BANK CASPIAN (Kazakhstan) intends to change its name and implement re-branding in autumn of this year

/KASE, August 27, 08/ - BANK CASPIAN (Almaty), securities of which are traded in Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) category "A" official list, provided to KASE the press release where informs on the following: Quotation start On September 26, 2008, the bank will held shareholders special general meeting. One of the main issues of the agenda is changing the name of Bank Caspian. The issue related to changing of the bank's name, included into the Caspian shareholders meeting agenda - is one of the logical steps made by the bank's top managers. After 2 years the principal owner of Caspian became the direct investments fund Baring Vostok, the bank underwent fundamental and positive changes. Due to the international investor Caspian gained the best international experience in the banking business. - Kazakhstan banking sector is comparatively young, therefore all western methodologies and technologies, which we implement in Caspian will facilitate the increase of its efficiency, - commented Chairman of Caspian Board Mikhail Lomtadze. - We are creating the best bank oriented towards clients' needs. After detailed research of perception of Bank Caspian with assistance of two leading international marketing companies, top managers developed the strategy and brand development. Within this strategy the bank will implement its re- branding in autumn of this year. - For us it is not a formal approach to the "wrapping" change, - adds Chairman of Bank Caspian Board of Directors Vyacheslav Kim. - Appearance of the bank must comply with its gut. We do it for only for our clients to emphasize such important values of our bank as partnership and willingness to help our clients in achieving their goals jointly with us and with our assistance. Bank Caspian Caspian Bank is one of the leading retail banks in Kazakhstan with total assets exceeding 267 bn. tenge and equity of 43 bn. tenge. Caspian has one of the largest retail networks among Kazakh banks with 150 offices and 514 points of sale for express lending products, serving more than 2000 retail outlets. Retail credit portfolio represents over half of the Bank's total credit portfolio. Caspian Bank is majority owned by Baring Vostok Private Equity III (BVPEF III), a leading private equity firm www.bc.kz Baring Vostok Capital Partners: Baring Vostok Capital Partners (BVCP) specializes in direct investments to CIS countries. Since 1994 funds of BVCP have invested over $600 m. in 50 companies. The BVCP funds portfolio consists of a number of companies in financial services, oil and gas industry, telecommunications and mass media, as well as in consumer retail business, including such companies as Caspian Bank, Europlan, Center for the financial technologies, Burren Energy, Vympelcom, Golden telecom, Syktyvkar timber industry complex, Sladko, Borzhomi, Yandex and Ozon. Among BVCP investors are the worlds leading financial institutions, pension funds, investment corporations, university funds from America, Europe and Asia. BVCP is a part of the Baring Private Equity International, with over $ 3.5 bn. under the management in CIS, Asia, India, Europe and Latin America. The leading direct investments fund Baring Vostok Private Equity III (BVPEF III) if the investor of Bank Caspian. For additional information, please contact: Botagoz Zhumanova Head of Mass Media Relations Tel.: 8 (7272) 501 800 (ext. 1376) e-mail: Zhumanova@bc.kz Mobile: +7-777-232-51-12 Quotation end [2008-08-27]