Silicon Valley Bank Opens International Subsidiaries in London And Bangalore

SANTA CLARA, Calif., September 16, 2004 - Silicon Valley Bank, the primary subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bancshares (Nasdaq: SIVB), officially opened two international subsidiaries today in London and Bangalore, India. SVB Europe Advisors Limited in London is primarily targeting U.K.-based high-growth technology companies with business services and access to customized debt financing. SVB India Advisors Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore is offering business and consulting services to U.S. and India-based technology companies and investors conducting cross-border business between the two tech centers.

Since the early 1990s Silicon Valley Bank has been calling on international markets and building relationships with technology companies, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and service providers worldwide to help its U.S.-based clients work with businesses in and sell into overseas markets. Physical locations are the next phase of a global strategy that will further enable Silicon Valley Bank to achieve its mission to help entrepreneurs succeed, worldwide. In addition to the new subsidiaries, Silicon Valley Bank continues to form business relationships aggressively in technology-focused countries including Canada, China, and Israel, among others.

"Silicon Valley Bank has been an integral part of the international technology and venture capital communities for over ten years. By helping our clients expand into global markets we have developed deep experience in India and the U.K. and these new subsidiaries will make those efforts easier and more visible," said Ken Wilcox, president and CEO, Silicon Valley Bank. "Our international expansion will allow us to scale with the needs of our enterprising clients and private equity partners, and to act as a gateway to financial services in critical foreign markets."

A Business Partner Providing Access to Resources for Growth in the U.K.

SVB Europe Advisors Limited is a subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bank that provides access to financial services, specifically debt financing, for U.K.-based high-growth technology companies and private equity firms. SVB Europe Advisors Limited also assists U.K.-based clients and prospects as they establish business connections and operations in the U.S., and vice versa:

• Access to debt capital for growing technology companies through working capital financing based on accounts receivables
• Consulting and business services such as educational information, networking and introductions to investment and other professionals
• Liaison to Silicon Valley Bank's Global Financial Services group for financial services including global treasury, foreign exchange, global finance and global trade
• Upon receipt of the broker dealer license from the Financial Services Authority, SVB Europe Advisors Limited will also offer investment banking through its partner SVB Alliant

The Hub for Cross Border Connections Between the U.S. and India

SVB India Advisors Pvt. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bank that provides consulting and business services, acting as a gateway for U.S.-based and Indian technology companies and private equity firms pursuing cross-border business:

• Consulting and business services such as educational information, networking and introductions to recommended service providers (lawyers, accountants, real estate brokers, HR firms, etc.)
• SVB-hosted networking events and connections to other clients doing business in India
• Technical and concierge services for VC partners and clients visiting India
• Liaison to Silicon Valley Bank's Global Financial Services group for financial services including global treasury, foreign exchange, global finance and global trade

All international activity is subject to local rules and regulations.

Unique in the financial services industry and true to its client-focused model, SVB offers technology companies, investors and entrepreneurs deep technology industry knowledge, and unmatched connections and relationships. This international expansion will broaden access to those valuable resources to India and the U.K. In May 2000, Silicon Valley Bank introduced a range of new international services designed to support the unique needs of U.S. technology companies doing business globally. SVB's global platform is the only comprehensive global financial solution for emerging and mid-size companies. The platform includes global treasury solutions, including multi-currency accounts, international operating accounts, online foreign exchange trading services and global account reporting through a single online interface.

About Silicon Valley Bank

Silicon Valley Bank provides diversified financial services to emerging growth and mature companies in the technology, life sciences and private equity markets, as well as the premium wine industry. Through its focus on specialized markets and extensive knowledge of the people and business issues driving them, Silicon Valley Bank provides a level of service and partnership that measurably impacts its clients' success. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., the company serves more than 9,500 clients across the country through 26 regional offices. More information on the company can be found at www.svb.com.