eSecLending, a leading full-service provider and administrator of customized securities lending programs, announced today that Peter Bassler has joined the firm as Managing Director of Business Development.

Bassler will be responsible for developing new business with eSecLending’s institutional investor target market throughout North America. Bassler joins eSecLending from Dresdner Kleinwort’s Agency Securities Lending business where he was the Director of Marketing and Client Management. Prior to Dresdner, Bassler held related business development positions at Allianz Global Investors and Deutsche Bank.

“We are very pleased to have Peter join the team and are confident that he will play a key role in our continued growth in the US and Canada,” said eSecLending’s President, Chris Jaynes. “Peter’s knowledge and skills will help eSecLending to build on the momentum the firm has achieved following on a very strong list of new client wins in 2007 and thus far in 2008.

“I am thrilled to join the eSecLending team,” states Peter Bassler. “They have a strong advantage in the securities lending marketplace. Their approach, which focuses on best execution, program customization, and extensive risk management, has proven to be highly successful for their global client base. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the business.”

About eSecLending

eSecLending is a leading full-service provider and administrator of customized securities lending programs and is one of the largest lending agents in the marketplace. Their program has been adopted by many of the world’s largest and most sophisticated asset gatherers including pension funds, mutual funds, investment managers and insurance companies. eSecLending’s approach has introduced investment management practices to the securities lending industry, offering beneficial owners an alternative to the custodial lending model. Through eSecLending, beneficial owners have achieved optimal returns, greater transparency and increased control over their program as compared to traditional lending models. The firm now manages over $500 billion in lendable assets on behalf of its global client base.

eSecLending maintains offices in Boston, London and Burlington, Vermont. Securities Finance Trust Company, a Maryland USA trust company, Securities Finance Global Advisors LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor and/or eSecLending (Europe) Ltd., authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, perform all regulated business activities. Additional information about eSecLending is available on the company’s website, www.eseclending.com.