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FREMONT, California - August 4, 2005 - Fremont Bank is again providing much needed dollars to a global organization that provides emerging entrepreneurs, mostly women, access to small loans and training to help them break the cycle of poverty.

Founded in 1971, Opportunity International is built on the belief that many of the world's poorest people are a good credit risk and its Trust Banks' 98% loan repayment rate bears that out.

"We were touched by the work Opportunity International does in terms of microlending," said Fremont Bank Co-Vice Chairman Alan Hyman. "They don't just give the money away. They lend it, allowing the recipients to make their own lives better through their own work and their own efforts. That really appealed to us."

Opportunity International's Philippines program began testing the Trust Bank group lending method in 1992 and, as a result, the Women's Opportunity Funds program was formed. Through small loans and business training, one person after another began to reverse the downward spiral of poverty and became providers for their families and leaders in their communities.

"Opportunity International asked us to participate in a loan guarantee fund," Hyman says, "Their terminology is a little different than the normal Wall Street definition is, but it is an investment that will allow them to expand their microlending primarily in the Philippines and in Eastern Europe."

Chris Crane, CEO of Opportunity International says, "Fremont Bank's $500,000 investment in the Loan Guarantee Fund assures that thousands more entrepreneurs in the developing world will receive business loans, feed and educate their children, and live lives of dignity and hope."

Last year Fremont Bank provided a $100,000 loan, all of which has been paid back at 1 percent interest. That loan allowed one of Opportunity's partners TSKI, Philippines to expand its operations and open a new Trust Fund bank in the Philippines that is currently serving 972 active clients with average loans of $94.

Amanda C. Sarabosing is one of those clients. She worked in a restaurant for a meager salary and continually borrowed money from neighbors to meet the needs of her 12 children. She decided to start her own business and in 2000 with just six plates, three glasses, a few spoons and forks and a gas stove she borrowed from a friend, she opened a tiny coffee shop. She wanted to expand, but lacked access to capital. She joined TSKI's Trust Bank program and received an initial loan of $54. She used the loan to establish a small restaurant adjacent to her coffee shop and with the profits she bought a small plot of land. Her restaurant continues to flourish as a result of her own determination and a microloan.

"Our primary focus is still to support our local nonprofits," Hyman said. "But as good global citizens we feel it is important the wealthy of the world help out the poor of the world."

About Opportunity International
For more than 30 years, Opportunity International has been a leader among nonprofit organizations in the global fight against poverty. A pioneer in microenterprise development, Opportunity International is committed to solving poverty instead of merely treating its symptoms. By providing loans and basic training in business practices for the poor, the organization is able to break the cycle of poverty and foster social and spiritual transformation. Clients typically double their income by the time they exit the program. The organization now serves more than 700,000 clients in 27 countries with a loan portfolio of $125 million.

About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank and its divisions are committed to providing its communities with high-quality, personalized banking services in convenient neighborhood locations. Fremont Bank has built a reputation as one of the most progressive community banks in California.

Fremont Bank was founded in 1964 on the cornerstone value that continues to fuel its success today: fast, friendly, honest service. Customers can still count on receiving this exceptional level of service - a rarity in today's marketplace. For more information, call (800) 743-INFO.

Press Contacts:
Laura Owen
Public Relations, Fremont Bank
Phone: (800) 743-INFO
Email: PublicRelations@fremontbank.com