International Bank of Asia will propose to change its name to Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

Hong Kong, January 14, 2005 - International Bank of Asia Limited ("IBA") will convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on February 21, 2005 to obtain shareholders' approval for the proposed change of the Bank's name from "International Bank of Asia Limited" to "Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited". It is anticipated that subject to completion of all legal requirements, the change of name will become effective on or about April 6, 2005.

The name change reflects the acquisition of a 75% stake in IBA by Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd and IBA becoming a subsidiary of the Fubon Group. The name change will not affect any rights of shareholders or bank customers.

Mr. Richard Tsai, Chairman of IBA, said, " The name change of IBA marks a milestone for the Fubon Group and signifies its expansion beyond Taiwan. IBA will become Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited under the umbrella of the Fubon Group. The name change is part of the Fubon Group's ongoing strategy to create an integrated and cohesive presence in the Asian marketplace."

Mr. Jin-Yi Lee, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IBA, said, "By adopting the name Fubon, we can leverage the strong brand name of our parent, and fully exploit the benefits of being a member of this leading group, delivering a full range of banking products and services to our customers."

Mr. Jin-Yi Lee continued, "Market research indicates that the public recognizes the financial strength of the Fubon Group and welcome closer identification of the Bank with the Fubon name."

A formal statutory announcement of the Bank's proposed name change will appear on January 15, 2005 and again on January 17, 2005 in the South China Morning Post and the Hong Kong Economic Times.

About IBA

IBA 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, 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 Limited and is rated A-3 short-term, BBB long-term by Standard & Poor's. Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd acquired a 75% shareholding in IBA in April 2004.