FNB's Chinese Solution Assists Visitors to South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, November 16 - First National Bank's (FNB) partnership with China's only bankcard
association, China UnionPay (CUP), was launched in December 2008, a first for
the South African banking industry. The partnership enables Chinese tourists,
who are CUP card holders, to make purchases in South Africa at FNB SpeedPoint
terminals.

To date the CUP capability has been rolled out to over 50 piloted retail
merchants, across the country. George Lo, Head of East Asia, FNB Commercial,
comments, "We chose to pilot the CUP offering with targeted FNB merchants
within the luxury goods sector, which is historically where the majority of
Chinese tourist spending takes place. Based on the results to date we believe
the roll-out of the CUP capability to further relevant FNB SpeedPoint
merchants nationwide will provide travellers with a safe and convenient way
to transact in South Africa."

International arrivals to South Africa in January 2009 were up 19.9% on
last year's figures, with some 4 811 Chinese visitors to the country. In
addition, visa restrictions for Chinese travellers were relaxed in June,
giving individuals the opportunity to travel on their own and not only in
tour groups, as previously was the case. Therefore, through enabling access
to SpeedPoint merchant terminals for Chinese CUP tourists, visitors will be
able to make the most of their trip to South Africa and enjoy all that the
country has to offer.

"China remains a key market for us. The introduction of the CUP facility
will improve the appeal of South Africa as a leisure and business
destination, as for the first time Chinese nationals will be able to travel
without cash or travellers cheques," adds Evelyn Mahlaba, Regional Director:
Asia and Australiasia, South African Tourism.

With China declaring Africa as its 'Continent of Choice' the timing of
the partnership couldn't be more opportune. It offers both leisure and
business travellers a more seamless travel experience. In anticipation of
the 2010 World Cup, the ability to transact safely and with ease will
provide Chinese tourists with the opportunity to fully enjoy the
international sporting event being hosted on our shores in a few months.

George Lo, George.Lo at fnb.co.za, w. +27-11-649-0941