SWS Group, Inc. Board Increases Stock Buy-Back Authorization

DALLAS, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of SWS
Group, Inc. (NYSE: SWS) today increased by 750,000 shares authorization for
the company to buy back its common stock from time to time in the open market.
Donald W. Hultgren, SWS President and Chief Executive Officer, said the
company has purchased 349,423 shares of SWS common stock at an average price
per share of $11.19 since the beginning of 2008.
"We were authorized by our board of directors to purchase up to 500,000
shares in the open market," Mr. Hultgren said. "This authorization for an
additional 750,000 shares will allow us to buy back SWS stock as market
conditions warrant."
Mr. Hultgren said he views purchasing SWS shares at current levels as an
excellent use of the company's capital. "We believe the market price of SWS
stock has been adversely affected by the general turmoil in the financial
industry," he said, "and increasing the size of our stock buy back program
underscores our confidence in the soundness of our businesses."
SWS Group, Inc. is a Dallas-based holding company offering a broad range
of investment and financial services through its subsidiaries. The company's
common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol SWS. Subsidiaries of the company include Southwest Securities, Inc.,
Southwest Securities, FSB, SWS Financial Services, Inc. and Southwest
Insurance Agency.
SOURCE SWS Group, Inc.

Jim Bowman, Vice President - Corporate Communications of SWS Group, Inc.,
+1-214-859-9335, jbowman@swst.com