Department of Financial Institutions Announces New State Bank – Bank of Santa Clarita will open its doors to the Santa Clarita community on October 26

San Francisco – The California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) announced today that the Department has approved the opening of a new state bank. Bank of Santa Clarita will open its doors on October 26, 2004 with a capitalization of $13.7 million.

“I am pleased to welcome the Bank of Santa Clarita and report that state-chartered banks continue to grow and prosper in California,” said Howard Gould, Commissioner of Financial Institutions. During the last three years, 40 new state-chartered banks opened with DFI approval. In addition, over 120 branches also opened their doors. “Each new bank has its unique characteristics, which range from serving a small community or ethnic community to offering special services for small businesses and professionals,” added Commissioner Gould.

James D. Hicken will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer; Jeffery Pollard as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer; and Frank DiTomaso as Vice Chairman/Chief Business Development Officer.

Bank of Santa Clarita is located at 27441 Tourney Road, Suite 100, Santa Clarita, California, 91355. Their telephone number is 661-993-5350.

Like all California state-chartered banks, Bank of Santa Clarita deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), up to $100,000 per depositor.