Arbuthnot Regulatory News (ARBB)

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN, OR INTO, THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA OR JAPAN OR ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE SAME WOULD BE UNLAWFUL

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

2 November 2011

Secure Trust Bank PLC

Admission to AIM - First Day of Dealings

·; Secure Trust Bank PLC ("Secure Trust Bank" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its admission to AIM and that trading in its ordinary shares commenced today. Secure Trust Bank's AIM symbol is "STB".

·; Collins Stewart, the Company's broker, has placed 1,666,667 new ordinary shares on behalf of the Company raising approximately £12.0 million before expenses, and also placed 1,804,166 existing ordinary shares for approximately £13.0 million before expenses on behalf of Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC. The ordinary shares were placed at a price of 720 pence per ordinary share, implying a market capitalisation of Secure Trust Bank on Admission of £102.0 million.

·; The proceeds of the issue of new ordinary shares will be used to provide Secure Trust Bank with further capital to support significant expansion of the loan book including, where appropriate, to make selective acquisitions of loan books and businesses and to grow within its chosen markets.

·; Hawkpoint Partners Limited is the nominated adviser and financial adviser to Secure Trust Bank and Collins Stewart Europe Limited is the Company's broker.

Paul Lynam, Chief Executive Officer (Secure Trust Bank), said:

"The successful admission to AIM is an important milestone in the evolution of the Company and we believe we can build substantially on our current position. We are delighted to welcome our new investors."