1st Century Bank, N.A. Announces Strong Earnings for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2006.

LOS ANGELES -- 1st Century Bank, N.A. ("1st Century") (OTCBB:FCNA) announced today that strong loan growth contributed to an expanding interest margin and improved financial performance for the period ended June 30, 2006.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (at or for periods ended June 30, 2006, compared to June 30, 2005)

--Net income from operations was $450,000 or $0.05 earnings per share, compared to a net loss of $575,000.

--Total assets grew 44% to $170.1 million.

--Total loans outstanding increased 121% to $100.3 million.

--Deposits grew 40% to $115.9 million, with non-interest bearing deposits reaching $28.4 million.

--Quarterly net interest margin expanded 151 basis points to 4.93%, compared to the same period last year.

--Credit quality remained strong with no non-performing loans at June 30, 2006.

--The Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses represented 1.27% of total outstanding loans.

Net income for the quarter increased to $450,000 from $274,000 during the first quarter of 2006 and a loss of $575,000 during the second quarter ended June 30, 2005. The year to date net income level of $724,000 compares to a net loss of $1,155,000 for the same period ended June 30, 2005.

Total assets increased to $170.1 million at June 30, 2006, representing a 44% increase from the same period last year and remained constant from the prior quarter end. However, average assets increased by $4.0 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. Total loans outstanding increased to $100.3 million at June 30, 2006 compared to $45.5 million at June 30, 2005 and $83.6 million at March 31, 2006. Total deposits at June 30, 2006 were $115.9 million, an increase of 40% from the same period last year and constant with the prior quarter ended March 31, 2006. The level of non-interest bearing deposits was $28.4 million, or 25% of total deposits at June 30, 2006.

The quarterly net interest margin expanded 151 basis points to 4.93% in the second quarter of 2006, compared to the second quarter of 2005. This reflects the continued deployment of deposits and capital into higher yielding loan assets, while controlling the cost of funds by attracting a higher percentage of non-interest bearing deposits. Net interest income for the second quarter was $2,120,000, representing a 134% increase from the same period last year and a 4% increase from the prior quarter. Operating expenses for the second quarter decreased to $1,613,000 compared to $1,787,000 for the first quarter of 2006. The quarterly net profit from operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 of $450,000 represents an improvement over the first quarter profit of $274,000 and the $575,000 loss realized for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.

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.