Hanmi Bank Hires Regional President to Expand Market Share in Illinois

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hanmi Bank (the "Bank"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hanmi Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:HAFC) ("Hanmi"), today announced that Susan Kim has joined the Bank as Executive Vice President and Regional President Illinois. Ms. Kim will be responsible for leading the Bank's loan production and deposit generation activities in Illinois.

"We are pleased to welcome Susan to Hanmi," said C. G. Kum, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With the recent completion of our acquisition of United Central Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Bancorp, Inc., Susan joins the Bank at an important time as we look to expand our presence in Illinois. Her leadership, business development skills and knowledge of the Illinois market will greatly enhance our ability to serve the Korean, Chinese, South Asian and mainstream communities throughout the state. We are fortunate to have an executive with her capabilities and experience joining Hanmi in this critical role."

Susan Kim brings to Hanmi 20 years of experience in retail and commercial banking. Most recently, Ms. Kim was Senior Vice President, Division Manager of Korean Banking at MB Financial Bank, N.A., a Chicago-based bank with nearly $10 billion in assets, where she was responsible for the Division's strategy, business development and management of retail and business banking. She held various positions of increasing responsibility during her fifteen-year tenure at MB Financial Bank. Ms. Kim earned her B.A degree from the University of California-Irvine and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Graduate School of Banking.

"I am delighted to join Hanmi Bank and look forward to working with the team to increase market share in Illinois and drive profitable growth," said Ms. Kim.

About Hanmi Financial Corporation

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hanmi Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hanmi Financial Corporation, provides services to the multi-ethnic communities across California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey and New York with 49 full-service branches as well as loan production offices in Colorado, Texas, Virginia, and Washington State. Hanmi Bank specializes in commercial, SBA and trade finance lending, and is a recognized community leader. Hanmi Bank's mission is to provide a full range of quality products and premier services to its customers and to maximize shareholder value. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.

CONTACT: Christina C. Lee
         FVP & Senior Strategy Officer
         213-427-5631

         Lasse Glassen
         Investor Relations, Addo Communications
         310-829-5400

Released October 29, 2014