Arbuthnot Regulatory News (ARBB)

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

16 January 2014

SECURE TRUST BANK PLC

PRE-CLOSE TRADING UPDATE

Secure Trust Bank PLC ("STB" or the "Group") today issues a pre-close trading update ahead of its preliminary results announcement for the year ended 31 December 2013 scheduled for 20 March 2014.

The Group has traded well during the last quarter of 2013 and as a result expects to report profit before tax for 2013 in line with market expectations.

The Group has been investing in its Retail Finance business and is pleased to announce a number of important positive developments including the agreement of a new five year contract with the Association of Cycle Traders and a renewal of a term contract with Evans Cycles. Good progress is also being made in the season ticket market. A number of Premiership Football clubs have agreed to use V12 to provide their season ticket funding for next season. A season ticket finance proposition has also been developed for travel and one of the rail franchises will begin to promote this offering very shortly. In overall terms the pipeline of opportunities being explored by V12 continues to expand.

The Group further notes that demand for its deposit products remains strong and continues to attract new fixed rate deposits with 3, 5 and 7 year maturities, which are attractively priced for both the Group and the customers. This strategy provides robust term funding and positions the balance sheet to cover a scenario where interest rates rise faster than some are currently forecasting.

STB enters its 60th year since incorporation with strong capital and liquidity positions, a clear strategy to maximise the potential of its existing Retail Finance, Motor and Personal Unsecured Lending activities while diversifying into secured lending areas to broaden the Group's overall business. In addition STB continues to work on an on-going pipeline of organic and external business opportunities.

-ENDS-

Enquiries: