Federal and state banking regulators have given the national real estate lender
60 days to raise new capital or sell its banking subsidiary

FREMONT, California - March 31, 2008 -Fremont Bank, a leading full-service community bank in Northern California, would like to clarify many erroneous claims of being associated with the Brea, California-based Fremont General Corporation (NYSE: FMT), including a media segment that appeared today on CNN concerning Fremont General Corporation.  In its broadcast today regarding Fremont General, CNN mistakenly pictured Fremont Bank’s website.  Fremont Bank officially announces that it is in no way affiliated with Fremont General or its wholly owned subsidiary Fremont Investment & Loan.

On Saturday, March 29, 2008, the Associated Press reported that Fremont General’s wholly-owned banking unit, Fremont Investment & Loan, is undercapitalized by regulatory standards and has recently been given 60 days by federal and state banking regulators to raise new capital or sell the banking subsidiary.  This announcement concerned Fremont Investment & Loan and not the Northern California based Fremont Bank.

Fremont Bank is a $2 billion commercial bank based in Fremont, California that prides itself in being a locally owned, community bank with a full range of products and services. The Bank continues to successfully manage a significant portfolio of residential, consumer and commercial loans.

All questions or concerns regarding this matter can be directed to Gary DeLuca, Chief Marketing Officer at (510) 792-2300.

About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank (www.fremontbank.com) is the leading full-service community bank in Northern California. Founded in 1964, Fremont Bank is one of the oldest independent family owned and managed banks in the region and focuses on personalized service for individuals and businesses. It serves communities through 24 branches and seven additional ATMs throughout the Greater Bay Area. Exceptional client service is the cornerstone of Fremont Bank’s business. Accommodation of customer needs in a friendly, personal atmosphere characterizes the bank’s culture.