the "Stockholders")
are entitled to one vote per share. Stockholders do not have the right to cumu-
lative voting in the election of directors.
 
Dividends
Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any Preferred Stock then out-
standing, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may
be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor
and, in the event of liquidation or dissolution, to receive the net assets of
the Company remaining after payment of all liabilities and after payment to
holders of all shares of Preferred Stock of the full preferential amounts to
which such holders may be entitled, in proportion to their respective holdings.
 
The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking and other
subsidiaries. A substantial portion of the Company's revenues result from
amounts paid as dividends to the Company by the Bank. New York law imposes cer-
tain restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay such dividends.
 
In addition, the Company and its bank subsidiaries are subject to various gen-
eral regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends,
including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums.
The Banking Department and the FDIC are authorized to determine, under certain
circumstances relating to the financial condition of a state bank, that the
payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and to prohibit
payment thereof. The Banking Department and the FDIC have indicated that paying
dividends that deplete a bank's capital base to an inadequate level would be an
unsound and unsafe banking practice. The Banking Department, the FDIC and the
FRB have each indicated that banking organizations should generally pay divi-
dends only out of current operating earnings.
 
Preemptive Rights; Redemption
Stockholders are not entitled to any preemptive, subscription or conversion
rights. The Common Stock is not subject to redemption. All of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, including the securities offered hereby, are fully paid
and nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
No shares of Preferred Stock are currently outstanding. The Board of Directors
can, without Stockholder approval, (i) provide for the issuance of shares of
Preferred Stock in series, (ii) establish the number of such shares to be in-
cluded in such series, and (iii) fix the designation, powers, preferences and
rights of each such series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereon. The Company does not currently have any plans to issue Preferred
Stock.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITIONS
 
Limitations on Voting Rights
The Certificate provides that no record owner of Common Stock beneficially
owned, directly or indirectly, by a person who beneficially owns more than 10%
of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "Limit") as of the record
date for
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
determining the Stockholders entitled to vote on any matter may vote any shares
of Common Stock in excess of the Limit. Any such record holder may cast that
number of votes equal to the number of votes that a single record owner of all
Common Stock beneficially owned by such person would be entitled to cast sub-
ject to the limitation on voting rights described in this paragraph, multiplied
by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
that are both beneficially owned by such person and owned of record by such
record owner and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of Com-
mon Stock beneficially owned by such person owning shares in excess of the lim-
it. "Beneficial ownership" is determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General
Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act (the "Rules") and includes (i)
shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such person or any of his
"affiliates" (as defined in the Certificate), (ii) shares that such person or
his any of his affiliates (A) has the right to acquire upon exercise of conver-
sion rights, exchange rights, warrants, options or otherwise or (B) has sole or
shared voting or investment power with respect thereto pursuant to any agree-
ment, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise or (iii) shares
beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other person with which such
first mentioned person or any of its affiliates acts as a partnership, limited
partnership, syndicate or other group pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or
undertaking for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any
shares of capital stock of the Company (provided that no person shall be deemed
to be the beneficial ownership of any shares solely because such person holds a
revocable proxy granted for a particular meeting of Stockholders pursuant to a
public solicitation of proxies). No director or officer of the Company shall be
deemed to beneficially own shares beneficially owned by any other director or
officer solely by virtue of acting in their capacities as such, and neither
shall the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") or any similar
plan of the Company or the Bank or any trustee of the ESOP or any similar plan
(solely by virtue of such trustee's capacity as a trustee) be deemed to benefi-
cially own any shares held under the ESOP or any similar plan. This provision
of the Certificate can be amended only upon the vote of the holders of at least
80% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock
of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors (after
giving effect to the limitations described in this paragraph) (the "Voting
Stock"), voting as a single class.
 
Change of Control Provisions in the Certificate and Bylaws
The Certificate provides that Business Combinations between the Company or any
majority-owned subsidiary of the Company and an "Interested Stockholder" (as
defined below) or any affiliate thereof require the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 80% of the Voting Stock, voting as a single class, unless
such Business Combination (i) is approved by a majority of the Company's direc-
tors who are unaffiliated with the Interested Stockholder and were members of
the Board of Directors prior to the time the Interested Stockholder became such
(or were elected by a majority of such directors) or (ii) meets certain price
and procedure requirements that provide for consideration per share of common
stock and any other class of voting stock generally equal to the greater of
that paid by the Interested Stockholder when it acquired its shares of such
stock or the highest per share closing price of the Common Stock on the NYSE
during the 30-day period immediately preceding the date in question. "Business
Combination" is defined to include: (i) any merger or consolidation of the Com-
pany or any subsidiary of the Company with any Interested Stockholder or any
other corporation that is or, after such merger or consolidation, would be an
"Affiliate" (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Rules) of an Interested Stockhold-
er, (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other dispo-
sition to or with any Interested Stockholder or Affiliate thereof or any of the
assets of the Company or any Subsidiary having a Fair Market Value (as defined
in the Certificate) of at least 25% of the combined assets of the Company and
its Subsidiaries, (iii) the issue or transfer by the Company or any Subsidiary
of any securities of the Company or any Subsidiary to any Interested Stock-
holder or Affiliate thereof in exchange for cash, securities or other property
having a Fair Market Value of at least 25% of the combined Fair Market Value of
the common stock of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than an issuance or
transfer to an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary), (iv)
the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company pro-
posed by or on behalf of an Interested Stockholder or Affiliate thereof, or (v)
any reclassification of securities or recapitalization of the Company, or any
merger or consolidation of the Company with any of its Subsidiaries or any
other transaction that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of
the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries owned by any Interested Stockholder or Af-
filiate thereof. "Interested Stockholder" is defined to include any person who
beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the Voting Stock,
is an Affiliate of the Company and at any time within the two-year period imme-
diately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or in-
directly, of 10% of more of the voting power of the then-outstanding Voting
Stock, or is an assignee of or otherwise succeeded to any such shares, if such
assignment or succession was by means of a transaction not involving a public
offering within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
Certain Other Provisions of the Certificate and Bylaws
The Certificate and Bylaws contain a number of other provisions that may also
be deemed to have the effect of discouraging or delaying attempts to gain con-
trol of the Company, including provisions in the Certificate: (i) classifying
the Board of Directors into three classes, each class to serve for three years,
with one class being elected annually; (ii) authorizing the Board of Directors
to fix the size of the Board of Directors; (iii) authorizing directors to fill
vacancies on the Board of Directors that occur between annual meetings; (iv)
providing that directors may be removed only for cause and only by the
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the Voting Stock, voting as
a single class; (v) authorizing only the Board of Directors, acting pursuant to
a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors,
to call a special meeting of Stockholders; (vi) requiring any action by Stock-
holders to be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of Stock-
holder and not by written consent of the Stockholders; (vii) permitting the
Board of Directors to consider all relevant factors when evaluating offers by
another person to make a tender or exchange offer for any equity security of
the Company, to merge or consolidate the Company with another entity or to pur-
chase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and as-
sets of the Company, including the social and economic effects of accepting
such an offer on customers, employees and the communities in which the Company
or any of its majority-owned subsidiaries operates or is located; and (viii)
requiring the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the of the
Voting Stock to amend any of the aforementioned provisions of the Certificate
and Bylaws imposing an 80% voting requirement. The existence of the foregoing
provisions could result in (i) the Company being less attractive to a potential
acquiror, and (ii) the Stockholders receiving less for their shares of Common
Stock than otherwise might be available in the event of a take-over attempt.
 
Regulation
The Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person or group of persons from ac-
quiring "control" of a bank holding company unless the FRB has been given 60
days' prior written notice of such proposed acquisition and within that time
period the FRB has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition or
extending for up to another 30 days the period during which such a disapproval
may be issued, or unless the acquisition is subject to FRB approval under the
BHCA. An acquisition may be made prior to the expiration of the disapproval pe-
riod if the FRB issues written notice of its intent not to disapprove the ac-
tion. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the FRB, the acquisition of
more than ten percent of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company with
a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, such as
the Company, would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, con-
stitute the acquisition of control.
 
In addition, any company is required to obtain the approval of the FRB under
the BHCA before acquiring 25 percent (five percent in the case of an acquiror
that is a bank holding company) or more of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock or otherwise obtaining "control" over the Company. Under the BHCA, "con-
trol" generally means (i) the ownership or control of 25 percent or more of any
class of voting securities of a bank holding company, (ii) the ability to elect
a majority of a bank holding company's directors or (iii) the ability otherwise
to exercise a controlling influence over the management and policies of a bank
holding company. Accordingly, prior approval of the FRB would be required be-
fore any company could acquire 25% or more of the Company's Common Stock.
 
Under New York Banking Law, the prior approval of the Banking Department is re-
quired before (i) any action is taken that causes any company to become a bank
holding company, (ii) any action is taken that causes any banking institution
to become or to be merged or consolidated with a subsidiary of a bank holding
company; (iii) any bank holding company acquires direct or indirect ownership
or control of more than 5% of the voting stock of a banking institution; (iv)
any bank holding company or subsidiary thereof acquires all or substantially
all of the assets of a banking institution; or (v) any action is taken that
causes any bank holding company to merge or consolidate with another bank hold-
ing company.
 
In addition, prior approval of the Banking Department is required before taking
any action that causes any company to acquire direct or indirect "control" of a
banking institution. Under New York Banking Law, "control" is presumed to exist
if any company directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds with power to
vote 10% or more of the voting stock of a banking institution or of any company
that owns, controls or holds the power to vote 10% or more of the voting stock
of a banking institution. Accordingly, prior approval of the Banking Department
would be required before any company could acquire 10% or more of the Company's
Common Stock.
 
THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
The Company is subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a publicly-
held Delaware corporation such as the Company from engaging in various "Busi-
ness Combination" transactions with any "Interested Stockholder" for a period
of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became
such, unless (i) the board of directors approved the Business Combination or
the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an Interested Stock-
holder prior to the date the Interested Stockholder became such, (ii) upon con-
summation of the transaction resulting in the stockholder becoming an Inter-
ested Stockholder, the Interested Stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting
stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, ex-
cluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those
shares owned by (a) persons who are directors and also officers and (b) em-
ployee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to de-
termine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered
in a tender or exchange offer, or (iii) on or subsequent to such date the Busi-
ness Combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an an-
nual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the af-
firmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not
owned by the Interested Stockholder. "Business Combination" is
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
defined in a similar manner as that term is defined in the Certificate. "Inter-
ested Stockholder" is a person who (i) is the owner of 15% or more of the cor-
poration's voting stock or (ii) is an affiliate or associate of the corporation
and was the owner of 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock within the
immediately preceding three-year period, and the affiliates and associates of
such persons. Section 203 could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover at-
tempts with respect to the Company and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to
acquire the Company.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is Chase Mellon Securi-
ties.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
J.P. Morgan & Co. is acting as bookrunning lead manager for the Offering. J.P.
Morgan & Co., Goldman, Sachs & Co and Lehman Brothers Inc. are acting as joint
lead managers.
 
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated the date of this Prospectus (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the
Underwriters named below, for whom J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Goldman, Sachs
& Co., Lehman Brothers Inc., Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., Keefe,
Bruyette & Woods, Inc. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives"), have severally agreed to purchase, and
the Company has agreed to sell to them, the respective number of shares of Com-
mon Stock set forth opposite their names below. Under the terms and conditions
of the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters are obligated to take and pay
for all such shares of Common Stock, if any are taken. Under certain circum-
stances, the commitments of nondefaulting Underwriters may be increased as set
forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
 
<TABLE>   
                                                                      ----------
<CAPTION>
                                                                Number of Shares
UNDERWRITERS                                                    ----------------
<S>                                                             <C>
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ...................................
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ..........................................
Lehman Brothers Inc. ..........................................
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. ........................
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. .................................
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC..........................
                                                                      ----------
  Total........................................................       15,000,000
                                                                      ==========
</TABLE>    
 
The Underwriters propose initially to offer the Common Stock directly to the
public at the price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and to cer-
tain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $   per share.
The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in
excess of $   per share to certain other dealers. After the public offering of
the Common Stock, the public offering price and such concessions may be
changed.
   
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company has granted the Underwrit-
ers an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to
purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 shares of Common Stock on the same terms
and conditions as set forth on the cover page hereof. The Underwriters may ex-
ercise such option to purchase solely for the purpose of covering over-allot-
ments, if any, made in connection with the sale of the Common Stock offered
hereby. To the extent such option is exercised, each Underwriter will have a
commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same
percentage of such additional Common Stock as the number set forth next to such
Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares
of Common Stock offered hereby.     
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Common Stock.
Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot in connection with the Offering,
creating a syndicate short position. In addition, the Underwriters may bid for,
and purchase, shares of Common Stock in the open market to cover syndicate
short positions or to stabilize the price of the Common Stock. Finally, the un-
derwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed for distributing
the Common Stock in the Offering if the syndicate repurchases previously dis-
tributed Common Stock in syndicate covering transactions, in stabilization
transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain
the market price of the Common Stock above independent market levels. The Un-
derwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of
these activities at any time.
 
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabili-
ties, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
The Company and each of the Company's executive officers and directors have
agreed, with limited exceptions, that during the period beginning from the date
of this Prospectus and continuing to and including the date 90 days after the
date of this Prospectus, they will not (i) offer, sell, contract to sell or
otherwise dispose of Common Stock or any securities of the Company which are
substantially similar to the Common Stock, including but not limited to any se-
curities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the
right to receive, Common Stock or any such substantially similar securities or
(ii) enter into any swap, option, future, forward or other agreement that
transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of Common
Stock or any securities substantially similar to the Common Stock, in each case
without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. The restric-
tions described in this paragraph do not apply to (a) the issuance by the Com-
pany of shares of Common Stock pursuant to employee stock option and restricted
stock plans existing on, or upon the conversion or exchange of convertible or
exchangeable securities outstanding as of, the date of this Prospectus or (b)
the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection with the transactions de-
scribed in this Prospectus.
 
From time to time in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, cer-
tain of the Underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in and may in the
future engage in commercial and/or investment banking transactions with the
Company and its affiliates.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by its special counsel, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, and for the Un-
derwriters by their special counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell. Wachtell, Lipton,
Rosen & Katz has provided and continues to provide services for the Company,
including in connection with the B of A Housing Acquisition.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
The financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996 incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 have been so incorporated in reliance
on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
The financial statements for December 31, 1995 incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent accountants, given
on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
                                      LOGO
 
 
 
 
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than underwrit-
ing discounts and commissions, payable in connection with the sale and distri-
bution of the securities being registered. All amounts except the Securities
and Exchange Commission registration fee and the NASD filing fee are estimated.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
   ITEM                                                                  AMOUNT
   ----                                                                  ------
   <S>                                                                   <C>
   Registration fee..................................................... 203,550
   NASD filing fee......................................................  30,500
   Blue Sky fees and expenses...........................................   5,000
   Printing and engraving expenses...................................... 300,000
   Legal fees and expenses.............................................. 150,000
   Accounting fees and expenses......................................... 200,000
   Transfer Agent and Registrar fees....................................   2,500
   Miscellaneous........................................................   8,450
       Total............................................................ 900,000
</TABLE>    
       
       
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  Registrant is a Delaware corporation subject to the applicable provisions of
the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") related to the limitation of
director liability, indemnification of directors and officers and insurance
against director and officer liability maintained by a corporation on behalf of
directors and officers.
 
  Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation's certificate of incorpo-
ration to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corpo-
ration or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as
a director provided that the relevant provision does not eliminate or limit the
liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to
the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts of omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) for unlawful payment of a dividend or approval of an unlawful stock pur-
chase or redemption or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived
an improper personal benefit.
 
  Section 145(a) of the DGCL permits a corporation to indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pend-
ing or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, adminis-
trative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corpo-
ration) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of
the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corpora-
tion, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action,
suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such per-
son reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe the relevant conduct was unlawful.
 
  Section 145(b) of the DGCL permits a corporation to indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pend-
ing or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation by reason
of the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above
against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred
by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that
no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim or issue as to which
such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation unless and only
to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action was
brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of lia-
bility but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the Court of Chancery
of Delaware or such other court deems proper.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
  Section 145(c) of the DGCL provides that a corporation must indemnify a pres-
ent or former director or officer of a corporation who has been successful on
the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding re-
ferred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 or in defense of any claim,
issue or matter therein against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually
and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
 
  Section 145(e) of the DGCL permits a corporation to pay expenses (including
attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any proceeding
in advance of the final disposition of such matter upon receipt of an undertak-
ing by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it is ultimately de-
termined that such person is not entitled to indemnity. The indemnification
provided for by Section 145 of the DGCL is not exclusive of any other rights to
which the indemnified party may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
 
  Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides that a corporation may purchase and main-
tain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, em-
ployee or agent of the corporation or was or is serving in such a capacity at
the request of the corporation with another business entity against any liabil-
ity asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capac-
ity, or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the corpo-
ration would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability un-
der Section 145 of the DGCL.
 
  Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate") includes provi-
sions limiting director liability, providing for indemnification of directors
and officers and permitting Registrant to maintain insurance against director
and officer liability.
 
  Article ELEVENTH of the Certificate provides as follows:
 
    A Director of this Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Cor-
  poration or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
  duty as a Director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the Direc-
  tor's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts
  or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
  knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
  Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the Director de-
  rived an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law
  is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting
  the personal liability of Directors, then the liability of a Director of
  the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent per-
  mitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.
 
    Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders
  of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a
  Director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modifi-
  cation.
 
  Sections A, B, D and E of Article TENTH of the Certificate provide as fol-
lows:
 
    A. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a
  party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding,
  whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a
  "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a Director or
  an Officer of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the
  Corporation as a Director, Officer, employee or agent of another corpora-
  tion or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, includ-
  ing service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "in-
  demnitee"), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an
  official capacity as a Director, Officer, employee or agent or in any other
  capacity while serving as a Director, Officer, employee or agent, shall be
  indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent au-
  thorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may
  hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the
  extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader in-
  demnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide
  prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (includ-
  ing attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and
  amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indem-
  nitee in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided
  in Section C hereof with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indem-
  nification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connec-
  tion with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only
  if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Direc-
  tors of the Corporation.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
    B. The right to indemnification conferred in Section A of this Article
  TENTH shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses
  incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposi-
  tion (hereinafter an "advancement of expenses"); provided, however, that,
  if the Delaware General Corporation Law requires, an advancement of ex-
  penses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a Director or
  Officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered
  by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, services to an employee
  benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an un-
  dertaking (hereinafter an "undertaking"), by or on behalf of such indemni-
  tee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined
  by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal
  (hereinafter a "final adjudication") that such indemnitee is not entitled
  to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section or otherwise. The
  rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in
  Sections A and B of this Article TENTH shall be contract rights and such
  rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a Director,
  Officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemni-
  tee's heirs, executors and administrators.
 
    D. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses con-
  ferred in this Article TENTH shall not be exclusive of any other right
  which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Cor-
  poration's Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement, vote of stock-
  holders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise.
 
    E. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect it-
  self and any Director, Officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or
  Subsidiary or Affiliate or another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
  trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether
  or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person
  against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware General Corpora-
  tion Law.
 
  The Registrant maintains an insurance policy insuring the directors and offi-
cers of the Corporation against certain acts and omissions arising while serv-
ing or acting in their official capacities.
 
  Under the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters are obligated, under cer-
tain circumstances, to indemnify directors and officers of the Registrant
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  The following Exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by refer-
ence:
 
<TABLE>   
   <C>  <S>
    1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.
    2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 11, 1998, by and between
        BankAmerica Corporation and GreenPoint Bank (incorporated herein by
        reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
        10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998).
    3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of GreenPoint Financial Corp.
        (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's
        Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998).
    3.2 Bylaws of GreenPoint Financial Corp. (incorporated herein by reference
        to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
        year ended December 31, 1997).
    5.1 Opinion of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.*
   23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
   23.2 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
   23.3 Consent of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (contained in Exhibit 5.1).*
   24.1 Power of Attorney.*
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
*Previously filed.     
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, each filing of Registrant's Annual Report pursuant to Section 13(a)
  or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by
  reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new regis-
  tration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the of-
  fering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
  bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
    (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933:
 
      (a) the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part
    of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained
    in a form of Prospectus filed by Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
    or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of
    this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective;
    and
 
      (b) each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
    shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the se-
    curities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
    time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted as to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Reg-
istrant pursuant to the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By laws
of Registrant, indemnification agreements entered into between Registrant and
its officers and directors, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, of-
ficer, or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any ac-
tion, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or control-
ling person in connection with the securities being registered, Registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by con-
trolling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Registrant certi-
fies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the re-
quirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration state-
ment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized,
in New York, New York, on June 26, 1998.     
 
                                               Greenpoint Financial Corp.
                                                      (Registrant)
 
                                                /s/   Thomas S. Johnson
                                          By___________________________________
                                                     Thomas S. Johnson
                                               Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                          Officer
                                                      
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
on June 26, 1998.     
 
  /s/   Thomas S. Johnson
- -------------------------------
      Thomas S. Johnson,
      Chairman and Chief
       Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer)
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
        Bharat B. Bhatt
Member of the Board, President
  and Chief Operating Officer
 
- -------------------------------
   Dan F. Huebner, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
 William M. Jackson, Director
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
   Susan J. Kropf, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
  Robert M. McLane, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
 Charles B. McQuade, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
  Alvin N. Puryear, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
   Robert P. Quinn, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
 Edward C. Schmults, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
   Wilfred O. Uhl, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
   Robert F. Vizza, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
   Jules Zimmerman, Director
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
     Charles P. Richardson
   Executive Vice President
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
       Jeffrey R. Leeds
 Executive Vice President, Fi-
             nance
 (Principal Financial Officer)
               
            *     
- -------------------------------
       Mary Beth Farrell
   Senior Vice President and
          Comptroller
   
*/s/ Thomas S. Johnson     
- -------------------------------
   
Thomas S. Johnson, as Attor-
ney-in-fact.     
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                  EXHIBIT
 -------                                 -------
 <C>     <S>
  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  2.1    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 11, 1998, by and between
         BankAmerica Corporation and GreenPoint Bank (incorporated herein by
         reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
         10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998).
  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of GreenPoint Financial Corp.
         (incorporated herein by reference to
         Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
         quarter ended March 31, 1998).
  3.2    Bylaws of GreenPoint Financial Corp. (incorporated herein by reference
         to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated
         December 31, 1997).
  5.1    Opinion of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.*
 23.1    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
 23.2    Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
 23.3    Consent of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (contained in Exhibit 5.1).*
 24.1    Power of Attorney.*
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
*Previously filed.     

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

 
                           GREENPOINT FINANCIAL CORP.

                         ______ SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

                             Underwriting Agreement


                                        July __, 1998


J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Lehman Brothers Inc.
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
As Representatives of the several 
  Underwriters listed in Schedule I hereto
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
  60 Wall Street
  New York, New York  10260

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     GREENPOINT FINANCIAL CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"),
proposes to sell to the several Underwriters listed in Schedule I
hereto (the "UNDERWRITERS"), for whom you are acting as representatives (the
"REPRESENTATIVES"), an aggregate of __________ shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, of the Company (the "UNDERWRITTEN SHARES") and, for the sole
purpose of covering over-allotments in connection with the sale of the
Underwritten Shares, at the option of the Underwriters, to sell up
to an additional _________ shares of Common Stock of the Company (the "OPTION
SHARES").  The Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares are herein referred to
as the "SHARES".  The shares of Common Stock of the Company to be outstanding
after giving effect to the sale of the Shares are herein referred to as the
"STOCK".

__________________________

/1/Confirm if only selling treasury shares.
<PAGE>
 
     The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "COMMISSION") in accordance with the provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder (collectively, the "SECURITIES ACT"), a registration
statement, including a prospectus, relating to the Shares.  The registration
statement as amended at the time when it shall become effective, including
information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time
of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, is referred to
in this Agreement as the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT", and the prospectus in the
form first used to confirm sales of Shares is referred to in this Agreement as
the "PROSPECTUS".  If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration
statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the "RULE 462
REGISTRATION STATEMENT"), then any reference herein to the term "Registration
Statement" shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement.  Any
reference in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, any preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus shall also be deemed to refer to and include the
documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3
under the Securities Act, as of the effective date of the Registration Statement
or the date of such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may
be, and any reference to "amend", "amendment" or "supplement" with respect to
the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall
be deemed to refer to and include any documents filed after such date under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder (collectively, the "EXCHANGE ACT") that are deemed to
be incorporated by reference therein.

     The Company hereby agrees with the Underwriters as follows:

     1.   The Company agrees to sell the Underwritten Shares to the several
Underwriters as hereinafter provided, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of
the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the
conditions hereinafter stated, agrees to purchase, severally and not jointly,
from the Company the respective number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite
such Underwriter's name in Schedule I hereto at a purchase price per share (the
"PURCHASE PRICE") of $______.

     In addition, the Company agrees to sell the Option Shares to the several
Underwriters as hereinafter provided, and the Underwriters on the basis of the
representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions
hereinafter stated, shall have the option to purchase, severally and not
jointly, from the Company up to an aggregate of _______ Option Shares at the
Purchase Price, for the sole purpose of covering over-allotments (if any) in the
sales of Underwritten Shares by the several Underwriters.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     If any Option Shares are to be purchased, the number of Option Shares to be
purchased by each Underwriter shall be the number of Option Shares which bears
the same ratio to the aggregate number of Option Shares being purchased as the
number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite the name of such Under  writer
in Schedule I hereto (or such number increased as set forth in Section 9 hereof)
bears to the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares being purchased from the
Company by the several Underwriters, subject, however, to such adjustments to
eliminate any fractional Shares as the Representatives in their sole discretion
shall make.

     The Underwriters may exercise the option to purchase the Option Shares at
any time (but not more than once) on or before the thirtieth day following the
date of this Agreement, by written notice from the Representatives to the
Company.  Such notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Option Shares as
to which the option is being exercised and the date and time when the Option
Shares are to be delivered and paid for, which may be the same date and time as
the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) but shall not be earlier than the
Closing Date nor later than the tenth full Business Day (as hereinafter defined)
after the date of such notice (unless such time and date are postponed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 9 hereof).  Any such notice shall be
given at least two Business Days prior to the date and time of delivery
specified therein.

     2.   The Company understands that the Underwriters intend (i) to make a
public offering of the Shares as soon after (A) the Registration Statement has
become effective and (B) the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as in the judgment of the Representatives is advisable and (ii) to
offer the Shares upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus.

     3.   Payment for the Shares shall be made by wire transfer in immediately
available funds to the account specified by the Company to the Representatives,
in the case of the Underwritten Shares, on July __, 1998, or at such other time
on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth Business Day
thereafter, as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing or,
in the case of the Option Shares, on the date and time specified by the
Representatives in the written notice of the Underwriters' election to purchase
such Option Shares or such other time as the Representatives and the Company may
agree upon in writing.  The time and date of such payment for the Underwritten
Shares is referred to herein as the "CLOSING DATE" and the time and date for
such payment for the Option Shares, if other than the Closing Date, is referred
to herein as the "ADDITIONAL CLOSING DATE".  As used herein, the term "BUSINESS
DAY" means any day other than a day on which banks are permitted or required to
be closed in New York City.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     Payment for the Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date or the
Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be made against delivery to
the Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters of
the Shares to be purchased on such date registered in such names and in such
denominations as the Representatives shall request in writing not later than two
full Business Days prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as
the case may be, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer
to the Underwriters of the Shares duly paid by the Company.  The certificates
for the Shares will be made available for inspection and packaging by the
Representatives at the office of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. set forth above not
later than 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Business Day prior to the
Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

4.   The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter that:

     (a)  no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary
prospectus has been issued by the Commission, and each preliminary prospectus
filed as part of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of
any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act,
complied when so filed in all material respects with the Securities Act, and did
not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
provided that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements
or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating
to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter
through the Representatives expressly for use therein;

     (b)  no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been instituted
or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission; and the
Registration Statement and Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company
shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) comply, or will
comply, as the case may be, in all material respects with the Securities Act and
do not and will not, as of the applicable effective date as to the Registration
Statement and any amendment thereto and as of the date of the Prospectus and any
amendment or supplement thereto, contain any 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, at the Closing
Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; provided that the foregoing representations and warranties
shall not apply to any statements or omissions in the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating
to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter
through the Representatives expressly for use therein;

     (c)  the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, when they
were filed with the Commission, conformed in all material respects to the
requirements of the Exchange Act and none of such documents contained an untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; and any further documents so filed and incorporated by
reference in the Prospectus, when such documents are filed with the Commission,
will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act,
and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

     (d)  the financial statements, and the related notes thereto, included or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their
operations and changes in their consolidated cash flows for the periods
specified; and said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and the
supporting schedules included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement present fairly the information required to be stated therein;

     (e)  since the respective dates as of which information is given in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (i) none of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries has sustained any material loss or material interference with its
business from any action, notice, order or decree of a regulatory authority, and
(ii) there has not been any change in the capital stock (other than as a result
of Common Stock repurchases made by the Company on a basis consistent with past
practice) or long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any
material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material
adverse change, in or affecting the general affairs, business, prospects,
management, financial 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
position, stockholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in
the Prospectus; and except as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus
neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has entered into any transaction
or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) material to the
Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;

     (f)  the Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with power
and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its
business as described in the Prospectus, is duly registered as a bank holding
company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"), and
has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business
and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it
owns or leases proper  ties, or conducts any business, so as to require such
qualification, other than where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

     (g)  GreenPoint Bank (the "BANK") has been duly organized as a New York-
chartered stock savings bank and is validly existing in good standing under the
laws of the State of New York, with power and authority (corporate and other) to
own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and
has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business
and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it
owns or leases proper  ties, or conducts any business, so as to require such
qualification, other than where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole (except, with respect to the manufactured housing
lending business to be acquired from Bank of America, FSB, GreenPoint Credit
Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, is seeking to acquire certain
necessary mortgage and consumer finance licenses (the "B of A Housing Licenses")
in the states in which it will operate such business); and all the outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Bank have been duly authorized and validly
issued, are fully-paid and non-assessable, and are directly owned by the Company
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests and claims;

     (h)  each of the Company's subsidiaries (other than the Bank) has been duly
incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, with power and authority 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
(corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as
described in the Prospectus, and has been duly qualified as a foreign
corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the
laws of each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any
business, so as to require such qualification, other than where the failure to
be so qualified or in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on
the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; and all the outstanding
shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company (other than the Bank)
have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully-paid and non-assessable,
and are owned by the Company, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all
liens, encumbrances, security interests and claims;

     (i)  the Company, the Bank and each other subsidiary of the Company are in
compliance with all laws administered by, and all rules and regulations of, the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "BOARD"), the Federal
Deposit Insurance Company (the "FDIC") and any state bank regulatory authority
with jurisdiction over the Company, the Bank or such other subsidiary of the
Company, other than where the failure to be in compliance would not have a
material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

     (j)  this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Company;

     (k)  the Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the
Prospectus and such authorized capital stock conforms as to legal matters to the
description thereof set forth in the Prospectus, and all of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly
issued, are fully-paid and non-assessable and are not subject to any pre-emptive
or similar rights; and, except as described in or expressly contemplated by the
Prospectus, there are no outstanding rights (including, without limitation, pre-
emptive rights), warrants or options to acquire, or instruments convertible into
or exchangeable for, any shares of capital stock or other equity interest in the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any contract, commitment, agreement,
understanding or arrangement of any kind relating to the issuance of any capital
stock of the Company or any such subsidiary, any such convertible or
exchangeable securities or any such rights, warrants or options;

     (l)  the Shares to be sold by the Company hereunder have been duly
authorized, validly issued, and, when delivered to and paid for by the
Underwriters in accordance with the terms
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
of this Agreement, will be validly issued and will be fully paid and non-
assessable and will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus; and
the sale of the Shares is not subject to any preemptive or
similar rights;

     (m)  neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is, or with the giving
of notice or lapse of time or both would be, in violation of or in default
under, its Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or any indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them or
any of their respective properties is bound, except for violations and defaults
which individually and in the aggregate are not material to the Company and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole; the sale of the Shares and the performance by the
Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein will not conflict with or result in a breach of
any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company
or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, nor will any such action
result in any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or
the By-Laws of the Company or any applicable law or statute or any order, rule
or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction
over the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties; and no
consent, approval, authorization, order, license, registration or qualification
of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the
sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except such consents, approvals, authorizations,
orders, licenses, registrations or qualifications as have been obtained under
the Securities Act and as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky
Laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the
Underwriters;

     (n)  other than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus, there are
no legal or governmental investigations, actions, suits or proceedings pending
or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries is or may be a party or to which any property
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is or may be the subject which, if
determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, could
individually or in the aggregate 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
have a material adverse effect on the general affairs, business, prospects,
management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of operations of
the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and, to the best of the
Company's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by
governmental authorities or threatened by others; and there are no statutes,
regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in
the Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required;

     (o)  no person has the right to require the Company to register any
securities for offering and sale under the Securities Act by reason of the
filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission or the sale of the
Shares;

     (p)  the Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale
of the Shares, will not be an "investment company", as such term is defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT");

     (q)  Price Waterhouse LLP and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP who have certified
certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are each
independent public accountants as required by the Securities Act;

     (r)  the Company and its subsidiaries have filed all federal, state and
local tax returns which have been required to be filed and have paid all taxes
shown thereon and all assessments received by them or any of them to the extent
that such taxes have become due and are not being contested in good faith,
except where the failure to so file or pay would not have a material adverse
effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and there is no
tax deficiency which has been or might reasonably be expected to be asserted or
threatened against the Company or any subsidiary, except for any such tax
deficiency which would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or except as otherwise disclosed in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus;

     (s)  the Company has not taken nor will it take, directly or indirectly,
any action designed to, or that might be reasonably expected to, cause or result
in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock;

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     (t)  each of the Company and its subsidiaries owns, possesses or has
obtained all licenses, permits, certificates, consents, orders, approvals and
other authorizations from, and has made all declarations and filings with, all
federal, state, local and other governmental authorities, all self-regulatory
organizations and all courts and other tribunals necessary to own or lease, as
the case may be, and to operate its properties and to carry on its business as
conducted as of the date hereof (other than with respect to the B of A Housing
Licenses), and except where the failure to so obtain such licenses, permits,
certificates, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations or make such
declarations and filings would not have a material adverse effect on the Company
and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and neither the Company nor any such
subsidiary has received any actual notice of any proceeding relating to
revocation or modification of any such license, permit, certificate, consent,
order, approval or other authorization, except for such proceedings which would
not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, or as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; and
each of the Company and its subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws and
regulations relating to the conduct of its business as conducted as of the date
hereof, except where the failure to so comply would not have a material adverse
effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

     (u)  there are no existing or, to the best knowledge of the Company,
threatened labor disputes with the employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries which are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;

     (v)  the Company and its subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any and
all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the
protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic
substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS"), (ii)
have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under
applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii)
are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or
approval, except where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to
receive required permits, licenses or other approvals or failure to comply with
the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals would not,
singly or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and
its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     (w)  in the ordinary course of its business, the Company conducts a
periodic review of the effect of Environmental Laws on the business, operations
and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, in the course of which it
identifies and evaluates associated costs and liabilities (including, without
limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure
of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws or any permit, license or
approval, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential
liabilities to third parties); on the basis of such review, the Company has
reasonably concluded that such associated costs and liabilities would not,
singly or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and
its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

