Sterne Agee Hires Investment Banker Birmingham, AL (August 31, 2009) – Sterne Agee has hired Bob Hutchinson as a Managing Director in its Financial Institutions Investment Banking Group. He will be leading a client coverage team out of Boston where he will be responsible for coverage of depository institutions and Mortgage REITs. Previously, Mr. Hutchinson was a Managing Director with Keefe, Bruyette and Woods (“KBW”) where he specialized in the execution of mergers & acquisitions, equity offerings, trust preferred offerings and mutual to stock conversion offerings. Before that, he was an Associate for RBC Capital Markets where he focused in an investment banking capacity on financial institutions to include leasing companies, specialty lenders, mortgage REITs, equity REITs and traditional banks and thrifts. “We are excited to add Bob to lead our team in Boston. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. This continues the expansion of our Financial Institutions Group with added coverage in both depositories and Mortgage REITS.” commented Mark Behrman, Head of Investment Banking. Founded in 1901, Sterne Agee is one of the oldest and largest privately owned brokerage firms in the country. Sterne Agee has headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama and offices in 23 states.  Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. is Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. ### For more information, contact: Leah McKinney Senior Vice President 205.949.3564