ALERT 97-2
Type: Unauthorized Banking    Subject: Banc Lugano AG & Trust CO.
                                       Limited (Melchizedek)

TO:  Chief Executive Officers of all National Banks; all State
     Banking Authorities; Chairman, Board of Governors of the
     Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance
     Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy
     Comptrollers (Districts); District Administrators; District
     Counsel and Examining Personnel

RE:  Banc Lugano AG & Trust Company, Limited (Melchizedek)
     67 Wall Street 
     New York, NY 10005

Information has been received that the subject entity may be
operating a banking business in the United States without
authorization.  Further, the New York Banking Department has
advised that the subject entity has not been granted permission
to operate in New York.  
                    
Any information which you may have concerning this matter should
be brought to the attention of:

                    Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
                    Enforcement & Compliance Division
                    250 E Street, SW
                    Washington, DC  202l9
                    Fax (202) 874-5301




                                      
     Daniel P. Stipano
     Director
     Enforcement & Compliance Division
     Date: January 17, 1997