The bank, which is based in Boston, ultimately joined the partnership.

Competitors responded quickly, however, and even small banks joined together to offer the service.

By day's end, the nation's 30 largest banks and many smaller ones had all joined the trend.

Banks took the drinks and joined Frank at a round table by the door.

In the last month, two big banks have joined a leading independent site for foreign exchange trading.

But so many banks have been joining in that the competition for business has started to cut profit margins.

And some banking analysts say that more banks will join in, if only for defensive reasons.

The outlook is unlikely to improve as more foreign institutions and banks join the competition.

While several banks outside of the United States have joined its program, no domestic bank has signed up.

"I like it best like this," he said as Banks joined him.