Department of Financial Institutions Announces New State Bank – American Principle Bank will open for business on October 15

(San Francisco, CA) The California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) announced today that the Department has approved the opening of a new state bank. American Principle Bank will open for business on October 15, 2007 in San Luis Obispo with initial capital of $42.2 million.

“I am pleased to welcome American Principle Bank – the 14th new bank to open in 2007 — and to report that state-chartered banks continue to grow and prosper in California,” said Carol D. Chesbrough, Chief Deputy Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

“California’s financial institutions are symbols of safety and soundness. Their role in business and industry are important to the economy and to our own personal well-being. Maintaining the integrity of financial services remains our primary mission as the industry continues to grow. During 2006, assets for our financial institution licensees grew from $290 billion to $316 billion,” added Chesbrough.

In 2005, 22 de novo state banks opened with DFI approval and in 2006, 21 were approved for opening. In addition, scores of banks expanded their operations by opening hundreds of branches throughout the state. 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.

American Principle Bank is located at 4051 Broad Street, Suite 140, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The bank’s phone number is 805-547-2800 and the Fax number is 805-547-2801. The Web address is www.americanprinciplebank.com.

Mr. David Booker will serve as President/CEO; Mr. Mark Andino as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer; and Mr. William Filippin as Chief Credit Officer.

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

DFI supervises over 700 state financial institutions. The Department is responsible for administering state laws regulating state-licensed financial institutions: banks, credit unions, industrial banks, savings associations, trust companies, offices of foreign banks, issuers of travelers’ checks and payment instruments (money orders), and money transmitters. DFI reports to Business, Transportation & Housing Agency Secretary Dale E. Bonner and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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