Pre-close Update

Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC
14 July 2006



                          ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC

                            PRE-CLOSE PERIOD UPDATE


Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC ('the Group') is today issuing a trading update
ahead of the close period relating to the six months ended 30 June 2006.

The Group's trading has been in line with expectations during the first half of
2006, notwithstanding the recent deterioration in financial markets.

Arbuthnot Securities has performed strongly, building on the progress made in
2005 and offsetting some weakness in Secure Trust Bank. Arbuthnot Latham
continues to grow and to invest in developing its business. The full year result
will, as in previous years, depend on the extent and timing of corporate finance
deals, but overall the directors remain optimistic for the remainder of 2006.


Enquiries:

Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC

Henry Angest, Chairman and Chief Executive    Tel: [phone]
Stephen Lockley, Group Finance Director
Andrew Salmon, Chief Operating Officer

Maitland

Lydia Pretzlik                                Tel: [phone]
Richard Farnsworth



Notes to Editors

Arbuthnot Banking Group

Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC is an independent, diversified financial services
group providing banking and financial products and services to individual and
corporate clients through its three divisions. Arbuthnot Latham offers a high
quality personal banking and wealth management service; Arbuthnot Securities
provides a full range of institutional stockbroking and corporate finance
advisory services focused on UK small- and mid-cap companies; and Secure Trust
Bank provides household cash management, personal loans, banking, insurance,
investment management and estate agency services.

Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC has approximately 650 staff and is headquartered in
the City of London with operations throughout the United Kingdom. Its shares are
quoted on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange