American Riviera Bank Breaks into the Black in Time for Its Birthday

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
American Riviera Bank (OTCBB:ARBV) today announced the Bank's
financial performance for the second quarter of 2008 reflects an
increase to capital of $20,000.

David Duarte, Acting President & CEO, announced that American
Riviera Bank has shown its first month of profitability, earning
$45,000 in June. "The profitability in June is not a fluke. Management
has been employing various strategies that kept the Bank's YTD net
interest margin at 4.19% vs. peer group averages of 3.57%."

American Riviera Bank reported revenue of $2.7 million in the
first half of 2008, an increase of 93%, or $1.3 million compared to
the first half of 2007. Net loss for the first half of 2008 was
$327,000 compared to $887,000 for the same period in 2007. The Bank
reported a net loss of $21,000 for the second quarter of 2008,
compared to a net loss of $306,000 in the first quarter of 2008.

In the second quarter of 2008, the Bank's assets grew to $92.9
million, up from $73.2 million at year-end 2007. Loans grew from $62.2
million at year-end to $78.2 million, or 26% at June 30, 2008. The
Bank holds $65.8 million in deposits, up from $50.5 million at
year-end. Core deposits comprise 88% of total deposits.

"Our cutting edge technology, including remote deposit capture and
on-line banking, partnered with our focus on excellent service, has
been instrumental in achieving this growth," stated Laurie Leighty,
SVP of Operations and Human Resources.

The Bank's loan portfolio continues to perform well with no
non-performing loans and no loan charge-offs. "The Bank is in a very
strong capital position, with a Tier 1 Leverage ratio of 22% at June
30, 2008, well above the regulatory definition of 5% for a well
capitalized institution," reported Duarte.

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events
concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other
guidance on future periods, constitute forward-looking statements that
are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may
differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include,
but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, the
ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in
the banking industry, financial policies of the United States
government, and general economic conditions.

American Riviera Bank
Michelle Martinich, 805-965-5942
www.americanrivierabank.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008