CNBC.com writer Paul Toscano recently wrote, “In a global economy that has been plagued by troubles in the world’s financial systems, the word ’safe’ and ‘bank’ are rarely put together.”

I was particularly pleased to see BNY Mellon rated as the safest bank in the United States by Global Finance magazine, which has published its “World’s 50 Safest Banks” list for the past 18 years. Global Finance began with the 500 largest banks by asset size, then whittled the list to the top 50 using a comparison of long-term credit ratings and an analysis of total assets owned.

Our CEO, Bob Kelly, has spoken on many occasions to the financial press and to legislators in Washington about the state of banking today, and we are proud of the recognition our company’s integrity and compelling credentials have earned — qualities that have made us the oldest, safest and most admired bank in the nation. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. I can be reached at 404-353-1589 or forrest.simmons@bnymellon.com. The information contained in this e-mail, and any attachment, is confidential and is intended solely for the use of the intended recipient. Access, copying or re-use of the e-mail or any attachment, or any information contained therein, by any other person is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient please return the e-mail to the sender and delete it from your computer. Although we attempt to sweep e-mail and attachments for viruses, we do not guarantee that either are virus-free and accept no liability for any damage sustained as a result of viruses.

The Nation’s Safest Bank
BNY Mellon was recently named the safest U.S. bank by Global Finance magazine in the
publication’s 18th annual “World’s 50 Safest Banks 2009” list. BNY Mellon was one of only
six U.S. banks to make the annual list and was ranked #32 overall out of an initial fi eld of 500
banks worldwide. The ranking underscores our industry leading credit ratings and strong
capital position and builds on other demonstrations of our stability and strength.
BNY Mellon Capital and Credit Ratings
• Assets under management1
– $926 billion
• Assets under custody and administration
– $29.7 trillion
• Tier 1 capital ratio1
– 12.5%
• Long-term credit ratings2
– Standard & Poor’s: AA–
Moody’s: Aa2
– Fitch: AAU.
S. Treasury Stress Test
• May 7, 2009 results announced
• BNY Mellon’s results among the best in the industry
– Debt rating among the highest of all major U.S. banks
• Highest rating from Moody’s, second highest from Standard & Poor’s
– Tier 1 capital ratio among the highest of all major U.S. banks
• Large percentage is common equity
– Large proportion of very liquid assets
• Refl ected in our risk-weighted assets, further highlighting our capital position strength
Fortune Magazine’s Most Admired Super-regional Bank3
• 2nd consecutive year
• BNY Mellon achieved top scores across four key attributes of reputation
– Global competitiveness
– Quality of products and services
– Innovation
– Long-term investment
1 As of 6/30/09
2As of 9/18/09
3Fortune Magazine, March 16, 2009