Re Directorate

Secure Trust Banking Group PLC
1 December 2000


BOARD CHANGE

Mr. Ron Paston, Deputy Chairman of Secure Trust Banking Group PLC, will retire
from his executive duties with effect from 31 December 2000. Mr. Paston will
remain as a Non-Executive Director.

His executive responsibilities within the Group's subsidiary, Secure Trust Bank,
will be shared by Mr. Keith Deakin and Mr. Derek Pearson who are being appointed
Joint Managing Directors of this subsidiary with effect from 1 January 2001.

Henry Angest 
Chairman

Telephone: [phone]