5.   The Company covenants and agrees with each of the several Underwriters as
follows:

     (a)  to use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become
effective at the earliest possible time and, if required, to file the final
Prospectus with the Commission within the time periods specified by Rule 424(b)
and Rule 430A under the Securities Act and to file promptly all reports and any
definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company
with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act subsequent to the date of the Prospectus and for so long as the
delivery of a prospectus is required in connection with the offering or sale of
the Shares; and to furnish copies of the Prospectus to the Underwriters in New
York City prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Business Day next
succeeding the date of this Agreement in such quantities as the Representatives
may reasonably request;

     (b)  to deliver, at the expense of the Company, to the Representatives
seven signed copies of the Registration Statement (as originally filed) and each
amendment thereto, in each case including exhibits and documents incorporated by
reference therein, and to each other Underwriter a conformed copy of the
Registration Statement (as originally filed) and each amendment thereto, in each
case without exhibits but including the documents incorporated by reference
therein and, during the period mentioned in Section 5 below, to each of the
Underwriters as many copies of the Prospectus (including all amendments and
supplements thereto) and documents incorporated by reference therein as the
Representatives may reasonably request;

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     (c)  before filing any amendment or supplement to the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus, whether before or after the time the Registration
Statement becomes effective, to furnish to the Representatives a copy of the
proposed amendment or supplement for review and not to file any such proposed
amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object;

     (d)  to advise the Representatives promptly, and to confirm such advice in
writing (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective, (ii) when any
amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective,
(iii) when any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been
filed and to furnish the Representatives with copies thereof, (iv) of any
request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any
amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for any additional information, (v)
of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use
of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or the initiation or threatening
of any proceeding for that purpose, (vi) of the occurrence of any event, within
the period referenced in Section 5 below, as a result of which the Prospectus as
then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is
delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, and (vii) of the receipt by the
Company of any notification with respect to any suspension of the qualification
of the Shares for offer and sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or
threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and to use its best efforts to
prevent the issuance of any such stop order, or of any order preventing or
suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any
order suspending any such qualification of the shares, or notification of any
such order thereof and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal
thereof;

     (e)  if, during such period of time after the first date of the public
offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a
prospectus relating to the Shares is required by law to be delivered in
connection with sales by the Underwriters or any dealer, any event shall occur
as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the
Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if it is necessary to
amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, forthwith to prepare and
furnish, at the expense of the 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Company, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses the
Representatives will furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold
by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers
upon request, such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may be
necessary so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented
will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to
a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus will comply with law;

     (f)  to endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the
securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall
reasonably request and to continue such qualification in effect so long as
reasonably required for distribution of the Shares; provided that the Company
shall not be required to file a general consent to service of process in any
jurisdiction;

     (g)  to make generally available to its security holders and to the
Representatives as soon as practicable an earnings statement covering a period
of at least twelve months beginning after the effective date of the Registration
Statement, which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities
Act and, at the option of the Company, Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated
thereunder;

     (h)  for a period of two years after the effective date of the Registration
Statement, to furnish to the Representatives copies of all reports or other
communications (financial or other) furnished to holders of the Shares, and
copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the
Commission or any national securities exchange;

     (i)  for a period of 90 days after the date of the final prospectus
relating to the initial public offering of the Shares not to (i) offer, pledge,
announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option,
right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any shares of Stock or any securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for Stock or (ii) enter into any swap or other
agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences
of ownership of the Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i)
or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Stock or such other securities, in
cash or otherwise without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities 
Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters provided that the foregoing restrictions do
not apply to (i) the issuance by the Company of shares of Stock pursuant to
employee stock option and restricted stock plans existing on, or upon
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding
as of, the effective date of the Prospectus, (ii) the issuance of the Shares to
be sold hereunder or (iii) any such action taken in connection with the
acquisition by the Company or any of its affiliates of the stock or assets of 
one or more businesses or any division or portion of any such business;

     (j)  to use the net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the
Shares pursuant to this Agreement in the manner specified in the Prospectus
under the caption "Use of Proceeds"; and

     (k)  whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are
consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid all
costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder,
including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all costs and
expenses (i) incident to the preparation, issuance, execution and delivery of
the Shares, (ii) incident to the preparation, printing and filing under the
Securities Act of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and any preliminary
prospectus (including in each case all exhibits, amendments and supplements
thereto), (iii) incurred in connection with the registration or qualification of
the Shares under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may
designate (including fees of counsel for the Underwriters and its
disbursements), (iv) in connection with the listing of the Shares on the
Exchange, (v) related to the filing with, and clearance of the offering by, the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (vi) in connection with the
printing (including word processing and duplication costs) and delivery of this
Agreement, the Preliminary and Supplemental Blue Sky Memoranda and the
furnishing to the Underwriters and dealers of copies of the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus, including mailing and shipping, as herein
provided, (vii) any expenses incurred by the Company in connection with a "road
show" presentation to potential investors, (viii) the cost of preparing stock
certificates and (ix) the cost and charges of any transfer agent and any
registrar. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Underwriters
shall pay their own costs and expenses incident to the performance of their
obligations under this Agreement.

     6.   The several obligations of the Underwriters hereunder to purchase the
Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be,
are subject to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and
to the following additional conditions:

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
     (a)  the Registration Statement shall have become effective (or if a post-
effective amendment is required to be filed under the Securities Act, such post-
effective amendment shall have become effective) not later than 5:30 P.M., New
York City time, on the date hereof; and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment
shall be in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before
or threatened by the Commission; the Prospectus shall have been filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the applicable time period prescribed
for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Securities Act and in
accordance with Section 5 hereof; and all requests for additional information
shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Representatives;

     (b)  the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein are
true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date,
as the case may be, as if made on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional
Closing Date, as the case may be, and the Company shall have complied with all
agreements and all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder
at or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may
be;

     (c)  subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior
to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, there
shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of
(i) any downgrading, (ii) any intended or potential downgrading or (iii) any
review or possible change that does not indicate an improvement, in the rating
accorded any securities of or guaranteed by the Company by any "nationally
recognized statistical rating organization", as such term is defined for
purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act;

     (d)  since the respective dates as of which information is given in the
Prospectus there shall not have been any change in the capital stock (other than
as a result of Common Stock repurchases made by the Company on a basis 
consistent with past practice) or long-term debt of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any material adverse change, or any development involving a
prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the general affairs,
business, prospects, management, financial position, stockholders' equity or
results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
other wise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus, the effect of
which in the judgment of the Representatives makes it impracticable or
inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Shares on
the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus; and
neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has sustained since the date of
the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in
the Prospectus any material loss or interference with its business from fire,
explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from
any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise
than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus;

     (e)  the Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date
or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, a certificate of an
executive officer of the Company, with specific knowledge about the Company's
financial matters, satisfactory to the Representatives to the effect set forth
in Sections 6, 6 and 6 and to the further effect that there has not occurred any
material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material
adverse change, in or affecting the general affairs, business, prospects,
management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of operations of
the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole from that set forth or
contemplated in the Registration Statement;

     (f)  Howard C. Bluver, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, for the
Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives his written opinion, dated
the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect that:

     (i)  the Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with power
and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its
business as described in the Prospectus, is duly registered as a bank holding
company under the BHCA, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for
the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other
jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so
as to require such qualification, other than where the failure to be so
qualified or in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

