International Bank of Asia and Taipei Fubon Bank jointly launch a "2-Hour Fund Transfer Service" between Hong Kong and Taiwan Fund transfers within 2 hours, offer a more efficient, safe and reliable service

Hong Kong, January 4, 2005 - International Bank of Asia Limited ("IBA"), and Taipei Fubon Bank, wholly owned subsidiaries of Fubon Financial, today jointly launched a "2-Hour Fund Transfer Service". The new service allows customers to transfer funds via an electronic banking platform between Hong Kong and Taiwan within 2 hours.

Mr. Jesse Ding, a Director of Fubon Financial and the President of Taipei Fubon Bank said, "Fubon Financial targets to become the best financial planning partner of Taiwanese clients. Therefore, the electronic banking platforms of its two banks, Taipei Fubon Bank in Taiwan and IBA in Hong Kong, have been restructured to meet customer needs. The service will provide more efficient, safe and reliable fund transfer channels to corporate and personal customers in Taiwan and upgrade their fund and wealth management capabilities."

Mr. Jin-Yi Lee, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IBA said, " We are pleased to form a partnership with Taipei Fubon Bank in providing this speedy and convenient service to customers in Hong Kong and Taiwan. IBA will continue to diversify its business franchise and provide more comprehensive financial and wealth management services to Taiwan corporate and personal customers."

IBA's "2-Hour Fund Transfer Service" provides an efficient fund transfer service between Hong Kong and Taiwan. Through the IBA eBanking service platform, customers can transfer their funds to any accounts at all locations of Taipei Fubon Bank. The daily fund transfer amount can be as high as HK$1,500,000 or equivalent. Customers may use the same service to transfer funds from their accounts at Taipei Fubon Bank to their own personal accounts or other account holders at IBA.

Customers can transfer funds in US dollars or Hong Kong dollars. All beneficiary accounts must be pre-registered. The debit and beneficiary accounts should be in same currency. When a customer sends a service request from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, on business days in both Hong Kong and Taiwan, the request will be processed within 2 hours. All service fees will be charged to the respective debit / beneficiary account.

About IBA

IBA is a full service-banking corporation in Hong Kong providing a wide range of financial services including consumer finance, retail and commercial banking, leasing and investment services. IBA services its customers through 37 offices including Superbranches, Ambassador Privileged Banking Centers and Securities Services Centers as well as ATMs, PhoneBanking, and an e-banking service at www.iba.com.hk. IBA is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and is rated A-3 short-term, BBB long-term by Standard & Poor's. Fubon Financial acquired IBA in March 2004. Fubon Financial holds a 75% shareholding in IBA.

About Taipei Fubon Bank

On January 1, 2005, Taipei Bank and Fubon Bank merged and have been renamed as "Taipei Fubon Bank". The total assets of the Bank stand at NT$141 billion. The Bank ranks second among commercial banks operating in Taiwan. The Bank provides services through a total of 121 outlets in Taiwan, 3 overseas branches and one representative office. Taipei Fubon Bank has the largest network in Taiwan, and the highest market share in Taipei. Among its 4 million customers, 70% are located in Taipei. Taipei Fubon Bank is under the umbrella of Fubon Financial.