SILICON VALLEY BANCSHARES INC. / Santa Clara, California Bank Gives Lesson On Diversity In An Industry.(A)(The New America)

Byline: Gerard A. Achstatter

Investor's Business Daily

Like many investors, Silicon Valley Bancshares Inc. says it sees a bright future for technology. And like these same investors, it's putting its money where its mouth is.

Two-thirds of the money Silicon Valley doles out in loans goes to technology companies.

"The company dominates the niche for lending to technology companies," said Edward Najarian, analyst at Merrill Lynch & Co. "In this market, the bank has four tim

es the share of its nearest competitor." It competes with Comdisco Inc. and FleetBoston Financial Corp.

But this focus does have its pitfalls. Back in March and early April, …