     (ii) the Bank has been duly organized as a New York-chartered stock savings
bank and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of New
York, with power and 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business
as described in the Prospectus, and has been duly qualified as a foreign
corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the
laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or
conducts any business, so as to require such qualification, other than with
respect to the B of A Housing Licenses and except where the failure to be so
qualified or in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and all the outstanding shares
of capital stock of the Bank have been duly authorized and validly issued, are
fully-paid and non-assessable, and are directly owned by the Company free and
clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests and claims;

     (iii) each of the Company's subsidiaries (other than the Bank) has been
duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, with power and authority (corporate and other) to
own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and
has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business
and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which it owns or
leases properties, or conducts any business, so as to require such
qualification, other than where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole; and all the outstanding shares of capital stock
of each subsidiary of the Company (other than the Bank) have been duly
authorized and validly issued, are fully-paid and non-assessable, and are owned
by the Company, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, security interests and claims;

     (iv) to the best of such counsel's knowledge, the Company, the Bank and
each other subsidiary of the Company are in compliance with all laws
administered by, and all rules and regulations of, the Board, the FDIC and any
state bank regulatory authority with jurisdiction over the Company, the Bank or
such other subsidiary of the Company, other than where the failure to be in
compliance would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

     (v)  other than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus, there are
no legal or governmental investigations, actions, suits or proceedings pending
or, to the best of such 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
counsel's knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or to which the Company or
any of its subsidiaries is or may be a party or to which any property of the
Company or its subsidiaries is or may be the subject which, if determined
adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, could individually or in
the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the general affairs, business,
prospects, management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of
operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; to the best of
such counsel's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by
governmental authorities or threatened by others; and such counsel does not know
of any statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to
be described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as
required;

     (vi) the statements in the Prospectus under "Business--Supervision and
Regulation" and in the Prospectus incorporated by reference from Item 1 of Part
1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997 (the "COMPANY'S 1997 FORM 10-K") under the caption "Business--Bank
Regulation and Supervision" and "--Holding Company Regulation and Supervision"
and from Item 3 of Part 1 of the Company's 1997 Form 10-K, insofar as such
statements constitute a summary of the terms of the Stock, legal matters,
documents or proceedings referred to therein, fairly present the information
called for with respect to such terms, legal matters, documents or proceedings;
                                                                               
     (vii) such counsel is of the opinion that the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto (other than the
financial statements and related schedules and other financial and statistical
data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which such counsel
need express no opinion) comply as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the Securities Act and has no reason to believe that (other than
the financial statements and related schedules and other financial and
statistical data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which such
counsel need express no belief) the Registration Statement and the prospectus
included therein at the time the Registration Statement became effective
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, or that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if
applicable, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

     (viii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is, or with the
giving of notice or lapse of time or both would be, in violation of or in
default under, its Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or any indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument known
to such counsel to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which it or any of them or any of their respective properties is bound, except
for violations and defaults which individually and in the aggregate are not
material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; the 
sale of the Shares being delivered on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing
Date, as the case may be, and the performance by the Company of its obligations
under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
herein will not conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms or
provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument known to such counsel to
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company
or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, nor will any such action
result in any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or
the By-Laws of the Company or any applicable law or statute or any order, rule
or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction
over the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties;

     (ix) the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus or any
further amendment or supplement thereto made by the Company prior to the Closing
Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be (other than the
financial statements and related schedules and other financial or statistical
data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which such counsel
need express no opinion), when they were filed with the Commission, complied as
to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; and such counsel has no
reason to 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
believe that any of such documents, when such documents were so filed, contained
an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made when such documents were so filed, not
misleading; and

     (x)  each of the Company and its subsidiaries owns, possesses or has
obtained all licenses, permits, certificates, consents, orders, approvals and
other authorizations from, and has made all declarations and filings with, all
federal, state, local and other governmental authorities, all self-regulatory
organizations and all courts and other tribunals necessary to own or lease, as
the case may be, and to operate its properties and to carry on its business as
conducted as of the date hereof, other than with respect to the B of A Housing
Licenses and except where the failure to so obtain such licenses, permits,
certificates, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations or make such
declarations and filings would not have a material adverse effect on the Company
and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and neither the Company nor any such
subsidiary has received any actual notice of any proceeding relating to
revocation or modification of any such license, permit, certificate, consent,
order, approval or other authorization, except for such proceedings which would
not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, or as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; and
each of the Company and its subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws and
regulations relating to the conduct of its business as conducted as of the date
hereof, except where the failure to so comply would not have a material adverse
effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

     (g)  Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, special counsel for the Company, shall
have furnished to the Representatives their written opinion, dated the Closing
Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect that:

     (i)  this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Company;

     (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to legal
matters to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus;

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
     (iii) the shares of capital stock of the Company outstanding prior to the
sale of the Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly
authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable;

     (iv) the Shares to be sold by the Company hereunder have been
duly authorized, validly issued, and when [issued and] delivered to and paid for
the Underwriters in accor  dance with the terms of this Agreement, will be
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and the [issuance and] sale of the
Shares is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights;

     (v)  the statements in the Prospectus under "Description of Capital Stock"
and in the Registration Statement in Item 15, insofar as such statements
constitute a summary of the terms of the Stock, legal matters, documents or
proceedings referred to therein, fairly present the information called for with
respect to such terms, legal matters, documents or proceedings;

     (vi) such counsel is of the opinion that the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto (other than the financial
statements and related schedules and other financial and statistical data
included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which such counsel need
express no opinion) comply as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the Securities Act and has no reason to believe that (other than
the financial statements and related schedules and other financial and
statistical data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which such
counsel need express no opinion) the Registration Statement and the prospectus
included therein at the time the Registration Statement became effective
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, or that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if
applicable, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

     (vii) no consent, approval, authorization, order, license, registration or
qualification of or with any court or governmental agency or body is required
for the sale of the Shares or 

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
the consummation of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
except such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, licenses, registrations
or qualifications as have been obtained under the Securities Act and as may be
required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase
and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters; and

     (viii) the Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale
of the Shares, will not be an "investment company", as such term is defined in
the Investment Company Act.

     In rendering the opinions set forth in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this
     Section, (A) Howard C. Bluver may rely, as to matters involving the
     application of laws other than the laws of the United States and the States
     of New York and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, to
     the extent he deems proper and to the extent specified in such opinion, if
     at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in form and substance reasonably
     satisfactory to Underwriters' counsel) of other counsel reasonably
     acceptable to the Underwriters' counsel, familiar with the applicable laws
     and (B) each of Howard C. Bluver and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz may
     rely, as to matters of fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on
     certificates of responsible officers of the Company and certificates or
     other written statements of officials of jurisdictions having custody of
     documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the
     Company.  The opinion of Howard C. Bluver shall state that the opinions of
     any such other counsel upon which he relied is in form satisfactory to him
     and, in his opinion, the Underwriters and he is justified in relying
     thereon.  With respect to the matters to be covered in Section 6(f)(vii) or
     6(g)(vi), above counsel may state their opinion and belief is based upon
     their participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto (other than, in the
     case of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the documents incorporated by
     reference therein) and review and discussion of the contents thereof
     (including the documents incorporated by reference therein) but is without
     independent check or verification except as specified.

     The opinions of counsel described above shall be rendered to the
Underwriters at the request of the Company and shall so state therein.

