Announcement

February 14, 2005

Ecoban is pleased to announce that Anthony J. Walton, Vice Chairman, The Americas, Standard Chartered Bank has joined Ecoban and will assume the position of Managing Director. Mr. Walton is responsible for new product development and strategic initiatives.

Mr. Walton brings to Ecoban over 35 years of experience in the areas of international trade and commodity finance from senior management positions previously held with Chase Manhattan Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation and McFarland Dewey & Co.