Marketwire - Retail Banking

Federal Court Upholds Derivative Complaint Alleging Federal and State Law Claims Against Countrywide Officers and Directors, According to Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP

Thu, 15 May 2008 18:12:00 EDT

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - The federal district court overseeing a derivative action concerning the collapse of Countrywide Financial Corporation (NYSE: CFC) issued an important ruling today upholding, in large part, the plaintiffs' claims against certain officers and directors of the Company. The action alleges breaches of fiduciary duty by Countrywide's officers and directors, including Angelo Mozilo and David Sambol, as well as violations of the federal securities laws. The derivative action is led by a group of institutional investors, including Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System, Central Laborers Pension Fund, and the Mississippi Public Employees Retirement System.

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. to Conduct Annual Stockholders Meeting

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:38:00 EDT

ITASCA, IL--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBI) today announced that it will hold its Annual Stockholders Meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at 9:30 A.M. CT at the Westin Chicago Northwest, Itasca, Illinois. After conducting the business described in the 2008 Proxy Statement, First Midwest's management will make a brief presentation.

The presentation materials will be available for viewing in the Investor Relations section on the Company's website, www.firstmidwest.com, on May 21, 2008 after 2:00 P.M. CT and will be available for 7 days thereafter.

Ryan Olstad Joins Pacific Valley Bank in Hollister

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:32:00 EDT

SALINAS, CA--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Pacific Valley Bank (OTCBB: PVBK) announced that Ryan Olstad has joined the Hollister Branch as Assistant Customer Relations Manager.

Olstad was with San Benito Bank as a new accounts specialist prior to joining Pacific Valley Bank. He is a graduate of San Benito High School and is studying Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Gavilan College in Gilroy, CA.

About Pacific Valley Bank:

ifb group apresenta a "Confer�ncia Banc�ria Internacional para Usu�rios do SAP"

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:04:00 EDT

-- 3 a 4 de junho de 2008, em Viena (�ustria)

-- Troca de id�ias sobre os potenciais e benef�cios do SAP para o setor banc�rio

Brookfield Investments Corp. Announces First Quarter Financial Results

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:31:00 EDT

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Brookfield Investments Corporation (TSX:BRN.PR.A) today announced net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 of $57 million, compared to a loss of $4 million for the same period last year. The results for the first quarter of 2008 reflect other income of $105 million, as described further below, partly offset by a $23 million net loss from the company's forest product investments. Panelboard investments, held through Norbord Inc., contributed a net loss of $13 million for the first three months of 2008, compared with a net loss of $6 million for the same period last year. Prices for oriented strandboard dropped to their lowest levels since 2001, reflecting weaker US housing starts, poor weather and new OSB capacity coming on stream. Other forest product investments, held through Fraser Papers Inc., contributed a net loss of $10 million, compared to a net loss of $5 million last year. Improvements during the first quarter of 2

Merisel, Inc. Announces Earnings for First Quarter 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:05:00 EDT

(In Thousands Except for per Share Amounts)

Central Bancorp Reports Improved Earnings for the Fiscal Year and Quarter Ended March 31, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:43:00 EDT

SOMERVILLE, MA--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Central Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEBK) (the "Company") today reported that its net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 increased to $1.4 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, from net income of $1.0 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the year ended March 31, 2007. Earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 improved to $101,000, or $0.07 per diluted share, from $42,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the corresponding quarter in 2007.

MyECheck Inc. Provides Shareholder Update

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:13:00 EDT

Check 21 Payment Solutions Company Processed Over $16 Million Since Launch

GovGex.com(TM), Online Marketplace for Buying and Selling Government Guaranteed Loans, Launched

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:54:00 EDT

SBA Lenders Now Have Efficient, Secure and Compliant Platform to Connect With Buyers

La Banque Nationale Groupe financier octroie un don de 35 000 $ � Association des soins palliatifs de l'Est du Qu�bec

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:45:00 EDT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - 15 mai 2008) - Banque Nationale du Canada (TSX:NA) La Banque Nationale Groupe financier est heureuse de remettre un don de 35 000 $ � l'Association des soins palliatifs de l'Est du Qu�bec dans le cadre de sa campagne de financement au profit de la mise sur pied de la Maison Marie-Elizabeth, dont la construction est pr�vue pour le printemps 2009, � Rimouski. La Maison Marie-Elizabeth aura pour mission de permettre aux personnes atteintes d'une maladie en phase terminale de la r�gion des MRC de Rimouski-Neigette et de La Mitis de s�journer gratuitement dans un milieu de vie qui am�liore la qualit� de leur existence et apaise leur souffrances.

