Fortis appoints Sam Fiore as Director Business Development of Prime Fund Solutions in Geneva (12/10/2006)

Sam Fiore has been appointed Director Business Development of Prime Fund Solutions, a unit of Fortis Merchant Banking dedicated to the services of the alternative investment community.

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His mandate is to further develop Prime Fund Solutions` leading market position in Alternative Investments through promoting innovative financing and banking services to Hedge Funds and Funds of Funds, as well as the administration and custody services.

Mr. Fiore was formerly the Head of Private Banking at Dryden Bank SA, which was acquired by Fortis earlier this year. His experience in private banking and asset management in Geneva dates back to June 1992 when he joined The Chase Manhattan Private Bank (Switzerland). Mr. Fiore's education includes degrees from Wheaton College (BA), the University of Bologna, the Jagellonian University in Krakow, Poland, and The Johns Hopkins University (MA).

Sam Fiore will report to Eric Jacobson, Managing Director of the Prime Fund Solutions Geneva office, commenting: “The experience and expertise of Sam will further strengthen our commercial efforts in Geneva, which we consider as an important location for future growth”.

Fortis also announces the relocation of its downtown Geneva Prime Fund Solutions office to 4 rue de la Tour-Maîtresse, in the heart of Geneva`s fund management district.

About Fortis:

Fortis is an international financial services provider engaged in banking and insurance. We offer our personal, business and institutional customers a comprehensive package of products and services through our own channels, in collaboration with intermediaries and through other distribution partners. With a market capitalisation of 41.6 billion (30/09/2006), Fortis ranks among the twenty largest financial institutions in Europe. Our sound solvency position, our presence in 50 countries and our dedicated, professional workforce of 58,000 enable us to combine global strength with local flexibility and provide our clients with optimum support. More information is available on www.fortis.com.

About Fortis Merchant Banking:

Merchant Banking is the internationally operating wholesale bank of Fortis. As a focussed and worldwide organisation, we provide tailored financial services to corporate and institutional clients. We are active in several areas, including treasury, fixed income, energy, commodities and equities (including derivatives and structured products), corporate finance, capital markets, cash management, asset financing, project finance, private equity and structured credits. Besides, we are specialised in the areas of fund administration, global custody, securities lending and clearing services.