First Allied Securities Launches Group Health Benefits for Independent Financial Advisors.

SAN DIEGO -- First Allied Securities, Inc., a subsidiary of Chicago based Advanced Equities Financial Corp., announced today the launch of their "Advisor Benefits Program" (ABP). Under the ABP, their independent advisors will now have access to a portfolio of group health and other benefits specifically designed to help independent advisors meet the demands of replacing their own health plan coverage when converting from an employee advisor to the more lucrative, independent contractor status.

"The industry has proven that going independent is a great opportunity for most experienced financial advisors. The launch of the ABP is great news for our existing advisors and yet another reason for qualified advisors to join us since the ABP takes the guesswork out of one more psychological obstacle of going independent. This is another example of how First Allied and Advanced Equities are working together at helping our independent advisors find practice management solutions to successfully run their independent offices with the right tools and resources," said Tom Sboto, Executive Vice President of First Allied.

"The ABP will help our advisors attract quality employees and advisors to join their office. Providing access to group benefits has been a major priority for First Allied and has always been one of the top questions we receive from qualified advisors who are anxious to go independent. Up until now, small business owners found it difficult to create a cost effective and comprehensive health plan on their own -- ABP is the solution we have all been searching for," said Mark Dransfield, President of First Allied.

First Allied is utilizing the consulting services of a third-party outside provider who will administer the plan offering medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary coverage, flexible saving accounts, life plans, and long-term care. In addition, the program offers a variety of ancillary benefits including travel and entertainment and other discount opportunities.

About First Allied Securities, Inc.

First Allied Securities, Inc. is one of the fastest growing, independent broker-dealers in the industry today. With more than 500 financial consultants and 190 branches throughout the United States, First Allied is recognized as the premier broker-dealer for high-producing independent financial consultants. As a result of sophisticated wealth management tools, cutting-edge technology, and access to exceptional, high-quality products, First Allied Financial Consultants are ranked No. 1 as the highest producers in the industry (according to Investment Advisor magazine's June 2006 issue). Since its founding in 1994, First Allied's advisor-oriented management team has remained strongly intact. The firm's senior management has demonstrated a determined commitment to preserve the entrepreneurial culture of independence, and a dedication to provide the highest quality services and products available today.

About Advanced Equities Financial Corp.

Advanced Equities Financial Corp. is a leading provider of investment management, securities brokerage and venture capital investment banking services through its subsidiaries: Advanced Equities, Inc., First Allied Securities, Inc., FFP Securities, Inc. and Greenbook Financial Services, Inc. Combined, AEFC's business units represent one of the nation's top independent retail brokerage operations with more than 900 financial consultants administering more than $20 billion in client assets. Advanced Equities' financial consultants are some of the industry's most productive and have access to an array of products, services and in-house expertise few firms can rival. Advanced Equities, Inc. has distinguished itself as an industry leader in providing late-stage private equity financing to emerging technology companies backed by the world's premier venture capital firms.