National Bank Financial Group donates $35,000 to the Association des soins palliatifs de l'Est du Qu�bec

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:45:00 EDT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) National Bank Financial Group is pleased to donate $35,000 to the Association des soins palliatifs de l'Est du Quebec as part of a fundraising campaign in support of the Maison Marie-Elizabeth, which is planned for construction in spring 2009 in Rimouski. The mission of the Maison Marie-Elizabeth is to provide a free home-like setting where terminally ill people in the Regional County Municipalities of Rimouski-Neigette and La Mitis can receive care to enhance their quality of life and ease their suffering.

Coast Capital Savings Wins Two National Credit Union Awards

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 EDT

SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Coast Capital Savings received a pair of awards for outstanding achievement from Credit Union Central of Canada at the 6th annual National Credit Union Awards held in Ottawa. The credit union took home the 2008 Community Economic Development Award and the prestigious National Credit Union Innovation Award. The 2008 Community Economic Development Award honoured Coast Capital Savings for its support of the Quality of Life CHALLENGE program, which brings diverse partners together to generate long-lasting solutions that prevent and reduce poverty in Greater Victoria.

Brickwell Community Bank Selects IntelAccount's Web-Based Accounts Payable Processing Services

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:46:00 EDT

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - IntelAccount, a leading provider of web-based accounts payable (AP), document management, and e-payment services to small and mid-sized businesses, announced the addition of Brickwell Community Bank to its growing client roster.

"Brickwell Community Bank is a progressive, growing organization supporting a complex, paper intensive invoice approval process and document management system. Selecting IntelAccount to handle our accounts payable means we can focus on client service and have access to web-based technology, efficient AP processes and 24/7 access to documents while lowering our operating cost in the accounts payable function," Ramya Rauf, Vice President of Finance for Brickwell Community Bank, said. "In addition, we'll eliminate a lot of paper, going 'green' to support the environment and that fits nicely with the philosophy of our company."

ifb group presents "International Banking Conference for SAP Users"

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:11:00 EDT

KOLN, GERMANY--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) -

* 3-4 June 2008 in Vienna (Austria)

* Exchange of ideas on the potential and benefits of SAP for Banking

Vienna (Austria), May 15th, 2008. Banking professionals and managers from all over the world will meet to exchange ideas at the "International Banking Conference for SAP Users" in Vienna (Austria) on 3-4 June 2008. The event is being organized by the consulting and software provider, ifb group, which as a special expertise partner to SAP AG specializes, amongst other things, in the development and implementation of SAP banking software. The focus of the conference will be an exchange of ideas regarding bank controlling with "SAP for Banking". Speakers from international banks, SAP AG and the ifb group will explain how leading banks are benefiting from the latest economic and technical management methods using SAP systems. This will involve "Analytical Banking" and "Transactional Banking" issues, including the

La Banque Nationale divulguera ses r�sultats du Deuxi�me trimestre 2008 le 29 mai 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:59:00 EDT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - 15 mai 2008) - La Banque Nationale du Canada (TSX:NA) divulguera ses r�sultats du deuxi�me trimestre le jeudi 29 mai 2008. Les r�sultats devraient �tre publi�s dans la matin�e, suivi d'une conf�rence t�l�phonique avec les analystes financiers et les investisseurs institutionnels en apr�s-midi. Cette conf�rence t�l�phonique sera accessible en direct ou en diff�r�, par t�l�phone ou par Internet. Conf�rence t�l�phonique sur les r�sultats du deuxi�me trimestre termin� le 30 avril 2008

National Bank to Announce Second Quarter Results on May 29, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:58:00 EDT

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) will be releasing its second quarter 2008 results on Thursday, May 29, 2008. The results are expected to be released in the morning, followed by a conference call with financial analysts and institutional investors in the afternoon. This conference call can be accessed either live or via archive, by phone or by webcast. Second quarter ended April 30, 2008 results conference call - A conference call will take place on May 29, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ET

Conferencia internacional de SAP para bancos del ifb group

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:06:00 EDT

-- 3 y 4 de junio de 2008 en Viena (Austria)

-- Intercambio de experiencias sobre las posibilidades y ventajas de SAP para bancos

Washington Post Article Regarding the Growth of Islamic Financing and University Bank's Islamic Banking Subsidiary, University Islamic Financial

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:05:00 EDT

ANN ARBOR, MI--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Stephen Lange Ranzini, President and Chairman of Ann Arbor's University Bank (NASDAQ: UNIB), announced that The Washington Post has published an article titled, "A Higher Law for Lending," that discusses the recent growth of Islamic Banking in the United States and features information on University Bank's Islamic Banking Subsidiary, University Islamic Financial Corporation (UIFC). The family featured and pictured in the article is a customer of UIFC. The article is available online at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/12/AR2008051202740.html?nav=rss_religion.

Legends Business Group, Inc. Announces Unanticipated Overwhelming Response to Client Conference

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT

CASSELBERRY, FL--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Legends Business Group, Inc. (OTCBB: LGBS) announces overwhelming response to its First Annual Client Conference to be held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the end of this month.

The Company has scheduled the meeting for the benefit of both current and potential clients. Discussions are to focus on the development of new ideas, processes and product offerings of Legends Business Group, Inc.

ifb group Presents "International Banking Conference for SAP Users"

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT

-- 3-4 June 2008 in Vienna (Austria)

-- Exchange of ideas on the potential and benefits of SAP for Banking

Inman News Awarded Best Web Site Award by National Association of Real Estate Editors

Thu, 15 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Newly Designed Site Earns Rave Reviews for Content and Accessibility, While Top Inman Reporters Receive Top Honors for Journalistic Excellence

Smallcap Rapp(TM) to Feature TEVI and Three More Companies in May

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:30:00 EDT

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - 247MGI, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TOFS) ("247MGI") is pleased to announce that Smallcap RappT will feature Boyd Soussana CEO for The Estate Vault, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TEVI) Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 1:15 PM EST and is finalizing three additional shows through May 26, 2008.

About The Estate Vault, Inc.

The Estate Vault, Inc. was developed to overcome the daunting task of keeping financial, personal and legal documents up to date and in one place. Together with its strategic product partners The Estate Vault has wrapped up its unique service offering with a Credit Card Registry, Home Inventory Listing, Identity Theft Insurance and an online Legal Documents and Will Creator. The Estate Vault intends to become the leader in value added products to the financial services industry by providing a pr

Etelcharge Successfully Launches Version 3.0

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:30:00 EDT

The Online Way to Pay(TM) Becomes a Reality Today With First Offering of Online Digital Gift Card Through CinemaNow

RHJ International: CME Releases Consolidated Results for the Full Fiscal Year Ending March 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 02:22:00 EDT

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) -

Brussels, May 15, 2008 - Please find enclosed the press release issued today by RHJ International announcing that its portfolio company, Columbia Music Entertainment, has filed with the Tokyo Stock Exchange its consolidated results for the Full Fiscal Year Ending March 2008.

RHJ International (Euronext: RHJI) is a diversified holding company focused on creating long-term value for its shareholders by acquiring and operating businesses in attractive industries. For further information visit www.rhji.com.

NATIXIS: RESULTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 01:34:00 EDT

PARIS--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - EUR 105 million in net income in the first quarter[1] against a still-difficult backdrop

- direct impact from the crisis still significant, but much lower

Value adjustments (assets/liabilities) based on conservative

assumptions

- Healthy financing, asset management and services activity levels

- Solid capital structure: tier one ratio of 8.4%[2]

- major cost-cutting plan launched

Natixis' quarterly consolidated financial statements were approved by the Executive Board on May 7, 2008.

Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc. Announces Board Changes

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:35:00 EDT

MELROSE PARK, IL--(Marketwire - May 14, 2008) - Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBHI) announced the retirement of its longstanding and well-respected director Leon Wolin and acknowledged his service to the company at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting on May 7, 2008. During this meeting Midwest also introduced new board member Dennis O'Hara and the shareholders elected Percy L. Berger to the board of directors.

"Leon has been an original shareholder of Midwest since 1959," said Homer Livingston, recently appointed chairman of the board. "He has been a supportive and active director and remains a valued customer, shareholder, business colleague and most importantly friend to our board, our company and our shareholders."

National Bankshares, Inc. Board of Directors Declares Semi-Annual Dividend and Continues Stock Repurchase Plan

Wed, 14 May 2008 16:30:00 EDT

BLACKSBURG, VA--(Marketwire - May 14, 2008) - National Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: NKSH) announced today that its Board of Directors approved payment on June 2, 2008 of a semi-annual dividend of $0.39 per share to stockholders of record as of May 23, 2008. This dividend is 5.4% higher than the semi-annual dividend that was paid on June 1, 2007.

In other business, the Board of Directors renewed its authorization of a stock repurchase plan in which management is authorized to purchase up to 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock on the open market. This authorization extends from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009. To date, National Bankshares, Inc. has acquired 57,850 shares under the current stock repurchase plan that expires on May 31, 2008. The Company's management has not yet determined how many shares, if any, might be purchased under the continued stock repurchase plan.

Contactless Payment Growth and Evolution to Mobile NFC Payment Are Highlights as Smart Card Alliance/CTST Conference Opens

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:21:00 EDT

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire - May 14, 2008) - CTST 2008 - THE AMERICAS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION -- Open-branded contactless payment cards in the United States nearly doubled in the last year, but the buzz was about mobile payment and near field communication (NFC) on the first day of the joint Smart Card Alliance annual meeting and CTST conference.

"Consumers loved it," Steve Davidson, product manager, Mobile Commerce Initiatives for wireless operator Cellular South, told attendees, based on the results of their mobile NFC payment pilot conducted with 100 consumers. Surprisingly, despite initial misgivings about security, once they had used it participants ranked security as the number one value of mobile payment, even ahead of payment speed and convenience. That's because Cellular South required a PIN entry, or a fingerprint biometric verification, on the mobile handset to make a payment. The test took place in Jackson, Miss. and Memphis, Tenn. from April to September 2007.

Invesco PowerShares and Deutsche Bank Expand Successful Marketing Partnership to Include Long and Short Exchange-Traded Commodity Products

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:55:00 EDT

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 14, 2008) - Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC announced today that it is, through its affiliate, expanding its marketing partnership with Deutsche Bank to include 11 additional recently-listed long and short Agriculture, Gold and Commodity exchange-traded notes (ETNs), which will offer investors short and leveraged exposure to variations of the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index.

As part of the expanded marketing partnership, the names for the DB Agriculture, Gold and Commodity exchange-traded notes will be changed to include PowerShares, consistent with the rest of the PowerShares DB lineup of commodity and currency exchange-traded products. The tickers for the ETNs will remain the same.

Richmond Fed's "Economic Quarterly" Examines Whether Bank Supervisors Should Disclose Information About Their Banks

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:10:00 EDT

"Should Bank Supervisors Disclose Information About Their Banks?" by Edward S. Prescott

Shawn Hartung Joins Focus Business Bank as Vice President Relationship Manager

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:52:00 EDT

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - May 14, 2008) - Focus Business Bank (OTCBB: FCSB) announced that Shawn Hartung has joined the bank as a Vice President Relationship Manager in the Commercial Lending Group. Ms. Hartung will be responsible for the development of business banking relationships with closely held businesses and entrepreneurs in Santa Clara County. She will be located in the Bank's headquarters in San Jose.

Ms. Hartung has been a commercial banker for many years. Most recently she was a Vice President Relationship Manager with Wells Fargo Bank in Santa Clara, formerly Santa Clara Valley National Bank. She was also with Comerica Bank and Wachovia Bank in various management positions and served on the faculty of the Political Science Department at San Jose State University. She is a graduate of Albion College in Michigan and the Santa Clara University School of Law.

RSM EquiCo Capital Markets Adds New Restructuring Service

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

COSTA MESA, CA--(Marketwire - May 14, 2008) - Global investment bank RSM EquiCo Capital Markets LLC has added a new practice to its growing list of services: restructuring.

The firm's restructuring experts advise companies with underperforming assets and those experiencing financial distress, working with both debtors and creditors to develop tailored solutions suitable for virtually any financial or operating situation. RSM EquiCo assists middle-market companies in areas such as corporate renewal, turnarounds, balance-sheet restructuring, distressed M&A (including out-of-court transactions and Chapter 11 Section 363 sales) and NASDAQ: FCCY), the parent company of 1ST Constitution Bank, reported net income of $802,197 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1,325,894 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, or $0.33 per diluted earnings per share. Net income for the quarter decreased by $523,697, or 39.5 percent, over the results reported for the first quarter of 2007. The 2007 per share amount has been restated to give effect to a 6 percent stock dividend paid on February 6, 2008.

FIMAC Offers "Window to the Future" to Bank CFOs and Loan Officers

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:30:00 EDT

FIMAC's Commercial Real Estate Stress Test Helps Bankers See the Red Flags Before CRE Loans Become Losses

Vangent Announces First Quarter 2008 Results

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT

ARLINGTON, VA--(Marketwire - May 14, 2008) - Vangent, Inc., a leading global provider of information management and strategic business process outsourcing services, today announced its first quarter 2008 results.

"We are pleased with Vangent's performance during the first quarter of 2008, exemplified by our impressive growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, revenue grew 29% and Credit Agreement Adjusted EBITDA climbed 32%," stated Mac Curtis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vangent. "We continue to solidify our leadership standing in the industry and are well positioned for the remainder of the year."

Wells Fargo Names Nathan Hughes National Healthcare Insurance Practice Leader

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:25:00 EDT

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) - Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Inc. has named Nathan Hughes national healthcare practice leader. He will be based in the Bloomington, Minn. office.

In his new role, Hughes will work with healthcare professionals throughout the Wells Fargo Insurance Services organization to provide support and industry knowledge to customers, prospects, and team members.

"Nate's depth of experience in medical malpractice and professional liability insurance will prove extremely valuable in his new role," said Kevin Brogan, managing director, national practice leader, casualty. "His finance and accounting background and his years of service to a wide range of customers in all segments of the healthcare industry make him extremely well qualified to lead our healthcare practice nationally."

First California Financial Group Announces First Quarter 2008 Results

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:00 EDT

Net Income of $2.2 Million Versus $1.1 Million Loss; Asset Quality Trends and Balances Favorable; Total Assets Surpass $1.1 Billion; Glendale, California Branch Slated to Open

Fiserv Expands the Integration of Its Loan Origination Software Systems With Mortgagebot

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

PowerSite Pro, Mortgagebot's Point-of-Sale Tool for Loan Officers, Streamlines the Mortgage-Application Process for Clients of Fiserv LOS Solutions

Apollo Investment Corporation Prices Public Offering of Common Stock

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:53:00 EDT

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) - Apollo Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: AINV) announces today that it has priced its public offering of 22,327,500 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $17.11 per share, raising approximately $382 million of gross proceeds (without taking into account underwriting commissions). Reflecting support of the Company, Leon Black, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Global Management, LLC ("AGM") and Joshua Harris, President of AGM have each subscribed for $10 million and $2.5 million, respectively, worth of shares at the same price of $17.11 per share. The offering is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on May 16, 2008.

Cape Bancorp, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2008 Results

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:17:00 EDT

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) - Cape Bancorp, Inc. ("Cape Bancorp") (NASDAQ: CBNJ), the parent company of Cape Bank, announced its initial operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. Cape Bancorp completed its initial public stock offering on January 31, 2008 in connection with a mutual-to-stock conversion of Cape Savings Bank and closed the simultaneous acquisition of Linwood, New Jersey based Boardwalk Bancorp, Inc. and Boardwalk Bank which had total assets of $450.2 million on that date. As a result of the acquisition, Cape Savings Bank changed its name to Cape Bank. On January 31, 2008 Cape Bank established the "CapeBank Charitable Foundation" contributing $782 thousand in cash and $5.5 million in Cape Bancorp stock for a total contribution of $6.3 million. As a result of this contribution, Cape Bancorp reported a net loss of $2.2 million for the quarter ended March 31,

Chip Stevens Joins Barclays Global Investors as Head of Active, U.S. Fixed Income Trading

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:05:00 EDT

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) - Barclays Global Investors (BGI) today announces that Chip Stevens has joined the firm as Managing Director and Head of Active Trading for U.S. Fixed Income. In this newly created position, Mr. Stevens, who has extensive experience in the credit and derivatives markets, will be responsible for overseeing Fixed Income Trading in the U.S. and managing and developing the firm's U.S. broker/dealer trading relationships.

"Chip has an impressive record of building and managing profitable trading teams globally," said Marie Chandoha, Head of the Global Fixed Income business to whom Mr. Stevens reports. "His experience will be invaluable to BGI as we centralize our trading function in the U.S. and enhance efficiencies and synergies across our global business."

Appian Enterprise Acclaimed by Leading European IT Research and Analysis Firm

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:03:00 EDT

BPM Suite Cited for Full Features, Flexibility, Ease-of-Use and Web Architecture

Etelcharge Version 3.0 to Go Live May 15

Tue, 13 May 2008 06:30:00 EDT

Members Can Purchase Digital Gift Certificates and Create Their Own Social Network

IDology Identity Verification Suite Detects & Prevents ID Theft for Red Flag Compliance Regulations

Tue, 13 May 2008 06:10:00 EDT

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) - IDology, Inc., an innovative provider of identity and age verification solutions, today announced that its ExpectID�, a full suite of identity verification solutions, helps businesses comply with the upcoming Red Flag Regulations under Section 114 and 315 of the 2003 Fair and Accurate Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA).

"Banks and creditors are struggling to determine how to comply before November 1st and we offer them an easy way to do so," said John Dancu, President and CEO of IDology. "Our solutions are a natural fit because they are specifically designed to automatically detect and prevent identity theft especially in consumer-not-present situations."

CREDIT AGRICOLE SA : Further to press annoucement

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:09:00 EDT

PARIS--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) -

Press Release

Further to detailed rumours in the media, Credit Agricole S.A. is making the following clarification:

As scheduled the Board of directors of Credit Agricole S.A. will meet on Wednesday 14 May 2008 to review the accounts for the first quarter 2008, and to decide on a rights issue.

Credit Agricole S.A. net income group share in the first quarter 2008 should amount to EUR 892 million after EUR 1,205 million Calyon subprime related negative impact on the net banking income.

Get a Deep Insight Into the Future Of Payments: Prepaid Cards, Contactless and Mobile Payments

Mon, 12 May 2008 21:22:00 EDT

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - May 12, 2008) - Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report related to the Financial services industry is available in its catalogue.

The Future of Payments: Prepaid cards, contactless and mobile payments

http://www.reportlinker.com/p088569/The-Future-of-Payments-Prepaid-cards-contactless-and-mobile-payments.html

Apollo Investment Corporation Schedules Release of Fourth Fiscal Quarter and Fiscal 2008 Results

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 12, 2008) - Apollo Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: AINV) announced today that it will report fourth quarter and fiscal year results for the periods ended March 31, 2008 on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 after the close of the financial markets.

The company will also host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 to discuss its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing (888) 802-8579 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial (973) 633-6740. All callers should reference "Apollo Investment Corporation" or "conference ID # 45684793." An archived replay of the call will be available through June 12, 2008 by calling (800) 642-1687. International callers please dial (706) 645-9291. Please reference pin "conference ID # 456

Expert Group, Inc. Begins Financial Audit to Become a Correspondent Lender

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:57:00 EDT

MIAMI, FL--(Marketwire - May 12, 2008) - Expert Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: EXPT) is proud to announce that we have retained the accounting offices of Dave V. John C.P.A. to complete our financial audits to become a correspondent lender as well as our own FHA license.

Correspondent Lenders

Correspondent lenders, a relatively new group of mortgage loan providers, are similar to mortgage bankers in their ability to make a decision whether to extend you a loan and fund it with their own money. However, as soon as your loan is closed, it is usually sold to another lender, the 'funding lender,' with which the correspondent lender has a business relationship. If a correspondent lender makes mortgage loans available from one source of funds, they may be functioning as the exclusive agent of the funding lender. Many correspondent lenders, like mortgage brokers, have several sources to choose from, so they can help you

Charter One's Making Music Matter Program Is Sounding Good to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:25:00 EDT

$200,000 Gift and Donations Collected at Charter One Pavilion Will Benefit Children in Chicago's Most Challenged Neighborhoods

Live Oak Bank Launches With a Focus on Helping Veterinarians Build and Grow Their Practices

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:08:00 EDT

New Bank Specializes in High-Growth Veterinarian Market, Offering New Affordability and Flexibility in Loan Services

Credit Card Issuers' Collective After-Tax Return on Assets Drops 1.58%

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Cards&Payments' Annual Bankcard Profitability Study Reveals

FirstCity Financial Reports First Quarter 2008 Results and Activities

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT

WACO, TX--(Marketwire - May 12, 2008) -

Highlights:

-- FirstCity reported 1st quarter 2008 loss of $3.6 million or ($.34) per diluted share - which includes $4.1 million of net provisions.

-- FirstCity invested $9.9 million in portfolio acquisitions and other investments during the quarter.

-- FirstCity purchased 385,830 shares of its common stock in 2008 under its stock repurchase plan.

Components of the quarterly results are detailed below (dollars in thousands except per share data):

RMG Capital Corporation Announces 1st Quarter 2008 Operating Results

Fri, 09 May 2008 19:09:00 EDT

FULLERTON, CA--(Marketwire - May 9, 2008) - RMG Capital Corporation (OTCBB: RMGC), the holding company for Fullerton Community Bank, F.S.B. in Fullerton, California, announced today their 1st quarter 2008 operating results.

According to company spokesman, R. O. Kusserow, first quarter 2008 Net Income for RMG Capital Corporation totaled $1.28 million or $0.41 per share as compared with $965,000 or $0.32 per share at 3/31/2007. The Net Income growth represents a 33.2% increase over the same period a year ago. At March 31, 2008, RMG had Total Assets of $721.9 million as compared with $662.9 million at 3/31/2007. This is an increase of 8.9% over the same period last year.

Oak Valley Community Bank to Submit Application to Establish Bank Holding Company

Fri, 09 May 2008 18:35:00 EDT

OAKDALE, CA--(Marketwire - May 9, 2008) - Oak Valley Community Bank (OTCBB: OVYB) previously announced plans to establish a one-bank holding company called Oak Valley Bancorp. The Bank's Board of Directors approved a plan of merger and reorganization for Bancorp at its April board meeting, subject to regulatory approval and shareholder approval at the Bank's upcoming meeting on June 17, 2008. The Bank and Bancorp submitted its application today to the FDIC and California Department of Financial Institutions for required approvals related to the reorganization.

SmartMetric Announces That Your Fingerprint Will Make Credit Card Signatures and ATM PIN Numbers a Thing of the Past

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:48:00 EDT

SURFSIDE, FL--(Marketwire - May 9, 2008) - SmartMetric, Inc. (OTCBB: SMME) said today that its new Biometric Card will make signing a credit card or inputting a PIN number for your ATM card a thing of the past. With Identity Theft becoming the largest crime in the United States, a new and safer way of using credit and debit cards has become a quest for Banks around the World. After more then 8 years of R&D, SmartMetric has announced today that it now can replace signatures and PIN numbers with a person's fingerprint thereby providing a 100% guarantee that the person making the transaction is who they say they are.

Fitch changes Glitnir Bank's long and short-term credit rating

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:47:00 EDT

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND--(Marketwire - May 9, 2008) - Fitch Ratings Services announced today that it has lowered its long-term counterparty credit ratings on Glitnir Bank from A to A-, with a negative outlook and as a result the short-term rating is lowered from F1 to F2 with a stable outlook. The B/C individual rating was confirmed.

"This result reflects Fitch's view that there continues to be uncertainty on the development of the Icelandic economy", says Ingvar Ragnarsson, Managing Director of Treasury at Glitnir. "Glitnir performed well in the first quarter of 2008, in a challenging market, with core income growing by 8.6% and costs reducing by 12% quarter on quarter. Glitnir demonstrated its inherent strengths with the generation of ISK 7.7bn pre-tax profits in the first quarter, confirming the Bank's underlying resilience and flexibility.

Top 100 Companies Helping Build Families Are Recognized on the 100th Anniversary of Mother's Day

Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT

DUBLIN, OH--(Marketwire - May 9, 2008) - For Latoya Walton, being a mother is a dream come true. When she and her husband, Gahmel, decided to adopt, Latoya had the support of her employer, JPMorgan Chase, behind her. JPMorgan Chase, #7 on the just-released Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list, reimbursed $10,000 of the couple's adoption expenses and gave her twelve weeks of paid time off to bond with Destiny.

Companies like JPMorgan Chase, enabling families to come together, are more common today than ever before. To honor such companies, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption released the second annual Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America list to recognize organizations that provide exceptional support to employees who adopt. More than 50 organizations nationwide established or enhanced their adoption benefits for 2008.

1st Century Bancshares Reports Improved Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2008

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:34:00 EDT

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - May 8, 2008) - 1st Century Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company" or "1st Century Bancshares") (OTCBB: FCTY), the holding company of 1st Century Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), today reported continued growth in loans and deposits as well as operating results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2008.

The Company reported net income of $206,000, or $.02 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to net income of $164,000 or $.02 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago.