EXCEL NATIONAL BANK JUMPS TO 12TH IN NATION FOR SBA LENDING

(Beverly Hills Institution Moves Up 10 Spots In New Ranking of 2,347 SBA Lenders)

Beverly Hills, CA (December 09, 2008) Despite trying economic times facing most lending institutions today, Excel National Bank in Beverly Hills is demonstrating tremendous strength by moving up 10 spots to capture 12th place in a new ranking issued by the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders. The report, which tallies loan data from 2,347 SBA lenders nationwide, places Excel in the top .05 percentile of institutions specializing in small business lending. According to the report, Excel made 172 loans totaling $157,680,400 in fiscal year 2008.

The report analyzed lenders that specialize in 7(a) loans, the SBA’s primary product. The program guarantees loans of up to $1.5 million and may be used by for-profit businesses for such purposes as facility expansion and renovation, land or building purchases and equipment upgrades as well as to provide working capital, a line of credit or refinance debt.

"We are delighted by this achievement and will continue our efforts to reach out to small business owners nationwide to help them through this challenging time," said Excel National Bank President and CEO Brian Carlson. "There are millions of small businesses across the U.S. that are eligible for SBA loans who just need a helping hand to guide them and provide the affordable working capital they need to survive. By offering a number of innovative loan programs and providing full-time access to experienced representatives who place their clients’ needs first, we can help them achieve their goals."

Excel National Bank has been recognized as a leader in banking in terms of safety, strength and performance. It was recently awarded "Super Premier" status – the highest honor granted -- by The Findley Reports, a nationally recognized bank research and rating firm. Excel offers a full range of services including commercial real estate loans, construction loans, business lending and comprehensive retail banking services.

Its growing reputation as a preferred SBA lender, however, is the key factor in its meteoric rise. Excel has helped a wide range of businesses from motels and gas stations to professional groups (e.g., medical, dental and law practices) expand their operations and realize their true growth potential. Its primary strength is its ability to help clients quickly and efficiently navigate through the complex SBA lending process.

Headquartered in Beverly Hills, Excel National Bank maintains offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, San Bernardino and Fresno. Its out-of-state offices are in Chicago, Phoenix, AZ and Bellevue, WA. For more information, call (310) 362-2000 or visit www.bankexcel.com.

About Excel National Bank

Excel National Bank (www.bankexcel.com) commenced operations as a commercial bank in 2005. Excel National Bank, N.A. is a federally chartered community bank that is committed to serving consumers and businesses throughout the western United States. The bank offers personalized services and products through its full-service office in Beverly Hills and loan production offices in Encino, Fresno, Roseville, Sacramento and new production offices opening next month in San Diego and Long Beach.