[2] ADVISORY/Washington Mutual Breaks Away From the Pack; Company Announces New Policy on ATM Banking.

    Business Editors
    ADVISORY...for Tuesday (Oct. 10)

    --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
*T

   WHAT: Take time out to join Washington Mutual at 7th & Fig Plaza
       for a press conference announcing a revolutionary new policy
       in ATM banking. Washington Mutual, California's third-largest
       financial services company, will reveal an important new
       policy change that will significantly affect consumers and the
       banking industry.

       Washington Mutual executives, as well as political and
       public figures will be available at the press conference to
       comment on this major news announcement.

   WHEN: Tuesday, October 10th - 12:00 noon

   WHERE: 7th & Fig Plaza, Food Court Level
          725 S. Figueroa Street
          Downtown Los Angeles

   WHO: Marcia Lansdon, Senior Vice President, Washington Mutual
       Consumer Bank; Alex Padilla, Los Angeles City Councilman;
       Judy Spiegel, Senior Vice President for Programs, California
       Community Foundation.

   SEE: Made famous when they upstaged Regis in Washington Mutual
       television ads, the company's consumer-friendly bank tellers
       will make a special appearance. Who knows what they'll be up
       to? Join us for a fun-filled event that is open to the public.

   PARKING: Enter on 7th Street

   MORE: Washington Mutual (NYSE:WM). With a history dating back to
       1889, Washington Mutual is a financial services company that
       provides a diversified line of products and services to
       consumers and small- to mid-sized businesses. At June 30,
       2000, Washington Mutual and its subsidiaries had assets of
       $185.69 billion. Washington Mutual currently operates more
       than 2,000 consumer banking, mortgage lending, commercial
       banking, consumer finance and financial services offices
       throughout the nation. Washington Mutual's Mortgage Banking
       group is both the largest adjustable-rate mortgage provider
       and wholesale lender nationwide.

    --30--JC/la* RJ/la

    CONTACT: Barbara Hodgson, 310/552-6922

    KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING ADVISORY