London, January 17, 2006

Lord Norman Lamont has agreed to chair advisory board of Uniastrum - one of the most dynamic retail banks in Russia.
The Right Honourable Norman Stewart Hughson Lamont, Baron Lamont of Lerwick, PC was Conservative MP for Kingston upon Thames from 1972 until 1997, and was in the Cabinets of Margaret Thatcher and John Major. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1990 until 1993. In 1998 he was created a life peer.
He is currently a director of Scottish Re., a reinsurance firm quoted on the New York Stock Exchange; RAB Capital, the fund management group; and Balli Group. He was previously a director of NM Rothschild and Sons, the Investment Bank.
I am delighted by Lord Lamont’s decision to join Uniastrum in advisory capacity – his vast experience in corporate governance is an invaluable asset to us – says George Piskov, chairman of the board at Uniastrum.
Lord Lamont said “I am delighted to be joining Uniastrum in an advisory capacity.
There is an excitingly huge potential for the expansion of financial services in Russia. I have been impressed by the plans Uniastrum have for future growth and I am looking forward to working closely with the senior management and board”.

according to http://webwire.com