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                                   EXHIBIT 4.2

               Form of Certificate of New Subordinated Debenture

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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2

                           (FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY)


               THE SECURITIES WILL BE ISSUED AND MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN
BLOCKS HAVING AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT LESS THAN $100,000 (100
SECURITIES). ANY SUCH TRANSFER OF SECURITIES IN A BLOCK HAVING AN AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF LESS THAN $100,000 SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE VOID AND OF NO
LEGAL EFFECT WHATSOEVER. ANY SUCH TRANSFEREE SHALL BE DEEMED NOT TO BE THE
HOLDER OF SUCH SECURITIES FOR ANY PURPOSE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
RECEIPT OF PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM (IF ANY) OR INTEREST OF SUCH SECURITIES, AND SUCH
TRANSFEREE SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN SUCH SECURITIES.




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No.

                                ML BANCORP, INC.

9.875% SERIES B JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST
                           DEBENTURE DUE MARCH 1, 2027

               ML Bancorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company",
which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to The Bank of New
York, as Property Trustee for ML Capital Trust I or registered assigns, the
principal sum of ________________________ dollars ($__________) on March 1, 2027
(the "Maturity Date"), unless previously redeemed, and to pay interest on the
outstanding principal amount hereof from March 10, 1997, or from the most recent
interest payment date (each such date, an "Interest Payment Date") to which
interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually (subject to deferral
as set forth herein) in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year,
commencing September 1, 1997, at the rate of 9.875% per annum until the
principal hereof shall have become due and payable, and on any overdue principal
and premium, if any, and (without duplication and to the extent that payment of
such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any overdue installment of
interest at the same rate per annum compounded semi-annually. The amount of
interest payable on any Interest Payment Date shall be computed on the basis of
a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, for any period less than a full
calendar month, the number of days elapsed in such month. In the event that any
date on which the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on this Security
is payable is not a Business Day, then the payment payable on such date will be
made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest
or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that if such next
succeeding Business Day falls in the next calendar year, then such payment shall
be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same
force and effect as if made on such date. Pursuant to the Indenture, in certain
circumstances the Company will be required to pay Additional Sums and Compounded
Interest (each as defined in the Indenture) with respect to this Security.
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, in certain limited circumstances
the Company will be required to pay Liquidated Damages (as defined in the
Registration Rights Agreement) with respect to this Security.

               The interest installment so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture,
be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities, as defined in said Indenture) is registered at the close of business
on the regular record date for such interest installment, which shall be at the
close of business on the 15th day of the month preceding the month in which the
relevant interest payment date falls. Any such interest installment not
punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the
holders on such regular record date and may be paid to the Person in whose name
this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close
of business on a special record

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date to be fixed by the Trustee for the payment of such defaulted interest,
notice whereof shall be given to the holders of Securities not less than 10 days
prior to such special record date, or may be paid at any time in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange
on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

               The principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including
Compounded Interest and Additional Sums, if any) and Liquidated Damages, if any,
on this Security shall be payable at the office or agency of the Trustee
maintained for that purpose in any coin or currency of the United States of
America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts; provided, however, that, payment of interest may be made at the
option of the Company by (i) check mailed to the holder at such address as shall
appear in the Security Register or (ii) by transfer to an account maintained by
the Person entitled thereto, provided that proper written transfer instructions
have been received by the relevant record date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
so long as the Holder of this Security is the Property Trustee, the payment of
the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including Compounded
Interest and Additional Sums, if any) and Liquidated Damages, if any, on this
Security will be made at such place and to such account as may be designated by
the Property Trustee.

               The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Security is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each holder of
this Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such
provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her
attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each holder hereof, by his or
her acceptance hereof, hereby waives all notice of the acceptance of the
subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of
Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives
reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.

               This Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the
Indenture hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose
until the Certificate of Authentication hereon shall have been signed by or on
behalf of the Trustee.


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               The provisions of this Security are continued on the reverse side
hereof and such provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though
fully set forth at this place.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
duly executed and sealed.


Dated: ________ __, 1997



                                    ML BANCORP, INC.


                                    By 
                                        --------------------------
                                        Name:  Brian M. Hartline
                                        Title:    Executive Vice President,
                                                   Chief Financial Officer and
                                                   Secretary


Attest:

By: 
    -----------------------
Name:  Suzanne Bobbitt
Title: Assistant Secretary



                     (FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION)

                          CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

               This is one of the Securities referred to in the within-mentioned
Indenture.



THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Trustee


By 
  --------------------
  Authorized Signatory

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                          (FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY)

               This Security is one of the Securities of the Company (herein
sometimes referred to as the "Securities"), specified in the Indenture, all
issued or to be issued under and pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of March 10,
1997 (the "Indenture"), duly executed and delivered between the Company and The
Bank of New York, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), to which Indenture reference is
hereby made for a description of the rights, limitations of rights, obligations,
duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the Company and the holders of
the Securities.

               Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event prior to
March 1, 2007 (the "Initial Optional Redemption Date"), the Company shall have
the right, at any time within 90 days following the occurrence of such Special
Event, to redeem this Security in whole (but not in part) at the Special Event
Redemption Price. "Special Event Redemption Price" shall mean, with respect to
any redemption of the Securities following a Special Event, an amount in cash
equal to the Make Whole Amount. The "Make Whole Amount" shall mean an amount
equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed or (ii)
the sum, as determined by a Quotation Agent, of the present values of remaining
scheduled payments of principal and interest, discounted to the prepayment date
on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day
months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus, in the case of each of clauses (i)
and (ii), any accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including Compounded Interest
and Additional Sums, if any) and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of such
redemption.

               In addition, the Company shall have the right to redeem this
Security, in whole or in part, at any time on or after the Initial Optional
Redemption Date (an "Optional Redemption"), at the redemption prices set forth
below (expressed as percentages of principal to be redeemed) plus, in each case,
accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including Additional Sums and Compounded
Interest, if any) and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the applicable date of
redemption (the "Optional Redemption Price") if redeemed during the 12-month
period beginning March 1 of the years indicated below.


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Year                                                    Percentage
- ----                                                    ----------

2007                                                    104.937%

2008                                                    104.443%

2009                                                    103.950%

2010                                                    103.456%

2011                                                    102.962%

2012                                                    102.469%

2013                                                    101.975%

2014                                                    101.481%

2015                                                    100.987%

2016                                                    100.494%

2017 and thereafter                                     100.000%



               The Optional Redemption Price or the Special Event Redemption
Price, as the case requires, shall be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time,
on the date of such redemption or at such earlier time as the Company
determines, provided, that the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount
sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price by 10:00 a.m., New York City,
on the date such Redemption Price is to be paid. Any redemption pursuant to this
paragraph will be made upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days notice.
If the Securities are only partially redeemed by the Company pursuant to an
Optional Redemption, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected
on a pro rata basis not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption
from the outstanding Securities not previously called for redemption, provided,
however, that with respect to Securityholders that would be required to hold
Securities with an aggregate principal amount of less than $100,000 but more
than an aggregate principal amount of zero as a result of such pro rata
redemption, the Company shall redeem Securities of each such Securityholder so
that after such redemption such Securityholder shall hold Securities either with
an aggregate principal amount of at least $100,000 or such Securityholder no
longer holds any Securities and shall use such method (including, without
limitation, by lot) as the Company shall deem fair and appropriate, provided,
further, that any such proration may be made on the basis of the aggregate
principal amount of Securities held by each Securityholder thereof and may be
made by making such adjustments as the Company deems fair and appropriate in
order that only Securities in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples
thereof shall be redeemed.


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               In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new
Security or Securities for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the
name of the holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

               Notwithstanding the foregoing, any redemption of Securities by
the Company shall be subject to the receipt of any required regulatory approval.

               In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall
have occurred and be continuing, the principal of all of the Securities may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.

               The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Securities at the time outstanding, as defined in the Indenture,
to execute supplemental indentures for the purpose of adding any provisions to
or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture
or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders of the Securities;
provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the
consent of each holder of Securities then outstanding and affected thereby, (i)
change the Maturity Date of any Securities, or reduce the principal amount
thereof, or reduce any amount payable on redemption thereof, or reduce the rate
or extend the time of payment of interest thereon (subject to Article XVI of the
Indenture), or make the principal of, or interest or premium on, the Securities
payable in any coin or currency other than U.S. dollars, or impair or affect the
right of any holder of Securities to institute suit for the payment thereof, or
(ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities, the holders of which are
required to consent to any such supplemental indenture. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Securities at the time outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of
all of the holders of the Securities, to waive any past default in the
performance of any of the covenants contained in the Indenture, or established
pursuant to the Indenture, and its consequences, except a default in the payment
of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any of the Securities or
a default in respect of any covenant or provision under which the Indenture
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder of Securities
then outstanding. Any such consent or waiver by the holder of this Security
(unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and binding
upon such Holder and upon all future holders and owners of this Security and of
any Security issued in exchange herefor or in place hereof (whether by
registration of transfer or otherwise), irrespective of whether or not any
notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

               No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest (including Compounded Interest and Additional
Sums, if any) and Liquidated Damages, if any, on this Security at the time and
place and at the rate and in the money herein prescribed.

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               So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Company shall have the right, at any time and from time to time
during the term of the Securities, to defer payments of interest by extending
the interest payment period of such Securities for a period not exceeding 10
consecutive semi-annual periods, including the first such semi-annual period
during such extension period, and not extending beyond the Maturity Date of the
Securities (an "Extended Interest Payment Period") or ending on a date other
than an Interest Payment Date, at the end of which period the Company shall pay
all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with interest thereon at the rate
specified for the Securities to the extent that payment of such interest is
enforceable under applicable law). Before the termination of any such Extended
Interest Payment Period, the Company may further defer payments of interest by
further extending such Extended Interest Payment Period, provided that such
Extended Interest Payment Period, together with all such previous and further
extensions within such Extended Interest Payment Period, (i) shall not exceed 10
consecutive semi-annual periods, including the first semi-annual period during
such Extended Interest Payment Period, (ii) shall not end on any date other than
an Interest Payment Date, and (iii) shall not extend beyond the Maturity Date of
the Securities. Upon the termination of any such Extended Interest Payment
Period and the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest and any additional
amounts then due, the Company may commence a new Extended Interest Payment
Period, subject to the foregoing requirements.

               The Company has agreed that it will not (i) declare or pay any
dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company's capital stock (which
includes common and preferred stock), (ii) make any payment of principal,
interest or premium, if any, on or repay or repurchase or redeem any debt
securities of the Company that rank pari passu with or junior in right of
payment to the Securities or (iii) make any guarantee payments with respect to
any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any Subsidiary of the
Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu or junior in right of payment to the
Securities (other than (a) dividends or distributions in shares of, or options,
warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Common Stock of the
Company, (b) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation
of a stockholder's rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in
the future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto,
(c) payments under the Capital Securities Guarantee, (d) as a result of a
reclassification of the Company's capital stock or the exchange or the
conversion of one class or series of the Company's capital stock, for another
class or series of the Company's capital stock, (e) the purchase of fractional
interests in shares of the Company's capital stock pursuant to the exchange or
conversion of such capital stock or the security being exchanged or converted
and (f) purchases of Common Stock related to the issuance of Common Stock or
rights under any of the Company's benefit plans for its directors, officers or
employees or any of the Company's dividend reinvestment plans) if at such time
(1) there shall have occurred any event of which the Company has actual
knowledge that (a) is or, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or
both, would be, an Event of Default and (b) in respect of which the Company
shall not have taken reasonable steps to cure, (2) if the Securities are held by
ML Capital Trust, the Company shall be in default with respect to its

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payment obligations under the Capital Securities Guarantee or (3) the Company
shall have given notice of its election of the exercise of its right to extend
the interest payment period and any such extension shall be continuing.

               Subject to (i) the receipt of any required regulatory approval
and (ii) the receipt by the Company of an opinion of counsel to the effect that
such distribution will not be a taxable event to holders of Capital Securities,
the Company will have the right at any time to liquidate the ML Capital Trust
and cause the Securities to be distributed to the holders of the Trust
Securities in liquidation of the Trust.

               The Securities are issuable only in registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to the transfer restrictions limitations
as may be contained herein and therein from time to time, this Security is
transferable by the holder hereof on the Security Register of the Company, upon
surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency
of the Company in the City and State of New York accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company or the
Trustee duly executed by the holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in
writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of authorized denominations
and for the same aggregate principal amount and series will be issued to the
designated transferee or transferees. No service charge will be made for any
such registration of transfer, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in relation
thereto.

               Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this
Security, the Company, the Trustee, any authenticating agent, any paying agent,
any transfer agent and the registrar may deem and treat the holder hereof as the
absolute owner hereof (whether or not this Security shall be overdue and
notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing hereon made by anyone other
than the Security Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on
account of the principal hereof and premium, if any, and (subject to the
Indenture) interest due hereon and for all other purposes, and neither the
Company nor the Trustee nor any authenticating agent nor any paying agent nor
any transfer agent nor any registrar shall be affected by any notice to the
contrary.

               No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or
premium, if any, or interest on this Security, or for any claim based hereon, or
otherwise in respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture, against
any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future, as
such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor Person, whether by
virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance
hereof and as part of the consideration for the issuance hereof, expressly
waived and released.


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               All terms used in this Security that are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

               THE INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO
CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF.

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