Silicon Valley Bancshares Appoints New CIO

SANTA CLARA, CALIF, July 12, 2004 - Silicon Valley Bancshares [Nasdaq: SIVB], the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank, announced the appointment of David Webb as Chief Information Officer today. Webb joins the company, effective immediately, as a member of the corporate steering committee and will be responsible for aligning SVB's information technology efforts with the company's business strategy and further building its infrastructure as the company expands its physical presence internationally.

"Our success stems from the deep relationships and understanding we build within the technology industry and we purposefully seek out experienced professionals with financial and technology industry backgrounds to lead our business functions," said Ken Wilcox, president and CEO of Silicon Valley Bancshares and Silicon Valley Bank. "Dave's technology expertise, coupled with his experience in the financial services industry, will be a valuable complement to our leadership team and we look forward to his contributions."

With 25 years of experience in a variety of corporate roles, Webb is well suited to help Silicon Valley Bank continue to expand internationally. Most recently, Webb served as vice president at Goldman Sachs where he coordinated a global team of IT professionals, supporting the Investment and Merchant Banking divisions. Webb also served as the Chief Information Officer of Finance One at Bank One Corporation, the Chief Technology Officer for GE Capital's Auto Finance business and he has provided consulting services to large corporations in the U.S. While living in Europe, Webb worked for Kestreal Data Limited, Marathon Oil UK Ltd., and Brown and Root Ltd, servicing the oil industry. He has a wealth of global experience living and working around the world.

Webb earned a bachelor's degree in Russian from the University of London and an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

About Silicon Valley Bancshares
For 20 years, Silicon Valley Bancshares, a financial holding company offering diversified financial services, has provided innovative solutions to help entrepreneurs succeed. The company's principal subsidiary, Silicon Valley Bank, serves emerging growth and mature companies in the technology, life science, private equity and premium wine industries. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and with 26 offices across the country, the company offers clients commercial, investment, merchant and personal banking, as well as private equity and value-added services, using its knowledge and networks. Merger, acquisition, private placement and corporate partnering services are provided through the company's investment banking subsidiary, SVB Alliant, formerly Alliant Partners. More information on the company can be found at www.svb.com.