Fitch Changes Salvadorian Banks' Rtg Outlook to Negative.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2002

Fitch Ratings has today changed the outlook for long-term currency debt to negative of the Salvadorian banks indicated below, to Negative from Stable following a change in outlook of El Salvador's sovereign long-term foreign currency rating of 'BB+' due to higher fiscal pressures and concerns about the country's growth prospects.

Banco Agricola 

--Long-term foreign currency rating affirmed at 'BB+';

--Short-term foreign currency affirmed at 'B';

--Individual rating affirmed at 'D';

--Support rating '5T';

--Rating Outlook to Negative from Stable.

Banco Cuscatlan

--Long-term foreign currency rating affirmed at 'BB+';

--Short-term foreign currency affirmed at 'B';

--Individual rating affirmed at 'D';

--Support rating '5T';

--Rating Outlook to Negative from Stable.

Banco de Comercio de El Salvador 

--Long-term foreign currency rating affirmed at 'BB';

--Short-term foreign currency affirmed at 'B';

--Individual rating affirmed at 'D';

--Support rating '5T';

--Rating Outlook to Negative from Stable.

Banco Salvadoreno

--Support rating affirmed '5T'.