FirstCity Unit American Business Lending Awarded SBA Preferred Lender Status

Dallas-based American Business Lending, Inc. (ABL), an affiliate of FirstCity Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: FCFC), announced today that they have been awarded Preferred Lenders Program (PLP) status by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The PLP designation is the highest recognition a lender can receive from SBA, according to the Administration. To obtain preferred status, lenders must demonstrate a proficiency in processing and servicing SBA guaranteed loans.

"The Preferred Lender authority gives us the ability to greatly enhance our service and commitment to the small business community as we strive to grow ABL into a premier nationwide SBA lender," said Charlie Bell, Chief Executive Officer of American Business Lending.

James T. Sartain, CEO and President of FirstCity, added, "The Preferred Lenders Program designation is an honor and testament to the quality and commitment of our team at ABL. The company is well positioned to be a contributor to the growth of the earning asset base of FirstCity Financial."

American Business Lending, Inc., a non-bank lender specializing in SBA guaranteed loans, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It has loan production offices in Houston, San Antonio, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Raleigh, and Cleveland.

FirstCity Financial is a diversified financial services company with operations dedicated to portfolio asset acquisition and resolution with offices in the U.S. and with affiliate organizations in Europe and Latin America.