First Commerce Bancorp Reports Strong First Half Profits.

ENCINO, Calif. -- First Commerce Bancorp (OTCBB:FCCC) today announced that net income on a consolidated basis for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $1,167,000 or $.15 per share ($.14 per share on a diluted basis). This compares with net earnings of $778,000, an increase of 50% or $.10 per share ($.09 per share on a diluted basis) for the six months ended June 30, 2004. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was $610,000 or $.08 per share ($.07 per share on a diluted basis) compared to net income of $334,000 or $.04 per share ($.04 per share on a diluted basis) for the same period last year, an increase of 83%.

Assets at June 30, 2005 were $219,252,000, up $22,319,000 or 11% as compared to June 30, 2004.

Deposits and total loans, net of deferred fees, at June 30, 2005 were $196,890,000 and $152,024,000, respectively, up 25% and 4% as compared to June 30, 2004.

According to Jack Feldman, First Commerce Bancorp's President and CEO, the significant improvement in net income over the prior year is the result of nine increases in the prime rate during the period compromised by a reduction in additive loan production during the first six months of 2005.

First Commerce Bancorp is located at 16861 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA. First Commerce Bancorp's primary subsidiary, First Commerce Bank, is an independent community bank with its main office at 16861 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA, and a regional office in Brentwood, CA. The Bank has been designated a Super Premier Performing Bank for the past three years by The Findley Reports, an independent service which rates the financial performance of California banks. The Bancorp's stock trades on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol FCCC.

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events, expectations for growth and income forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, loan production, balance sheet management, expanded net interest margin, the ability to control costs and expenses, interest rate changes, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect future events or developments.