(Honolulu, Hawaii December 23, 2015) – BNP Paribas Group (“BNPP”), the sole owner of First Hawaiian Bank, announced today that it is considering strategic alternatives with respect to its subsidiary, First Hawaiian Bank.  Among such alternatives, under consideration is a proposed initial public offering of the business and operations of First Hawaiian Bank, which could occur in 2016 after the completion of certain corporate restructuring transactions.

This announcement is being made pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135 under the Securities Act of 1933. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

First Hawaiian Bank (www.FHB.com) with $18.9 billion in total assets, was founded in 1858 and is the state's oldest and largest bank in terms of total assets and deposits.  The bank operates 57 branches in Hawaii, three on Guam and two on Saipan.