Identity Theft also Ranks above Social Security, Investment Performance, Job
                               Loss as Concerns

   Vast Majority Feel Financial Institutions Should do More to Protect Them

    CHICAGO, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In an increasingly digital world,
affluent Americans are more concerned about identity theft than a host of
major issues -- including terrorism and the ability of Social Security to
provide benefits over time.
    More than half (52%) of affluent investors say they view identity theft as
a concern, according to a new Spectrem Perspective(TM) report, "Privacy
Concerns of the Affluent Investor," released today.  This places identity
theft ahead of other major issues including: another act of terrorism
seriously impacting the economy and investment returns (38%); the ability of
Social Security to make promised lifetime payments (42%); poor investment
performance over the next 1-3 years (24%) and 3-15 years (31%); and a slow
economy causing a household member to lose his or her job (24%).
    "Barely a generation ago, few Americans had even heard the term identity
theft.  Today, it is ubiquitous.  Affluent individuals, in particular, are
expressing considerable fear about identity theft and its potential impact.
Indeed, the fact that they are more concerned about identity theft than
terrorism is an eye-opener.  The vast majority of those polled believe
financial institutions should be doing more to protect them from identity
theft, underscoring the need for banks, investment firms, insurers and others
to take action and deal with this significant concern," said Catherine S.
McBreen, Managing Director of Spectrem Group.
    The survey found that three-quarters (75%) of affluent Americans believe
their financial institutions should be doing more to protect their clients
from identity theft.
    The Spectrem Perspective(TM) report, "Privacy Concerns of the Affluent
Investor," is based on a Spectrem Group survey of 500 affluent households,
defined as those with more than $500,000 in investable assets.  The survey was
conducted in June and July 2005.  The data have a margin of error of plus or
minus 4.4 percentage points.
    Those interested purchasing Spectrem Perspective(TM) reports should
contact Spectrem Group at 641 W. Lake Street, Suite 402, Chicago, IL  60661,
(312) 382-8284 (http://www.spectrem.com).

    About Spectrem Group
    Spectrem Group is a strategic consulting firm specializing in the affluent
and retirement markets.  It integrates proprietary research with expertise in
building business, marketing and M&A strategies.  Spectrem professionals have
held senior management positions at leading global companies.  Through a
collaborative process, they create and implement practical and profitable
strategies that fit the cultures of client firms.