     (h)  on the effective date of the Registration Statement and the effective
date of the most recently filed post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement, if any, and also on the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as
the case may be, each of Price Waterhouse LLP and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP shall
have furnished to you letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof,
in form and substance satisfactory to 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
you, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in
accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the financial
statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus;

     (i)  the Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date
or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion of Davis Polk &
Wardwell, counsel to the Underwriters, with respect to the due authorization
of the Shares, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus
and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and
such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may
reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters;

     (j)  on or prior to the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the
case may be, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives such
further certificates and documents as the Representatives shall reasonably
request; and

     (k)  the "lock-up" agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit A
hereto, between you and certain shareholders, executive officers and directors
of the Company relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of
Stock or certain other securities, delivered to you on or before the date
hereof, shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date or Additional
Closing Date, as the case may be.

     7.   The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and
each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either
Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without
limitation, the legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any
suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted) caused by any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall
have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary
prospectus, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities are caused by any untrue 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to
the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly
for use therein.

     Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold
harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration
Statement and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section
15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent
as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each Underwriter, but only with
reference to information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company
in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in
the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supple  ment
thereto, or any preliminary prospectus.

     If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory
investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any person
in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to either of the two
preceding paragraphs, such person (the "INDEMNIFIED PERSON") shall promptly
notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "INDEMNIFYING
PERSON") in writing, and the Indemnifying Person, upon request of the
Indemnified Person, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others the
Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and
expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any
Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person
unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutual
ly agreed to the contrary, (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a
reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified
Person or (iii) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any
impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified
Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be
inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is
understood that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any
proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the
fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local
counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall
be reimbursed as they are incurred.  Any such separate firm for the Underwriters
and such control persons of Underwriters shall be designated in writing by J.P.
Morgan Securities Inc. and any such separate firm for the Company, its
directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and such control
persons of the Company shall be designated in writing by the Company. The
Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding
effected without its written consent, 

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the
plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify any Indemnified Person
from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person
shall have requested an Indemnifying Person to reimburse the Indemnified Person
for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third
sentences of this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person agrees that it shall be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent
if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such
Indemnifying Person of the aforesaid request and (ii) such Indemnifying Person
shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request
prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the
prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any
pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is
or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by
such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement includes an unconditional
release of such Indemnified Person from all liability on claims that are the
subject matter of such proceeding.

     If the indemnification provided for in the first and second paragraphs of
this Section 7 is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in
respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then
each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such
Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by
such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the
other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by
clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i)
above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions
that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any
other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the
Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be deemed
to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering
(before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total underwriting
discounts and the commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set
forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate public
offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand
and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Company or by the 

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
Underwriters and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

     The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata
allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purposes) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses,
claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth
above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in
connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, in no event shall an
Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by
which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to
the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that
such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to
contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the
respective number of Shares set forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto,
and not joint.

     The remedies provided for in this Section 7 are not exclusive and shall not
limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified
party at law or in equity.

     The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7 and
the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement
shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any
termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of
any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter or by or on behalf of
the Company, its officers or directors or any other person controlling the
Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.

     8.   Notwithstanding anything herein contained, this Agreement (or the
obligations of the several Underwriters with respect to the Option Shares) may
be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice given
to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior
to the Closing Date (or, in the case of the Option Shares, prior to the
Additional Closing Date) (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or
materially limited on or 

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock
Exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (ii) trading
of any securities of or guaranteed by the Company shall have been suspended on
any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a general moratorium on
commercial banking activities in New York shall have been declared by either
Federal or New York State authorities, or (iv) there shall have occurred any
outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any
calamity or crisis that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and
adverse and which, in the judgment of the Representatives, makes it
impracticable to market the Shares being delivered at the Closing Date or the
Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner
contemplated in the Prospectus.

     9.   This Agreement shall become effective upon the later of (x) execution
and delivery hereof by the parties hereto and (y) release of notification of the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement (or, if applicable, any post-
effective amendment) by the Commission.

     If on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be,
any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares
which it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the
aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters
agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the
aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters
shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the number of Shares set
forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I bears to the aggregate
number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-
defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as the Representatives may
specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date; provided
that in no event shall the number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to
purchase pursuant to Section 1 be increased pursuant to this Section 9 by an
amount in excess of one-tenth of such number of Shares without the written
consent of such Underwriter. If on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing
Date, as the case may be, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse
to purchase Shares which it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such
date, and the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which such default
occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased
on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives and the
Company for the purchase of such Shares are not made within 36 hours after such
default, this Agreement (or the obligations of the several Underwriters to
purchase the Option Shares, as the case may be) shall terminate without
liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company. In any
such case either you or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
Date (or, in the case of the Option Shares, the Additional Closing Date), but in
no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any,
in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus or in any other documents or
arrangements may be effected. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not
relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of
such Underwriter under this Agreement.

     10.  If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of
them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company to comply
with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for
any reason the Company shall be unable to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or any condition to the Underwriters' obligations cannot be fulfilled,
the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so
terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all out-of-
pocket expenses (including the fees and expenses of its counsel) reasonably
incurred by the Underwriter in connection with this Agreement or the offering
contemplated hereunder.

     11.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Company, the Underwriters, any controlling persons referred to herein and their
respective successors and assigns. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person, firm or
corporation any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of
this Agreement or any provision herein contained. No purchaser of Shares from
any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such
purchase.

     12.  Any action by the Underwriters hereunder may be taken by J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. alone on behalf of the Representatives and the Underwriters, and
any such action taken by  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. alone shall be binding
upon the Representatives and the Underwriters. All notices and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication.
Notices to the Underwriters shall be given to the Representatives, c/o J.P.
Morgan Securities Inc., 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260 (telefax: 212-
648-5705); Attention: Syndicate Department. Notices to the Company shall be
given to it at 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016, (telefax: 212-834-
1404); Attention: Howard C. Bluver.

     13.  This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be
an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
     14.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF
LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
     If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and
return four counterparts hereof.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        GreenPoint Financial Corp.



                                        By: _____________________________
                                            Title:

Accepted: July __, 1998

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Lehman Brothers Inc.
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC

Acting severally on behalf of themselves 
   and the several Underwriters listed in
   Schedule I hereto.

By:    J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.



By:_________________________________

     Title:

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      SCHEDULE I


                                                        NUMBER OF SHARES
               UNDERWRITER                              TO BE PURCHASED
               -----------                              ----------------

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ..........................
Goldman, Sachs & Co. .................................
Lehman Brothers Inc. .................................
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. ...............
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. ........................
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC. ...............
[List Others] ........................................
 

        Total

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                    ------------

Independent Auditors' Consent

The Shareholders and the Board of Directors of GreenPoint Financial Corp.

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form 
S-3 of GreenPoint Financial Corp. of our report dated January 19, 1996, relating
to the consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and 
cash flows of GreenPoint Financial Corp. and Subsidiaries for the year ended 
December 31, 1995, which report is included in the December 31, 1997 annual 
report on Form 10-K of GreenPoint Financial Corp., and to the reference to our 
firm under the heading "Experts" in the registration statement.


                                              /s/  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

June 26, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated
January 20, 1998 except as to paragraph four of Note 1, which is as of March 4,
1998, which appears on Page 45 of the 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders of
GreenPoint Financial Corp., which is incorporated by reference in GreenPoint
Financial Corp.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such 
Prospectus.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP


New York, New York
June 26, 1998


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission