1st Century Bank, N.A. Announces Earnings for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2006.

LOS ANGELES -- 1st Century Bank, N.A. ("1st Century") (OTCBB:FCNA) announced today that strong growth in assets, loans and deposits and an expanding net interest margin contributed to improved financial performance for the period ended March 31, 2006.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (at or periods ended March 31, 2006, compared to March 31, 2005)

--Net income from operations was $274,000 or $0.03 earnings per share, compared to a net loss of $580,000.

--Total assets grew 62% to $170.7 million.

--Total loans outstanding increased 125% to $83.6 million.

--Deposits grew 40% to $116.4 million, with non-interest bearing deposits reaching $29.8 million.

--Quarterly net interest margin expanded 133 basis points to 4.88%, compared to the same period last year.

--Credit quality remained strong with no non-performing loans at March 31, 2006.

--The Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses represented 1.39% of total outstanding loans.

"Our results show that our plan and the people executing the plan are focused on the client base within our target markets," stated Alan I. Rothenberg, Chairman. "We appreciate the support of our founders, investors and many friends of the bank in helping us achieve these milestones."

Total assets increased to $170.7 million at March 31, 2006, representing a 62% increase from the same period last year and a 6% increase over the $161.6 million asset level at the quarter ended December 31, 2005. Total loan commitments increased to $134.8 million at March 31, 2006 compared to $58.0 million at March 31, 2005 and $126.6 million at December 31, 2005. Total deposits at March 31, 2006 were $116.4 million, an increase of 40% from the same period last year and a 9% increase from the prior quarter. The level of non-interest bearing deposits increased to $29.8 million, or 26% of total deposits at March 31, 2006.

The quarterly net interest margin expanded 133 basis points to 4.88% in 2006, compared to the first quarter of 2005. This reflects the continued deployment of deposits and capital into higher yielding assets (loans and securities), while controlling the cost of funds by attracting a higher percentage of non-interest bearing deposits. Net interest income after provision for loan losses for the first quarter was $2,037,000, representing a 188% increase from the same period last year and a 42% increase from the prior quarter. Operating expenses (excluding non-cash stock compensation) for the first quarter remained stable at $1,755,000 compared to $1,748,000 for the fourth quarter of 2005. The quarterly net profit from operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 of $274,000 represents an improvement over the $465,000 loss incurred for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 and the $580,000 loss realized for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

Richard Cupp, President and CEO, stated, "We are pleased with the operating results for the first quarter. The level of growth and the achievement of profitability in our eighth full quarter of operation are right on track with our strategic plan. We remain focused on becoming a top performing financial institution."

1st Century is a full service bank headquartered in the Century City area of Los Angeles, California. 1st Century's primary focus is relationship banking to family owned and closely held middle market businesses, professional service firms and high net worth individuals, real estate investors and entrepreneurs. Additional information is available at www.1stcenturybank.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters discussed in this letter constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements relate to 1st Century's current expectations regarding deposit and loan growth, operating results and the strength of the local economy. These forward looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed, suggested or implied by the forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the impact of changes in interest rates, a decline in economic conditions and increased competition among financial service providers on 1st Century's operating results, ability to attract deposit and loan customers and the quality of 1st Century's earning assets; (2) government regulation; and (3) the other risks set forth in 1st Century's reports filed with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, including its Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005. 1st Century does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.