Future Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino Announces MarinoVirtualBank Where Opening An Account Benefits Children Across America

Business Wire, May 11, 2001

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2001

Marino and VirtualBank(TM), a Nationwide Technology Leader in Banking, Launched Yesterday and Awarded 100 Percent of Ongoing Partner Proceeds

to Marino Charities

Dan Marino, future Hall of Fame quarterback, successful South Florida businessman and philanthropist, announced yesterday the opening of MarinoVirtualBank (http://marino.virtualbank.com), which will target professional athletes, affluent investors, families, and members of his own charitable networks.

MarinoVirtualBank is powered by VirtualBank(TM), one of the country's leading, technology-based financial services firms with more than $2.8 billion in assets under management.

Marino joined VirtualBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rory A. Brown at a press conference last night to unveil the charitable impact of the MarinoVirtualBank venture and to celebrate the grand opening of VirtualBank's corporate headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

"My association with VirtualBank since its inception has convinced me that opening MarinoVirtualBank is an opportunity for me to help build a thriving business while benefiting positive programs that improve the lives of children," said Marino.

Marino will donate 100 percent of his share of the proceeds from MarinoVirtualBank to Marino charities including The Dan Marino Foundation. Established in March 1992, the Dan Marino Foundation's mission is to support integrated treatment programs for children with chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities, so they can lead healthier and happier lives.

"We pursued this joint venture with Dan because he's among the most prominent, well respected leaders in South Florida. You won't find a better partner. He's a great guy who is genuinely committed to extending his success to enrich business and community initiatives," said Brown. "Through our strategic alliance, we can offer clients a first-class banking service along with a charitable incentive to apply."

MarinoVirtualBank takes advantage of the latest in today's technology to save clients time and streamline their financial record-keeping.

Through the Internet and VirtualBank's proprietary technology, MarinoVirtualBank will offer clients the convenience of banking online with premium rates and value, along with an unprecedented level of personalized service through an assigned Relationship Manager across products.

Clients can apply for a full suite of deposit and lending products, free account aggregation, free bill payment and financial advisory services through an innovative technical platform that is uninhibited by the product-centered bureaucracy and legacy systems of traditional banks.

In addition, Dan has directed his entire cash compensation for every new account that is opened to Dan Marino charities, initially earmarked for the Dan Marino Foundation. Ongoing funds will be directly deposited monthly into targeted Marino charities that benefit children across America.

As part of the grand opening event, VirtualBank celebrated the opening of its new corporate headquarters and reported a profitable first quarter performance, becoming one of the first banks ever to demonstrate GAAP net income within its first 12 months of operation.

Where many technology-based companies are suffering, Brown attributes VirtualBank's performance to "superior technology and a business plan that emphasizes lending and wealth management products for high net worth individuals."

About VirtualBank

VirtualBank is one of few growing, profitable and technology-literate financial services firms to prosper during recent economic turmoil. VirtualBank's technology platform is being used and co-branded within many of today's most successful companies and organizations, including EMC2, WorldCom, Textron and The Association of Compaq Employees.

VirtualBank was voted "Best Online Bank" in the October 2000 issue of Money Magazine. More information about the company can be obtained by visiting its Web site at http://www.virtualbank.com or by calling 877.998.2265.