AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK JOINS USUBC
A Standard Chartered group company, USUBC member #71
USUBC, Washington, D.C., April 25, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The executive committee of the U.S.-Ukraine
Business Council (USUBC) is pleased to announce, on behalf of the entire
membership, that American Express Bank, a Standard Chartered group
company, has been approved for membership in USUBC. The Bank has
been active on the Ukrainian market.

USUBC has been working with G. B. Cagninelli, Executive Director,
American Express Bank.  We first met Mr. Cagninelli at the State Ex-Im 
Bank of Ukraine reception in New York City in December, 2007.

On February 29, 2008, the sale of American Express Bank Ltd to Standard
Chartered PLC, a leading international bank listed on the London and Hong
Kong Stock Exchanges, was completed. American Express Bank is now a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered.

Standard Chartered employs more than 73,000 people, representing over
115 nationalities, and has over 60 nationalities among our 500 most senior
leaders. They have a global network of over 1,700 branches and outlets,
across Asia, Africa and the Middle East (and now including Ukraine and
other countries with the purchase of American Express Bank.)  Please visit
www.standardchartered.com for more information.

STANDARD CHARTERED SERVICES

Personal Banking
They offer personal financial solutions to meet the needs of more than 14
 million customers across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

SME Banking
The SME Banking division offers a wide range of products and services to
help small and medium-sized enterprises manage the demands of a growing
business.

Wholesale Banking
Headquartered in Singapore and London, with on-the-ground expertise that
spans our global network, the Wholesale Banking division provides corporate
and institutional clients with innovative solutions in trade finance, cash
management, securities services, foreign exchange and risk management,
capital raising, and corporate finance.

Private Banking
The Private Bank advisors and investment specialists provide customised
solutions to meet the unique needs and aspirations of high net worth
clients.

USUBC MEMBERSHIP NOW TOTALS SEVENTY-ONE

American Express Bank, a Standard Chartered group company, is the 71st 
member for USUBC, the 19th new member for 2008, and the 49th new
member since January of 2007. The USUBC membership has more than
tripled in the past 16 months, from 22 members in January of 2007 to 71
members in April of 2008.

The other new members in 2008 are MaxWell USA, Baker and McKenzie
law firm, Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, Dipol Chemical International,
MJA Asset Management, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Halliburton,
DLA Piper law firm, EPAM Systems, DHL International Ukraine, Air Tractor,
Inc., Magisters law firm, Ernst & Young, Umbra LLC., US PolyTech LLC,
Vision TV LLC and the Crumpton Group. (http://www.usubc.org/members.php)

"USUBC is very pleased to have American Express Bank, a Standard Chartered group company, join our rapidly expanding membership," said Morgan Williams, SigmaBleyzer, who serves as President of USUBC.  "USUBC looks forward to working with American Express Bank in 2008."