FREMONT, California - January 26, 2009 - Fremont Bank, a leading full-service community bank in Northern California, has increased lending to qualified customers seeking to refinance their home loans during these extraordinary economic times and historically low mortgage rates.

“We are increasingly seeing our valued customers come into our bank looking to capitalize on the low mortgage interest rates recently set forth by the federal government,” says Fremont Bank’s Vice President of Residential Lending, Gary De Luca. “Fremont Bank is well positioned financially and willing to accommodate the increased demand and streamline loans for qualified customers.”

While helping customers save money on their mortgage payments, Fremont Bank also sees this as an opportunity that may stabilize the local economy. As house affordability increases, so does the customers ability to reinvest saved money into the local economy.

“We wholeheartedly believe the government is doing the right thing by lowering mortgage interest rates,” adds De Luca. “It’s our job to quickly assist our customers to take advantage of this truly unique opportunity and save them money on their mortgages. To that end, Fremont Bank has hired additional skilled mortgage professionals to assist our customers and has placed mortgage specialists within select Bay Area branch locations to meet the increased demand.”

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.