Directorate Change

Conister Financial Group plc 25 April 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 25 April 2008 Conister Financial Group plc ('CFG' or the 'Company') Appointment of CEO and strengthening of the executive team Conister Financial Group plc ('CFG') announces today moves to strengthen the executive team following the Scheme of Arrangement implemented in January of this year. Arron Banks has been appointed CEO of CFG with immediate effect. Arron (aged 42) is currently a non-executive director of CFG and a significant shareholder with a beneficial interest of nearly 15% of the issued share capital. He has had a successful career in financial services building significant shareholder value in the insurance industry. He founded Group Direct, a top 30 UK insurance broker and also founded and has a controlling interest in Southern Rock Insurance Company, one of the fastest growing direct internet insurers in the UK. Arron commented, 'I am looking forward to the CFG role enormously, Conister Trust has a 70 year history on the Isle of Man and we intend to build the business into one of the most successful institutions on the Island. The expansion of CFG into the pre-paid card market marks a change of direction and shows our desire to expand CFG into new areas. The pre-paid card industry has massive potential and we are already making solid progress.' Chris Johnstone (a 49 year old Chartered Accountant) has been appointed as Interim Finance Director (non-board appointment) to support Arron in the development of CFG. Chris had a long and successful track record at Provident Financial plc. As Managing Director of its Insurance Division he expanded the motor insurance business from 100,000 customers to over 850,000 customers in a little over 5 years. The business was generating £40m profits when it was sold in 2007 for £170m to GMAC Insurance Holdings Inc. Chris also led the turnaround of Colonnade Insurance Brokers from a loss making business to one generating £1.4m profits before its successful sale to the Swinton Group for £27m in 2002. In 2001 Chris was appointed to the Provident Financial plc Board with responsibility for its UK credit operations; he established Vanquis Bank to offer credit cards, and Chaired Yes Car Credit after its acquisition in 2002. In September last year Chris teamed up with Arron and successfully handled the sale of Brightside Group plc's insolvency business to Debts.co.uk for £1.1m. Jerry Linehan, the current CEO of CFG takes on the new role of CEO of Conister Trust Limited, the Banking Division of the Group and remains a Director of CFG. In this new role Jerry will be able to focus exclusively on the Banking Division at a time when there are a significant number of global opportunities as a result of the sub-prime/credit crisis, which continues to impact the Banking Sector. Conister Trust has no debt on its balance sheet, has raised £13m of capital over the last 18 months, is very well capitalised and has no exposure to the sub-prime market. Jim Mellon, Chairman, commenting on these changes said, 'Arron has been a significant shareholder and non-executive Director of CFG for 3 years and I am delighted he has accepted the role of CEO. He has a first class record of creating shareholder value and this is a great opportunity for him to bring his strong business and entrepreneurial skills to the newly formed Group. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the finance team as we start to develop CFG. These moves leave Jerry free to expand the Banking Division, which is well placed to exploit the current opportunities in that sector. All in all these moves are a very positive first step to strengthening the executive management of the Group.' For further information please contact: Conister Financial Group plc Arron Banks/Chris Johnstone 07918 608480 Beaumont Cornish Limited Roland Cornish +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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