KBW Announces Changes to KBW Regional Banking Index (KRX)

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., a full-service investment bank that specializes in the financial services sector, and a wholly owned subsidiary of KBW, Inc. (NYSE: KBW), today announces upcoming changes to the KBW Regional Banking Index (Index Symbol: KRXSM, ETF Symbol: KRESM).

Effective prior to the opening of business on Monday, February 8, 2010, Cathay General Bancorp, (NASDAQ: CATY) and First Financial Bancorp. (NASDAQ: FFBC), both members of the KRX, will undergo an increase in shares to account for their recent equity offerings.

The KBW family of indices that has tradable exchange traded funds are: KBW Bank Index (Index Symbol: BKXSM, ETF Symbol KBESM); KBW Capital Markets Index (Index Symbol: KSXSM, ETF Symbol KCESM); KBW Insurance Index (Index Symbol: KIXSM, ETF Symbol KIESM); KBW Mortgage Finance Index (Index Symbol: MFXSM, ETF Symbol: KMESM), and KBW Regional Banking Index (Index Symbol: KRXSM, ETF Symbol: KRESM).

About KBW

KBW, Inc. is the parent of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Limited and KBW Asset Management. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. is a full service investment bank specializing in the financial services industry. Founded in 1962, it is widely recognized as a leading authority in the banking, insurance, brokerage, asset management, mortgage banking and specialty finance sectors. The firm has established industry-leading positions in the areas of research, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, as well as sales and trading for financial services companies.