BANKING

Former Columbia S&L; Chief Pleads Innocent: The expected plea by Thomas Spiegel came during his arraignment in federal court on 55 counts accusing him of squandering Columbia assets for his own benefit and to support a luxury lifestyle. U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Reichmann set Aug. 25 as the trial date, although Spiegel’s lawyers said they would file a motion asking for more time. Spiegel, who headed the now-defunct thrift until late 1989, was indicted last week. He remains free on a $1-million bond, posted by his family, which put up real estate assecurity.