Los Angeles, CA –March 16, 2006–

Los Angeles, CA – March 16, 2006 – Popular Small Business Capital (PSBC), a division of Banco Popular North America (BPNA), one of the nation’s premier community banks and a leading Small Business Administration Lender, today announced ranking first in terms of dollar volume, as the top SBA lender in the Los Angeles District Office for Q1 2005-2006.

PSBC obtained approval for 29 loans totaling over $14.8 million in SBA loans from October 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005.  This is a significant increase over the same quarter in the prior year when PSBC’s total loan approvals were 5 loans totaling $1.6 million.

“We are thrilled because this accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to the small business community. We attribute this rise in the standings to increased business development efforts and community outreach, which allowed us to capture more of the small business lending in the region,” said Christopher Kwiatkowski, Senior Vice President, Manager PSBC Division.  “We also saw a significant rise in capital demand this past quarter, a strong indication of the region’s economic health.”

In FY Q1, loans were provided to a variety of entrepreneurs and industries, including construction funding for a local restauranteur to expand his business to another location.

Gloria Miller, Western Region Sales Manager, added, “As a strong advocate of small business, we are committed to support the growth of this diverse segment.  Through collaboration with our branches, the Los Angeles District Office and our referral network, we will continue to provide access to capital through our SBA lending programs.”

BPNA’s Popular Small Business Capital supports small business efforts by offering an array of financial solutions ranging from $150,000 - $10,000,000.  For more information about Popular Small Business Capital, please contact 1-800-250-6968 or visit www.popularsmallbiz.com

About Popular Small Business Capital

Popular Small Business Capital (PSBC) utilizes a custom-tailored approach for each and every small business client, offering SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans, SBA Express loans, business acquisition financing, refinance solutions, commercial real estate financing, franchise and equipment financing, As a designated SBA Preferred Lender, PSBC is active in 61 districts and 30 states nationwide.

About Banco Popular
Banco Popular North America, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest community banks in the U.S. with 140 branches in six states: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Its core businesses include retail and commercial banking services, as well as investment banking, mortgage and consumer lending, and insurance. Banco Popular was named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2005 by Fortune magazine and ranks among the top 10 small business administration lenders in the country. Banco Popular North America is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPOP). For more information about Banco Popular North America, visit the company’s Web site at www.bancopopular.com.

Media Contact
Juan Carlos Cruz
Vice President Public Relations and Media
(847)994-6442