LOS ANGELES, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Aug 29, 2008 -- 1st Century Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), a wholly owned subsidiary of 1st Century Bancshares, Inc. (OTC BB:FCTY.OB - News), today announced the expansion of its relationship management team with the addition of Michelle Johnson and Christopher S. Hoshek as Vice President, Relationship Manager.

"With one of the strongest balance sheets amongst our peers and relatively pristine asset quality, we are in a fortunate position to continue to invest in our organization as part of our efforts to gain market share," said Jason P. DiNapoli, chief executive officer of 1st Century Bank. "Christopher is a talented business executive who possesses strong relationship management, finance, and banking skills. His respective areas of expertise further strengthen our ability to attract, retain and develop accounts as we look to expand our presence in the Los Angeles market."

Mr. Hoshek has more than nine years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently as an associate at Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, Inc., where he closed more than $300 million in structured debt transactions. His extensive background in the financial services industry includes loan analysis, financial modeling, structuring and negotiating terms sheets, asset management, loan workouts, and in-depth due diligence. Mr. Hoshek holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, with a minor in business administration, from the University of Southern California and a real estate license from the California Department of Real Estate. He is a founding member of The Nine Tenths Group, a non-profit organization focused on educating young professionals through meaningful exchange with community and peer leaders.

About 1st Century Bancshares, Inc.

1st Century Bank, N.A. is a full service commercial bank headquartered in the Century City area of Los Angeles. A wholly owned subsidiary of 1st Century Bancshares, Inc., the Bank's primary focus is relationship banking to family owned and closely held small and middle market businesses, professional service firms and high net worth individuals, real estate investors, medical professionals, and entrepreneurs. Additional information is available at www.1stcenturybank.com.

Safe Harbor

Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to gain market share and expand its presence in the Los Angeles market. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed, suggested or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the impact of changes in interest rates, a decline in economic conditions and increased competition among financial service providers on the company's operating results, ability to attract deposit and loan customers and the quality of the company's earning assets; (2) government regulation; and (3) the other risks set forth in the company's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

     Contact Information:
      
     Jason P. DiNapoli
     President/Chief Operating Officer
     Phone: (310) 270-9505
      
     Angie Yang/Eileen Rauchberg
     PondelWilkinson Inc.
     Phone: (310) 279-5980