First Western Named One of Inc. Magazine's Fastest Growing Private Companies in America

Colorado-Based Bank's Continued Strong Growth Earns National Recognition


DENVER, CO--(Marketwire - October 28, 2010) - First Western Financial, Inc., the holding company of First Western Trust Bank, announced that Inc. Magazine has recognized it as one of the fastest growing private companies for 2010. The 2010 Inc. 500|5000 honorees are ranked by Inc. magazine, the leading entrepreneurial advocate for 30 years running, according to percentage revenue growth from 2006 through 2009. All 5,000 honoree companies are individually profiled on www.Inc.com.

"It is an honor to be included in this list of great companies, of course. More importantly the recognition reflects our progress in achieving our long-term business strategy, which is to be the best private bank for the Western wealth management client," said Scott Wylie, founder and CEO of First Western. "Our success is rooted in the passion, creativity and hard work of each First Western team member." First Western saw revenues jump 236% from 2006 to 2009, growing from $9.7 million to more than $32.6 million. Founded in 2002, the Colorado-based company also has offices in Arizona, and California, and employs more than 160 people.

Significantly, this is the third year in a row that First Western has been recognized on the Inc. 500|5000 listing, and it continues to be one of the highest ranked bank/bank holding companies. Additionally, this year First Western has been ranked as the top bank in Colorado for its loan growth and 4th among Colorado's fastest-growing private companies (Flight II) by the Denver Business Journal. The firm also ranks as the #8 Denver-Area Trust Organization, based on the total Colorado fiduciary assets, according to the Denver Business Journal. Moreover, First Western was a finalist for CoBIZ magazine's Top Company Award and ranked 53rd on their list of the 250 Top Private Companies in Colorado. And most recently its Scottsdale bank earned Best Places to Work by the Phoenix Business Journal.

"We recognize that these numbers are the direct result of the confidence our clients have placed in us," said Wylie. "That fact drives us to the kind of continued improvement that I hope is visible in every part of First Western."

About First Western Financial, Inc.
First Western Financial, Inc. (FWF) is the holding company of First Western Trust Bank and First Western Capital Management. First Western Trust Bank strives to be the best private bank for the Western wealth management client providing comprehensive tailored solutions in the areas of wealth planning, private banking, investment management and trust services. With $4 billion in assets under management, FWF was recently ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing bank/bank holding institution in the country. Built specifically for the new economies of the West, the firm has offices in Arizona, California, and Colorado. For more information, please visit www.fwtb.com or call 303-531-8100.

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Wilson Macsovits
First Western Financial
(303) 531-8100