Barclays Capital Begins Equities Trading on Brazil’s BM&FBOVESPA

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL (April 15, 2010) – Barclays Capital announced today that it has received all relevant approvals to commence equities trading on Brazil’s stock exchange, BM&FBOVESPA through its local broker dealer, Barclays Corretora de Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios, which has become a full member of BM&FBOVESPA.

“We can now offer our clients a full range of equities trading capabilities on the local exchange,” said Ricardo Lanfranchi, Head of Equities, Brazil. “Membership of the BM&FBOVESPA is a significant milestone in the expansion of our equities business in Latin America and throughout the world.”

In March 2009 the firm appointed Roberto Attuch as Head of Latin American Equity Research. In June 2009, the firm announced a number of appointments to the Latin American Equity Research team and also the appointment of Ricardo Lanfranchi as Head of Equities for Brazil. The firm’s Equity Research team currently covers approximately 80 companies in Latin America and will expand that coverage over the coming year.

Through local subsidiaries, Barclays Capital is now a full member of the two largest stock exchanges in Latin America, having commenced trading on the Mexico stock market in December 2009. The firm has also recently expanded its equities business in Europe and Asia.

“Our focus is on delivering a full spectrum of equities capabilities. This license will enable us to offer more services to our issuing and investing clients, both global and local, as we strive to deliver the best differentiated capabilities in content, capital and solutions,” said Stanley Rowe, Head of Equities for Latin America.

About Barclays Capital

Barclays Capital is the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC. With a distinctive business model, Barclays Capital provides large corporate, government and institutional clients with a full spectrum of solutions to their strategic advisory, financing and risk management needs. Barclays Capital has offices around the world, employs over 23,000 people and has the global reach, advisory services and distribution power to meet the needs of issuers and investors worldwide.

For further information about Barclays Capital, please visit our website www.barclayscapital.com.