Fubon Bank’s Credit Ratings Upgraded

Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“Fubon Bank”) is pleased to announce that Standard & Poor’s, the world’s leading credit rating agency, has upgraded the bank’s credit ratings on September 6, 2005 as follows:

• Long-term local and foreign currency from BBB to BBB+
• Short-term local and foreign currency from A-3 to A-2
• Outlook for local and foreign, long and short term, remains stable

Standard and Poor’s stated that the ratings upgrade was prompted by the strengthened credit position of the overall Fubon Group. The agency also stated that the Fubon Group has a good franchise and most of its members enjoy strong market shares or have good niche positions.

Mr. Jin-Yi Lee, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fubon Bank said, "The ratings upgrade demonstrates the good prospects of the Group as a whole. It also validates our ability to execute and deliver on our unique business model, as well as reflects our continued commitment to strengthening the balance sheet, with a low non-performing loan ratio of 0.9% and strong capital adequacy and liquidity ratios."

The agency also stated that the upgrade reflects the good business position, the diversity of its business units, and synergies of the Fubon Group among its members. The ratings are supported by the Group’s prudent financial management, good capitalization and satisfactorily operating performance, the agency said.

Fubon Bank was the first local bank in Hong Kong to be given a full credit rating by Standard & Poor’s, in 1996. The credit rating upgrade is the first time the rating has been changed in the past nine years.

For the full credit ratings report, please visit www.standardandpoors.com

Fubon Bank is a full-service banking corporation in Hong Kong providing a wide range of banking and financial services including consumer finance, retail and commercial banking, equipment leasing and investment services. Fubon Bank services its customers through 29 service outlets including Superbranches, Ambassador Centers and Securities Services Centers as well as ATMs, PhoneBanking, and e-banking service at www.fubonbank.com.hk. Fubon Bank is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and is rated A-2 short-term, BBB+ long-term by Standard & Poor’s. Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd., a leading Taiwan financial institution, acquired a 75% shareholding in Fubon Bank in April 2004.