Far East National Bank Appoints Robert Sweeney President and Robert Oehler Vice Chairman

Business Wire, Sept 13, 2004

LOS ANGELES -- Fredrick Copeland Joins Bank's Board in Additional Move towards Strengthening Pacific Rim Integration

Far East National Bank announced that Robert W. Sweeney has been appointed as its new president and board member and Robert B. Oehler, former president, as vice chairman. Mr. Sweeney joins Far East National from GE Commercial Finance where he most recently served as Managing Director, Asia/Japan for GE Global Electronic Solutions. Prior to GE, he was Director of Corporate Banking at Mexico's Grupo Financiero Serfin.

Mr. Oehler, who has been president of the bank since 1997, will continue to serve in his senior banker role in supporting Far East National's external business affairs, which includes key government and board relationships.

"Robert Sweeney brings Far East National an important cross section of experience to grow our Pacific Rim banking business," said Paul C. Lo, Chairman of Far East National Bank and Chief Executive Officer of its parent company, SinoPac Holdings of Taiwan. "In addition to building GE Electronic Solutions Asia/Japan business from 'ground zero,' he also has a top track record in international banking and emerging markets. Robert's far-reaching experience will take Far East National Bank to the next level of integration with SinoPac's CrossPacific network of over 140 offices in the region."

"This is a brilliant opportunity," said Mr. Sweeney. "The advantages of the bank's headquarters in the key trade hub of Los Angeles, SinoPac's established network in Asia and continuing strong commercial flow among Pacific Rim countries, provide a great foundation to further exploit future growth for Far East National."

At GE/GES Electronic, Mr. Sweeney built the Asia/Japan division from its genesis to $265 million in annual leasing revenue. Prior to the Asia/Japan role, he managed the integration of GE's acquisition of Comdisco's Electronics group, which was instrumental in the creation of a new business platform within GE Commercial Financial. Previously, Mr. Sweeney served five years at GE Capital de Mexico. In Mexico, he was a key member of the team that established GE Capital Bank. Later, he joined GE's Commercial Equipment Finance de Mexico unit, where he developed the company's Foreign Direct Investment product and platform.

Mr. Sweeney received a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado in classical literature with a minor in economics. He also holds a master's degree in international finance and banking from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

Far East National also announced its new appointment of Frederick C. Copeland as board member. Mr. Copeland previously served as Chairman and President of Fleet Bank, CT. and CEO of Aetna International. Prior to his tenure with Fleet Bank, he was the country head of Citibank in Taiwan and Canada.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Far East National Bank has 15 offices throughout California, a newly established Vietnam branch and a Representative Office in Beijing. The bank's customers have access to a regional service network through its ultimate parent, SinoPac Holdings, a fully integrated financial institution with more than $19 billion in assets and 140 locations worldwide.