Immediate Release

October 10, 2008

Far East National Bank Receives Top 5-Star Safety Rating from BauerFinancial

Los Angeles, CA – October 10, 2008 -- Far East National Bank (“FENB”) has earned the prestigious 5-star rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. “This award distinguishes us as one of the safest banks in the country. BauerFinancial has been rating financial institutions for 25 years and institutions cannot pay for ratings nor exclude themselves from the system,” said Robert Sweeney, President.

BauerFinancial has awarded the 5-star rating to Far East National Bank for 3 consecutive quarters. Under the ratings system, 5 stars denote the highest level of performance and strength. The award is based upon analysis of current financial data supplied by federal regulators and supplemented by historical data. Criteria used to determine an institution’s rating include: capital ratio, profitability/loss trend, evaluating the level of delinquent loans, chargeoffs and repossessed assets, the market versus book value of the investment portfolio, regulatory supervisory agreements, the community reinvestment rating (CRA), and liquidity.

“As a member of the financial industry, FENB shares the challenges the global financial institutions face right now. However, as a conservative commercial bank, FENB has successfully kept its promise to all our customers: the safety of their money. We are well capitalized, liquid and above all, prudent,” stated Sweeney. “Most importantly, FENB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SinoPac Financial Holdings Co. Ltd. located in Taiwan, which is an investment-grade company with more than $2.7 billion in equity. Looking forward, we believe we will be in an even better position to provide our customers the full scope of financial services with our consistent prudent strategy.”

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Far East National Bank has 15 offices throughout California, a representative office in Beijing, and a Vietnam branch. The bank’s customers have access to a CrossPacific service network through its parent, SinoPac Holdings, a fully integrated financial institution with total assets of US$34 billion and over 2.5 million customers in Asia and North America.

BauerFinancial Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, the nation's leading independent bank rating firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No bank pays for its rating, nor can any bank elude it. Consumers may obtain free-star ratings by calling 800-388-6686 or visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.

Far East National Bank Contact:
Joyce Wong
(213) 687-1267