Press Conference by Yuji Yamamoto, Minister for Financial Services

(Excerpt)

February 9, 2007

Q.

There were some reports in the press today that Nikko Cordial Corporation will sue the former management team for accounting fraud. What are your thoughts on this matter?

A.

I will refrain from making any specific comments on individual lawsuits and the like, but if I may speak in general terms, the top management can take various approaches in view of fulfilling its accountability with respect to shareholders, such as conducting an in-house investigation, enlisting a third party to conduct an investigation, or filing a lawsuit.

Q.

Yesterday, the Governor of Tochigi Prefecture visited you and expressed his opinion on the selection of an acquiring party for Ashikaga Bank. Could you please explain once again what your thoughts are regarding the selection of an acquirer?

A.

The governor, deputy governor and chief treasurer visited me and made some polite requests. Their requests will serve as reference when assessing the business plan, which is to be submitted in the weeks ahead. We will endeavor towards the selection of an adequate acquirer so that Ashikaga Bank can establish confidence among customers in the region centering on Tochigi Prefecture, and demonstrate its financial intermediation functions in a sustainable manner even after it is transferred to the acquirer.

(End)