SCBT Financial Named One of the Top 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in U.S.

June 15, 2009

COLUMBIA, SC  – June 15, 2009 – Forbes named SCBT Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: SCBT) one of the Top 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in the U.S. in a study conducted by Audit Integrity.

Known for its conservative management, SCBT Financial Corporation’s philosophy of soundness, profitability and growth and always putting the customer first established the foundation for this 75-year old company’s success.

This study is a credit to our employees and reaffirms the fundamental values of honesty and integrity that have been a part of our corporate culture since our founding, said Robert R. Hill, Jr., CEO, SCBT Financial Corporation.  For more than 75 years, our management team has been committed to maintaining the confidence and trust of our shareholders and customers.  We are extremely honored to be ranked as one of the most trusted companies in America.  

Based on an annual study, the Top 100 Most Trustworthy Companies list ranks companies that have consistently demonstrated transparent, conservative accounting, solid corporate governance, and responsible leadership.  The study, which is published by Forbes magazine, evaluates over 8,000 companies nationwide.

In this current economic environment, it is an honor to be ranked in the 95th percentile and to be acknowledged as a company that is truly worthy of public trust, said John Pollok, CFO, SCBT Financial Corporation.

According to Forbes, Audit Integrity finds that its 100 Most Trustworthy Companies have consistently shown transparent and conservative accounting practices and solid corporate governance and management.  These companies do not play games with revenue and expense recognition, or with asset valuation.

Audit Integrity is an independent financial analytics company based in Los Angeles that looks beyond the raw data on income statements and balance sheets to assess the true quality of corporate accounting and management practices.

SCBT Financial Corporation

SCBT Financial Corporation, Columbia, South Carolina is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of South Carolina.  The Company consists of SCBT, N.A., the third largest bank headquartered in South Carolina and NCBT, a Division of SCBT, N.A.   Providing financial services for over 75 years, SCBT Financial Corporation operates 50 financial centers in 16 South Carolina counties and Mecklenburg County in North Carolina.   SCBT Financial Corporation has assets of approximately $2.8 billion and its stock is traded under the symbol SCBT in the NASDAQ Global Select Market.  More information can be found at www.SCBTonline.com.