Advanced Financial Solutions Launches ICBA-Endorsed ``Fast Track Check Imaging Program'' to Community Banking Market in Preparation for Check 21.

Business Editors

ICBA National Convention and Techworld Conference

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2004

First Heritage Bank Becomes Showcase for AFS Fast Track Check

Imaging Program Designed to Help Non-Image Community Banks

Cost-Effectively Implement Check 21 - Readiness Image Strategies

Advanced Financial Solutions Inc. (AFS), and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), are pleased to announce the successful implementation of the first "Fast Track Check Imaging Solution for Community Banks" at First Heritage Bank of Snohomish, Washington.

AFS was recently named the ICBA's preferred service provider for check imaging solutions. The "Fast Track Check Imaging Program" that AFS developed for the ICBA's member institutions is an ideal solution for community banks under $250 million in assets that are looking to acquire their first "in-house" check imaging solution. The AFS Fast Track ImageVision System provides a comprehensive check imaging solution that can be fully operational in less than six weeks. AFS offers pre-configured solutions designed to meet the unique parameters of the community banking market at special negotiated rates for ICBA member banks.

Due to AFS' bold timeframes, the AFS "Fast Track" implementation services team completed a fully operational check imaging installation in only six weeks. First Heritage Bank first met with AFS on November 3, 2003 and went live by December 15th with a broad range of check imaging capabilities, out of the box, including proof of deposit (POD), image statement capability, power encode, AFS DREAM (automatic reject repair) courtesy amount recognition (CAR), signature verification, online check image research, Home Banking Interface capability, and connectivity to the Endpoint Exchange Network for check image exchange, clearing and settlement. This accomplishment sets a standard within the community banking market, where flexibility, speed, and new image-based capabilities are of prime concern.

"The AFS-ICBA Fast Track Check Imaging Program exceeded all of First Heritage Bank's expectations," said Stephanie Paglia, Vice President of First Heritage Bank. "Our check imaging implementation is a testimony to the commitment of AFS to the community banking market. Community banks across the country now have undeniable proof that state-of-the-art check imaging technology is now readily available at a very affordable price."

A recent ICBA-InFinet Resources Technology Survey shows that community banks are becoming more sophisticated in their use of check imaging technology, with 52% of ICBA member banks indicating that they will be evaluating image-check clearing networks in the next 12 to 18 months. These banks see membership in a national check image exchange network providing a critical market advantage in a post Check 21 image based processing environment. The AFS-ICBA Fast Track Check Imaging solution will empower community banks to realize the full potential and benefits of the Check 21 legislation.

"We are delighted to see First Heritage Bank become the first AFS-ICBA "Fast Track" customer for check imaging," said Chuck Butler, AFS General Manager for Channel Sales.

"This program helps First Heritage Bank reap the benefits of check imaging today while providing a flexible platform for taking advantage of the opportunities presented when the Check 21 Act becomes effective later this year."

"We have been extremely satisfied with the installation expertise, customer support and the training offered by the AFS Fast Track Team," remarked Robert Bryce, the president and CEO of First Heritage Bank, Snohomish, Washington, and an AFS user. "AFS has demonstrated dedication to the community bank market and we look forward to a very long and successful partnership with them."

AFS will be demonstrating the Fast Track Check Imaging solution at the upcoming ICBA National Convention and Techworld Conference being held at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego, Calif., March 14 - 18, 2004.

About Advanced Financial Solutions

Founded in 1992, AFS has delivered high-quality image-based and conventional check processing solutions to the financial industry. AFS was one of the first companies to offer image and item processing technology based on the Microsoft Windows NT operating environment. All AFS item imaging solutions are designed from the ground up with the functionality that banks and remittance processors need for operating in a high capacity transaction-based environment. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, AFS maintains offices worldwide.

About First Heritage Bank

First Heritage Bank is an independent, locally-owned community bank, and is ranked No. 1 in local SBA lending volume in Snohomish County. The bank specializes in small-business financing, construction lending, and minority lending. Its more than 1,000 stockholders live primarily in Snohomish County. First Heritage Bank branches are in Snohomish, Monroe, Marysville, Arlington, and Everett.