OFG Bancorp - 10-K annual report

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filings pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). oYes þ No

     The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of Oriental Financial Group Inc. (the “Group”) was $633.1 million based upon the reported closing price of $28.31 on the New York Stock Exchange as of December 31, 2004.

When used in this Form 10-K or future filings by Oriental Financial Group Inc. (“the Group”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in the Group’s press releases or other public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “would be,” “will allow,” “intends to,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “project,” “believe,” “should” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The future results of the Group could be affected by subsequent events and could differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. If future events and actual performance differ from the Group’s assumptions, the actual results could vary significantly from the performance projected in the forward-looking statements.

The Group wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made and are based on management’s current expectations, and to advise readers that various factors, including regional and national economic conditions, substantial changes in levels of market interest rates, credit and other risks of lending and investment activities, competitive, and regulatory factors, legislative changes and accounting pronouncements, could affect the Group’s financial performance and could cause the Group’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Group does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

The Group provides comprehensive financial services to its clients through a complete range of consumer and commercial banking-financial solutions, including consumer, commercial and mortgage lending; checking and savings accounts; financial planning, insurance, money management, and investment brokerage; and corporate and individual trust and retirement services. The Group operates through three major business segments: Banking, Treasury and Financial Services, and distinguishes itself based on quality service, and marketing focused on professionals and owners of small and mid-sized businesses, primarily in Puerto Rico. The Group has 24 financial centers in Puerto Rico and a subsidiary, Caribbean Pension Consultants Inc. (“CPC”), based in Boca Raton, Florida. The Group’s strategy is to strengthen its banking-financial services franchise by expanding its commercial and consumer lending businesses, increasing the level of integration in the marketing and delivery of banking and financial services, opening approximately two new financial centers per year, continuing to maintain effective asset-liability management, and growing non-interest revenues from banking and financial services and improving operating efficiencies.

The Group is a diversified, publicly-owned financial holding company with $7.2 billion in total financial assets managed and owned, incorporated on June 14, 1996 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, providing services through its subsidiaries. Oriental Bank and Trust (the “Bank”), the Group’s main subsidiary, is a full-service Puerto Rico commercial bank with its main office located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Bank has 24 branches located throughout Puerto Rico. The Bank was incorporated in 1964 as a federal mutual savings and loan association. It became a federal mutual savings bank in July 1983 and converted to a federal stock savings bank in April 1987. Its conversion from a federally-chartered savings bank to a commercial bank chartered under the banking laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, on June 30, 1994, allowed the Bank to more effectively pursue opportunities in its market and obtain more flexibility in its businesses, placing the Bank in the mainstream of financial services in Puerto Rico. The Bank offers banking services such as mortgage, commercial and consumer lending, saving and time deposit products, financial planning, and corporate and individual trust services. The Bank also operates two international banking entities pursuant to the International Banking Center Regulatory Act of Puerto Rico, as amended (the “IBE Act”), one operates as a unit of the Bank, named O.B.T. International Bank, and the other operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, named Oriental International Bank Inc. (“Oriental International”), organized in November 2003. The Group transferred most of the assets and liabilities of O.B.T. International Bank to the new IBE subsidiary as of January 1, 2004. The international banking entities offer the Bank certain Puerto Rico tax advantages and their services are limited under Puerto Rico law to persons and assets / liabilities located outside of Puerto Rico.

Oriental Financial Services Corp. (“OFSC”) and Oriental Insurance Inc. (“Oriental Insurance”) are Puerto Rico corporations and the Group’s subsidiaries engaged in securities brokerage/investment banking and insurance agency services, respectively. OFSC, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, is a registered securities broker-dealer pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. OFSC does not carry customer accounts and is, accordingly, exempt from the Customer Protection Rule (SEC Rule 15c3-3) pursuant to subsection (k)(2)(ii) of such rule.

In January 2005, OFSC was selected for the third time to serve as Senior Manager for the next two years, for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s bond syndicate in partnership with Banc of America Securities LLC. OFSC has entered into an agreement to seek municipal securities business with Banc of America Securities LLC, two consulting services agreement with Bank of America, N.A., and Bank of America Leasing and Capital, LLC, and a client services agreement with Bank of America Capital Management, LLC.

In October 2001 and August 2003, Oriental Financial (PR) Statutory Trust I (the “Statutory Trust I”) and Oriental Financial (PR) Statutory Trust II (the “Statutory Trust II”), respectively, special purpose entities of the Group, were formed for the purpose of issuing trust redeemable preferred securities. In December 2001 and September 2003, $35 million of trust redeemable preferred securities were issued by the Statutory Trust I and by the Statutory Trust II, respectively, as part of pooled underwriting transactions. Pooled underwriting involves participating with other bank holding companies in issuing the securities through a special purpose pooling vehicle created by the underwriters.

In January 2003, the Group acquired all of the outstanding common stock of CPC, a Florida Corporation headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, which is engaged in the administration of retirement plans in the United States of America, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

The Group is subject to the provisions of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, (the “Bank Holding Company Act”) and, accordingly, subject to the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). The Bank is regulated by various agencies in the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Its main regulators are the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico (the “Commissioner”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The FDIC insures the Bank’s deposits up to $100,000 per depositor. The Bank is further subject to the regulation of the Puerto Rico Finance Board. Other agencies, such as the SEC, regulate additional aspects of the Group’s operations (see “Regulation and Supervision”). OFSC is subject to the supervision, examination and regulation of the NASD, the SEC, and the Commissioner. Oriental Insurance is subject to the supervision, examination and regulation of the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Puerto Rico.

The Group is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank, OFSC, the Statutory Trusts, CPC and Oriental Insurance. There are various legal limitations governing the extent to which the Bank may extend credit, pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to, or engage in transactions with the Group or its other subsidiaries.

Puerto Rico, where the banking market is highly competitive, is the main geographic business and service area of the Group. As of June 30, 2005, Puerto Rico had 11 banking institutions with a total of approximately $97.1 billion in assets according to industry statistics published by the FDIC. The Group ranked 8th based on total assets at June 30, 2005. Puerto Rico banks are subject to the same federal laws, regulations and supervision that apply to similar institutions in the United States of America.

In addition, the Group competes with brokerage firms with retail operations, credit unions, cooperatives, small loan companies, insurance agencies and mortgage banks in Puerto Rico. The Group encounters intense competition in attracting and retaining deposits and in its consumer and commercial lending activities.

Management believes that the Group has been able to compete effectively for deposits and loans by offering a variety of transaction account products and loans with competitive terms, by emphasizing the quality of its service, by pricing its products at competitive interest rates and by offering convenient branch locations. The Group’s ability to originate loans depends primarily on the service it provides to its borrowers in making prompt credit decisions and on the rates and fees that it charges.

The Group has three reportable segments: Treasury, Banking and Financial Services. Management established the reportable segments based on the internal reporting used to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. Other factors such as the Group’s organizational structure, nature of products, distribution channels and economic characteristics of the products were also considered in the determination of the reportable segments. The Group measures the performance of these reportable segments based on pre-established goals of different financial parameters such as net income, interest spread, loan production and fees generated.

Banking includes the Bank’s branches and mortgage banking activities, with traditional banking products such as deposits and mortgage, commercial and consumer loans. The Bank’s lending activities are primarily with consumers located in Puerto Rico. The Bank’s loan transactions include a diversified number of industries and activities, all of which are encompassed within three main categories: mortgage, commercial and consumer.

The Treasury segment encompasses all of the Group’s treasury functions. The Group’s investment portfolio primarily consists of mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, U.S. Treasury notes, U.S. Government agency bonds, P.R. Government obligations, municipal bonds and money market instruments.

Mortgage-backed securities, the largest component, consist principally of pools of residential loans that are made to consumers and then resold in the form of certificates, the payment of interest and principal of which is guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Corporation (the “GNMA”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (the “FNMA”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (the “FHLMC”) in the open market. For more information, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this report.

The Group’s mortgage banking activities consist of the origination and purchase of mortgage loans and the subsequent sale in the secondary market. The Group originates FHA (“Federal Housing Administration”) insured and VA (“Veteran Administration”) guaranteed mortgages for issuance of GNMA mortgage-backed securities, and conventional mortgage loans for issuance of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities, using another institution as the issuer. Mortgages included in the resulting GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC pools are serviced by another institution. The Group outsources the servicing of its mortgage loan portfolio to a third party.

The Group’s principal funding sources are securities sold under agreements to repurchase, branch deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) advances, subordinated capital notes and term notes. Through its branch system, the Bank offers personal non-interest and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”) and commercial non-interest bearing checking accounts. The FDIC insures the Bank’s deposit accounts up to applicable limits. Management makes retail deposit pricing decisions periodically through the Assets and Liabilities Management Committee (the “ALCO”), which adjusts the rates paid on retail deposits in response to general market conditions and local competition. Pricing decisions take into account the rates being offered by other local banks, LIBOR and mainland United States market interest rates.

The financial services business segment is comprised of the Bank’s trust division (“Oriental Trust”), the security brokerage and investment banking subsidiary (OFSC), the insurance agency subsidiary (Oriental Insurance), and the pension plan administration subsidiary (CPC). The core operations of this segment are financial planning, investment banking, money management, investment brokerage services, insurance sales activity, corporate and individual trust services, as well as pension plan administration services. Oriental Trust offers various types of IRAs, custodian accounts and corporate trust accounts. CPC manages 401(k) and Keogh retirement plans. OFSC offers a wide array of investment alternatives to its client base such as tax-advantaged fixed income securities, mutual funds, stocks and bonds. Oriental Insurance offers insurance products to its client base, such as fixed and variable annuities, and property, casualty, title and life insurance.

For more information regarding the performance of the Group’s reportable segments, please refer to Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this report.

The Group is subject to ongoing regulation, supervision, and examination by the Federal Reserve Board, and is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board and the SEC periodic reports and other information concerning its own business operations and those of its subsidiaries. In addition, under the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act, a bank holding company must obtain Federal Reserve Board approval before it acquires, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of another bank. Furthermore, Federal Reserve Board approval must also be obtained before such a company acquires all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or merges or consolidates with another bank holding company. The Federal Reserve Board also has the authority to issue cease and desist orders against bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries.

A bank holding company is prohibited under the Bank Holding Company Act, with limited exceptions, from engaging, directly or indirectly, in any business unrelated to the business of banking or of managing or controlling banks. One of the exceptions to these prohibitions permits ownership by a bank holding company of the shares of any company if the Federal Reserve Board, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, by regulation or order, has determined that the activities of the company in question are so closely related to the business of banking or of managing or controlling banks as to be incidental thereto.

Under Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company, such as the Group, is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its banking subsidiaries and to also commit resources to support them. This support may be required at times when, absent such policy, the bank holding company might not otherwise provide such support. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and be entitled to a priority of payment. In addition, any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. The Bank is currently the only depository institution subsidiary of the Group.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, revised and expanded the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act by including a new section that permits a bank holding company to elect to become a financial holding company to engage in a full range of activities that are “financial in nature”. The qualification requirements and the process for a bank holding company

that elects to be treated as a financial holding company requires that all of the subsidiary banks controlled by the bank holding company at the time of election must be and remain at all times “well capitalized” and “well managed”.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act further requires that, in the event that the bank holding company elects to become a financial holding company, the election must be made by filing a written declaration with the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank that: (i) states that the bank holding company elects to become a financial holding company; (ii) provides the name and head office address of the bank holding company and each depository institution controlled by the bank holding company; (iii) certifies that each depository institution controlled by the bank holding company is “well capitalized” as of the date the bank holding company submits its declaration; (iv) provides the capital ratios for all relevant capital measures as of the close of the previous quarter for each depository institution controlled by the bank holding company on the date the bank holding company submits it declaration; and (v) certifies that each depository institution controlled by the bank holding company is “well managed” as of the date the bank holding company submits its declaration. The bank holding company must have also achieved at least a rating of “satisfactory record of meeting community credit needs” under the Community Reinvestment Act during the institution’s most recent examination.

Financial holding companies may engage, directly or indirectly, in any activity that is determined to be (i) financial in nature, (ii) incidental to such financial activity, or (iii) complementary to a financial activity provided it does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act specifically provides that the following activities have been determined to be “financial in nature”: (a) lending, trust and other banking activities; (b) insurance activities; (c) financial, investment or economic advisory services; (d) securitization of assets; (e) securities underwriting and dealing; (f) existing bank holding company domestic activities; (g) existing bank holding company foreign activities; and (h) merchant banking activities.

In addition, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act specifically gives the Federal Reserve Board the authority, by regulation or order, to expand the list of financial or incidental activities, but requires consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, and gives the Federal Reserve Board authority to allow a financial holding company to engage in any activity that is complementary to a financial activity and does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally.

The Bank is subject to extensive regulation and examination by the Commissioner and the FDIC, which insures its deposits to the maximum extent permitted by law, and is subject to certain Federal Reserve Board regulations of transactions with Bank affiliates. The federal and Puerto Rico laws and regulations which are applicable to the Bank, regulate, among other things, the scope of its business, its investments, its reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, and the nature and amount of and collateral for certain loans. In addition to the impact of such regulations, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve Board as it attempts to control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence the economy.

The Bank is subject to restrictions under federal laws that limit the transfer of funds to its affiliates (including the Group), whether in the form of loans, other extensions of credit, investments or asset purchases, among others. Such transfers are limited to 10% of the transferring institution’s capital stock and surplus with respect to any affiliate (including the Group), and with respect to all affiliates to an aggregate of 20% of the transferring institution’s capital stock and surplus. Furthermore, such loans and extensions of credit are required to be secured in specified amounts.

Since the Group is a holding company, its right to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon the latter’s liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors (including depositors in the case of depository institution subsidiaries) except to the extent that the Group is a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.

Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), a depository institution (which definition includes both banks and savings associations), the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (1) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (2) any assistance provided by the FDIC to any commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution “in danger of default.” “Default” is defined generally as the appointment of a conservator, receiver or other legal custodian and “in danger of default” is defined generally as the existence of certain conditions indicating that default is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance. The Bank is currently the only FDIC-insured depository institution subsidiary of the Group. In some circumstances (depending upon the amount of the loss or anticipated loss suffered by the FDIC), cross-guarantee liability may result in the ultimate failure or insolvency of one or more insured depository institutions in a holding company structure. Any obligation or liability owed by a subsidiary bank to its parent company is subordinated to the subsidiary bank’s cross-guarantee liability with respect to commonly controlled insured depository institutions.

The principal source of funds for the Group is the dividends from the Bank. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends on its common stock is restricted by the Puerto Rico Banking Act of 1933, as amended (the “Puerto Rico Banking Act”), the FDIA and FDIC regulations. In general terms, the Puerto Rico Banking Act provides that when the expenditures of a bank are greater than receipts, the excess of expenditures over receipts shall be charged against the undistributed profits of the bank and the balance, if any, shall be charged against the required reserve fund of the bank. If there is no sufficient reserve fund to cover such balance in whole or in part, the outstanding amount shall be charged against the bank’s capital account. The Puerto Rico Banking Act provides that until said capital has been restored to its original amount and the reserve fund to 20% of the original capital, the bank may not declare any dividends. In general terms, the FDIA and the FDIC regulations restrict the payment of dividends when a bank is undercapitalized, when a bank has failed to pay insurance assessments, or when there are safety and soundness concerns regarding a bank.

The payment of dividends by the Bank may also be affected by other regulatory requirements and policies, such as maintenance of adequate capital. If, in the opinion of the regulatory authority, a depository institution under its jurisdiction is engaged in, or is about to engage in, an unsafe or unsound practice (that, depending on the financial condition of the depository institution, could include the payment of dividends), such authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such depository institution cease and desist from such practice. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement that provides that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of operating earnings for the current and preceding two years. In addition, all insured depository institutions are subject to the capital-based limitations required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991(“FDICIA”).

The FHLB system, of which the Bank is a member, consists of 12 regional FHLBs governed and regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Board (the “FHFB”). The FHLB serves as credit facility for member institutions within their assigned regions. They are funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. They make loans (i.e., advances) to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the FHLB and the boards of directors of each regional FHLB.

As a system member, the Bank is entitled to borrow from the FHLB of New York (the “FHLB-NY”) and is required to own capital stock in the FHLB-NY in an amount equal to the greater of 1% of the aggregate of the unpaid principal of its home mortgage loans, home purchase contracts, and similar obligations at the beginning of each fiscal year, which for this purpose is deemed to be not less than 30% of assets or 5% of the total amount of advances by the FHLB-NY to the Bank. The Bank is in compliance with the stock ownership rules described above with respect to such advances, commitments and letters of credit and home mortgage loans and similar obligations. All loans, advances and other extensions of credit made by the FHLB-NY to the Bank are secured by a portion of the Bank’s mortgage loan portfolio, certain other investments and the capital stock of the FHLB-NY held by the Bank.

Under FDICIA, the federal banking regulators must take prompt corrective action in respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIA, and the regulations issued thereunder established five capital tiers: (i) “well capitalized”, if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or more, has a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or more, has a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 5.0% or more, and is not subject to any written capital order or directive; (ii) “adequately capitalized”, if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or more and a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 4.0% or more (3.0% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the definition of “well capitalized”, (iii) “undercapitalized”, if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier I risk-based ratio that is less than 4.0% or a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less than 4.0% (3.0% under certain circumstances), (iv) “significantly undercapitalized”, if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3.0% or a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less than 3.0%, and (v) “critically undercapitalized”, if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. A depository institution may be deemed to be in a capitalization category that is lower than is indicated by its actual capital position if it receives a less than satisfactory examination rating in any of the first four categories. As of June 30, 2005, the Bank is a “well-capitalized” institution.

FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fees to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to restrictions on borrowing from the Federal Reserve System. In addition, undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. A depository institution’s holding company must guarantee the capital plan, up to an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the depository institution’s assets at the time it becomes undercapitalized or the amount of the capital deficiency when the institution fails to comply with the plan. The federal banking agencies may not accept a capital plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a

number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from corresponding banks. Critically undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

The FDIC insures the Bank’s deposit accounts up to the applicable limits. The insurance of deposit accounts by the FDIC subjects the Bank to comprehensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the FDIC. If the Bank violates its duties as an insured institution, engages in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsound and unsafe condition, or has violated any applicable FDIC requirements, the FDIC may terminate the insurance of depository accounts of the Bank.

The Bank is subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments. Pursuant to FDICIA, the FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment system, under which the assessment rate for an insured depository institution varies according to the level of risk incurred in its activities. An institution’s risk category is based partly upon whether the institution is well capitalized, adequately capitalized or less than adequately capitalized. Each insured institution is also assigned to one of the following “supervisory subgroups:” “A,” “B,” or “C.” Group “A” institutions, like the Bank, are financially sound institutions with only a few minor weaknesses; Group “B” institutions are institutions that demonstrate weaknesses that, if not corrected, could result in significant deterioration; and Group “C” institutions are institutions with respect to which there is a substantial probability that the FDIC will suffer a loss in connection with the institution unless effective action is taken to correct the areas of weakness.

The Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 (the “DIFA”) was enacted on September 30, 1996. DIFA repealed the statutory minimum premium. Thereafter, premiums related to deposits assessed by both the Bank Insurance Fund (the “BIF”) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (the “SAIF”) are assessed at a rate of 0 to 27 basis points per $100 deposits based on the risk-based assessment. Currently, the Bank’s deposit insurance premium charged by the SAIF is $0.014 for every $100 of deposits.

The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies. Under the guidelines the minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets is 8%. At least half of the total capital is to be comprised of common equity, retained earnings, minority interest in unconsolidated subsidiaries, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (“Tier 1 Capital”). The remainder may consist of a limited amount of subordinated debt, other preferred stock and a limited amount of loan and lease loss reserves (“Tier 2 Capital”).

The Federal Reserve Board has adopted regulations with respect to risk-based and leverage capital ratios that require most intangibles, including core deposit intangibles, to be deducted from Tier 1 Capital. The regulations, however, permit the inclusion of a limited amount of intangibles related to originated and purchased mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card relationships and include a “grandfathered” provision permitting inclusion of certain existing intangibles.

In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has established minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 Capital to quarterly average assets) guidelines for bank holding companies and member banks. These guidelines provide for a minimum leverage ratio of 3% for bank holding companies and member banks that meet certain specified criteria, including that they have the highest regulatory rating. All other bank holding companies and member banks are required to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 to total assets of 4%. The guidelines also provide that banking organizations experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets. Furthermore, the guidelines point out that the Federal Reserve Board will continue to consider a “tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio” and other indicators of capital strength in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activities.

Failure to meet the capital guidelines could subject an institution to a variety of enforcement actions, including the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, and to certain restrictions on its business. At June 30, 2005, the Group was in compliance with all capital requirements. For more information, please refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated by reference in this report.

Section 39 of the FDIA, as amended by FDICIA, requires each federal banking agency to prescribe for all insured depository institutions standards relating to internal control, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits and such other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. In addition, each federal banking agency also is required to adopt for all insured depository institutions and their holding companies standards that specify (i) a maximum ratio of classified assets to capital, (ii) minimum earnings sufficient to absorb losses without impairing capital, (iii) to the extent feasible, a minimum ratio of market value to book value for publicly-traded shares of the institution or holding company, and (iv) such other standards relating to asset quality, earnings and valuation as the agency deems appropriate. Finally, each

federal banking agency is required to prescribe standards for the employment contracts and other compensation arrangements of executive officers, employees, directors and principal stockholders of insured depository institutions that would prohibit compensation, benefits and other arrangements that are excessive or that could lead to a material financial loss for the institution. If an insured depository institution or its holding company fails to meet any of the standards described above, it will be required to submit to the appropriate federal banking agency a plan specifying the steps that will be taken to cure the deficiency. If an institution or holding company fails to submit an acceptable plan or fails to implement the plan, the appropriate federal banking agency will require the institution or holding company to correct the deficiency and, until it is corrected, may impose other restrictions on the institution or holding company, including any of the restrictions applicable under the prompt corrective action provisions of FDICIA.

The FDIC and the other federal banking agencies have Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness that, among other things, set forth standards relating to internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit, underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth and employee compensation.

Section 24 of the FDIA, as amended by FDICIA, generally limits the activities and equity investments of FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks to those that are permissible for national banks. Under FDIC regulations of equity investments, an insured state bank generally may not directly or indirectly acquire or retain any equity investment of a type, or in an amount, that is not permissible for a national bank. An insured state bank, such as the Bank, is not prohibited from, among other things, (i) acquiring or retaining a majority interest in a subsidiary, (ii) investing as a limited partner in a partnership the sole purpose of which is direct or indirect investment in the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of a qualified housing project, provided that such limited partnership investments may not exceed 2% of the bank’s total assets, (iii) acquiring up to 10% of the voting stock of a company that solely provides or reinsures directors’, trustees’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage or bankers’ blanket bond group insurance coverage for insured depository institutions, and (iv) acquiring or retaining the voting shares of a depository institution if certain requirements are met.

Under the FDIC regulations governing the activities and investments of insured state banks which further implemented Section 24 of the FDIA, as amended by FDICIA. An insured state-chartered bank may not, directly, or indirectly through a subsidiary, engage as “principal” in any activity that is not permissible for a national bank unless the FDIC has determined that such activities would pose no risk to the insurance fund of which it is a member and the bank is in compliance with applicable regulatory capital requirements. Any insured state-chartered bank directly or indirectly engaged in any activity that is not permitted for a national bank must cease the impermissible activity.

Transactions between the Bank and any of its affiliates are governed by sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. These sections are important statutory provisions designed to protect a depository institution from transfer to its affiliates the subsidy arising from the institution’s access to the Federal safety net. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. Generally, sections 23A and 23B (1) limit the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus, and limit such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus, and (2) require that all such transactions be on terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The term “covered transactions” includes the making of loans, purchase of or investment in securities issued by the affiliate, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Most loans by a bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100 to 130 percent of the loan amount, depending on the nature of the collateral. In addition, any covered transaction by a bank with an affiliate and any sale of assets or provision of services to an affiliate must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.

Regulation W of the Federal Reserve Bank Board comprehensively implements sections 23A and 23B. The regulation unified and updated staff interpretations issued over the years prior to its adoption, incorporated several interpretative proposals (such as to clarify when transactions with an unrelated third party will be attributed to an affiliate), and addressed issues arising as a result of the expanded scope of non-banking activities engaged in by banks and bank holding companies and authorized for financial holding companies under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

Sections 22(g) and (h) of the Federal Reserve Act place restrictions on loans by a bank to executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders. Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board implements these provisions. Under Section 22(h) and Regulation O, loans to a director, an executive officer and to a greater than 10% shareholders of a bank and certain of their related interests (“insiders”), and insiders of its affiliates, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and related interests, the bank’s loans-to-one-borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus). Section 22(h) and Regulation O also require that loans to insiders and to insiders of affiliates be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons, unless the loans are made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that (i) is widely available to

employees of the bank and (ii) does not give preference to insiders over other employees of the bank. Section 22(h) and Regulation O also require prior board of directors’ approval for certain loans, and the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a bank to all insiders cannot exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Furthermore, Section 22(g) and Regulation O place additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.

Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by the Congress in 1977, a financial institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires federal examiners, in connection with the examination of a financial institution, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution. The CRA also requires all institutions to make public disclosure of their CRA ratings. The Group has a Compliance Department, which oversees the planning of products and services offered to the community, especially those aimed to serve low and moderate income communities.

Under Title III of the USA Patriot Act, enacted on October 26, 2001, also known as the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act of 2001, all financial institutions, including the Group and the Bank, are required in general to identify their customers, adopt formal and comprehensive anti-money laundering programs, scrutinize or prohibit altogether certain transactions of special concern, and be prepared to respond to inquiries from U.S. law enforcement agencies concerning their customers and their transactions.

The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a number of regulations implementing the USA Patriot Act that apply certain of its requirements to financial institutions. The regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing.

Failure of a financial institution to comply with the USA Patriot Act’s requirements could have serious legal consequences for the institution. The Group and its subsidiaries, including the Bank, have adopted appropriate policies, procedures and controls to address compliance with the USA Patriot Act under existing regulations, and will continue to revise and update their policies, procedures and controls to reflect changes required by the USA Patriot Act and Treasury’s regulations.

Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, all financial institutions are required to adopt privacy policies, restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer data with nonaffiliated parties at the customer’s request, and establish procedures and practices to protect customer data from unauthorized access. The Group and its subsidiaries have established policies and procedures to assure the Group’s compliance with all privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOA”) implemented legislative reforms intended to address corporate and accounting fraud. SOA contains reforms of various business practices and numerous aspects of corporate governance. Most of these requirements have been implemented pursuant to regulations issued by the SEC. The following is a summary of certain key provisions of SOA.

In addition to the establishment of an accounting oversight board that enforces auditing, quality control and independence standards and is funded by fees from all registered public accounting firms and publicly traded companies, SOA places restrictions on the scope of services that may be provided by accounting firms to their public company audit clients. Any non-audit services being provided to a public company audit client requires pre-approval by the audit committee. In addition, SOA makes certain changes to the requirements for partner rotation after a period of time. SOA requires chief executive officers and chief financial officers, or their equivalent, to certify to the accuracy of periodic reports filed with the SEC, subject to civil and criminal penalties if they knowingly or willingly violate this certification requirement. In addition, counsel is required to report evidence of a material violation of securities laws or a breach of fiduciary duties to the company’s chief executive officer or its chief legal officer, and, if such officer does not appropriately respond, to report such evidence to the audit committee or other similar committee of the board of directors or the board itself.

Under this law, longer prison terms apply to corporate executives who violate federal securities laws; the period during which certain types of suits can be brought against a company or its officers is extended and bonuses issued to top executives prior to restatement of a company’s financial statements are now subject to disgorgement if such restatement was due to corporate misconduct. Executives are also prohibited from insider trading during retirement plan “blackout” periods, and loans to company executives (other than loans by financial institutions permitted by federal rules or regulations) are restricted. In addition, the legislation accelerates the time frame for disclosures by public companies, as they must

immediately disclose any material changes in their financial condition or operations. Directors and executive officers required to report changes in ownership in a company’s securities must now report any such change within two business days of the change.

SOA increases responsibilities and codifies certain requirements relating to audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the company’s registered public accounting firm. Audit committee members must be independent and are barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the company. In addition, companies are required to disclose whether at least one member of the committee is a “financial expert” (as such term is defined by the SEC) and if not, why not. A company’s registered public accounting firm is prohibited from performing statutorily mandated audit services for a company if the company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller, chief accounting officer or any person serving in equivalent positions had been employed by such firm and participated in the audit of such company during the one-year period preceding the audit initiation date. SOA also prohibits any officer or director of a company or any other person acting under their direction from taking any action to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead any independent public or certified accountant engaged in the audit of the company’s financial statements for the purpose of rendering the financial statements materially misleading.

SOA also has provisions relating to inclusion of certain internal control reports and assessments by management in the annual report to stockholders. The law also requires the company’s registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report to attest to and report on management’s assessment of the company’s internal controls. Commencing with its 2005 annual report, the Group will be required to include an internal control report containing management’s assertions regarding the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control structure and procedures over financial reporting. The internal control report must include a statement of management’s responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Group; of management’s assessment as to the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on management’s evaluation of it, as of year-end; and of the framework used by management as criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, Section 404 of SOA requires the Group’s independent accounting firm to attest to, and report on, management’s assessment of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), which is required to be filed as part of the annual report.

The Group’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are available free of charge on or through the Group’s internet website www.orientalonline.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

The Group’s corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics and the charters of its audit committee, compensation committee and corporate governance and nominating committee are available free of charge on the Group’s website www.orientalonline.com in the investor relations section under the corporate governance link.

As a Puerto Rico-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the Commissioner under the Puerto Rico Banking Act, which contains provisions governing the incorporation and organization, rights and responsibilities of directors, officers and stockholders as well as the corporate powers, savings, lending, capital and investment requirements and other aspects of the Bank and its affairs. In addition, the Commissioner is given extensive rulemaking power and administrative discretion under the Puerto Rico Banking Act. The Commissioner generally examines the Bank at least once every year.

The Puerto Rico Banking Act requires that at least 10% of the yearly net income of the Bank be credited annually to a reserve fund. This apportionment shall be done every year until the reserve fund shall be equal to the 10% of total deposits or 100% of total additional paid-in capital on common and preferred stock, whichever is greater. As of June 30, 2005, the Bank’s capital reserve fund was $33,893,000, which was within the required parameters.

The Puerto Rico Banking Act also provides that when the expenditures of a bank are greater that the receipts, the excess of the former over the latter shall be charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if any, shall be charged against the reserve fund, as a reduction thereof. If there is no reserve fund sufficient to cover such balance in whole or in part, the outstanding amount shall be charged against the capital account and no dividend shall be declared until said capital has been restored to its original amount and the reserve fund to 20% of the original capital.

The Puerto Rico Banking Act further requires every bank to maintain a legal reserve which shall not be less than 20% of its demand liabilities, except government deposits (federal, commonwealth and municipal) which are secured by actual collateral.

The Puerto Rico Banking Act also requires change of control filings. When any person or entity will own, directly or indirectly, upon consummation of a transfer, 5% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock of a bank, the acquiring parties must inform the Commissioner of the details not less than 60 days prior to the date said transfer is to be consummated. The transfer shall require the approval of the Commissioner if it results in a change of control of the bank. Under the Puerto Rico Banking Act, a change of control is presumed if an acquirer who did not own more than 5% of the voting capital stock before the transfer exceeds such percentage after the transfer.

The Puerto Rico Banking Act generally restricts the amount a bank can lend to a single borrower. The Act prohibits one or more loans to the same person, firm, partnership, corporation or related parties financially dependent, in an aggregate amount that exceeds 15% of the bank’s paid-in capital and reserve fund. The regulations issued thereunder by the Commissioner expand the above limitation to include 15% of 50% of the bank’s retained earnings. This additional lending limit is only allowed to institutions with: (1) a rating of “1” on their last regulatory examination and (2) classification of a “well-capitalized” institution. The 15% limitation is not applicable to loans guaranteed by collateral having a fair value of at least 25% more than the loan amount. It is also not applicable to letters of credit or guarantees and loans guaranteed by bonds, securities and debts of the government of the United States or Puerto Rico or bonds of Puerto Rico governmental agencies, instrumentalities or municipalities. As of June 30, 2005, there were no loans that exceeded the maximum amount that the Bank could have loaned to a single borrower.

The Puerto Rico Finance Board, which is composed of the Commissioner, the President of the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rico Secretaries of Commerce, Treasury and Consumer Affairs and three public interest representatives, has the authority to regulate the maximum interest rates and finance charges that may be charged on loans to individuals and unincorporated businesses in the Commonwealth. The Puerto Rico Finance Board promulgates regulations that specify maximum rates on various types of loans to individuals.

The current regulations of the Puerto Rico Finance Board provide that the applicable interest rate on loans to individuals and unincorporated businesses (including real estate development loans, but excluding certain other personal and commercial loans secured by mortgages on real estate property) is to be determined by free competition. The Puerto Rico Finance Board also has the authority to regulate maximum finance charges on retail installment sales contracts and for credit card purchases. There is presently no maximum rate for retail installment sales contracts and for credit card purchases.

The business and operations of O.B.T. International Bank and Oriental International are subject to supervision and regulation by the Commissioner. Under the IBE Act, no sale, encumbrance, assignment, merger, exchange or transfer of shares, interest or participation in the capital of an international banking entity (an “IBE”) may be initiated without the prior approval of the Commissioner, if by such transaction a person would acquire, directly or indirectly, control of 10% or more of any class of stock, interest or participation in the capital of the IBE. The IBE Act and the regulations issued thereunder by the Commissioner (the “IBE Regulations”) limit the business activities that may be carried out by an IBE. Such activities are limited in part to persons and assets / liabilities located outside of Puerto Rico. The IBE Act provides further that every IBE must have not less than $300,000 of unencumbered assets or acceptable financial guarantees.

Pursuant to the IBE Act and the IBE Regulations, the Bank’s IBEs have to maintain books and records of all their transactions in the ordinary course of business. They are also required to submit quarterly and annual reports of their financial condition and results of operations to the Commissioner, including annual audited financial statements.

The IBE Act empowers the Commissioner to revoke or suspend, after notice and hearing, a license issued thereunder if, among other things, the IBE fails to comply with the IBE Act, the IBE Regulations or the terms of its license, or if the Commissioner finds that the business or affairs of the IBE are conducted in a manner that is not consistent with the public interest.

In November 2003, the IBE Act was amended to impose income taxes at normal statutory rates on each IBE that operates as a unit of a bank, such as O.B.T. International Bank, if the IBE’s net income generated after December 31, 2003 exceeds 40 percent of the bank’s net income in the taxable year commenced on July 1, 2003, 30 percent of the bank’s net income in the taxable year commencing on July 1, 2004, and 20 percent of the bank’s net income in the taxable year commencing on July 1, 2005, and thereafter. It does not impose income taxation on an IBE that operates as a subsidiary of a bank, such as Oriental International. As of January 1, 2004, most of the assets and liabilities of O.B.T. International Bank were transferred to Oriental International.

At June 30, 2005, the Group had 520 employees. None of its employees is represented by a collective bargaining group. The Group considers its employee relations to be good.

The Group leases its main offices located at Professional Offices Park, 998 San Roberto Street, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The executive office, treasury, trust division, brokerage, investment banking, insurance services, and back-office support departments are at such location.

The Bank owns seven branch premises and leases seventeen branch commercial offices throughout Puerto Rico. The Bank’s management believes that each of its facilities is well maintained and suitable for its purpose and can readily obtain appropriate additional space as may be required at competitive rates by extending expiring leases or finding alternative space.

At June 30, 2005, the aggregate future rental commitments under the terms of the leases, exclusive of taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses payable by the Group, was $17.3 million.

On June 30, 2005, the Group sold the Las Cumbres building, a two-story structure located at 1990 Las Cumbres Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the amount of $3,355,000, to a local investor and his spouse. The local investor is the brother of José Enrique Fernández, Chairman of the Group’s Board of Directors. The building was the principal property owned by the Group for banking operations and other services. The Bank’s mortgage banking division and one of the principal branches and financial services office (brokerage and insurance) are located in this building. The book value of this property at June 30, 2005, was $1.3 million. Also, on the same date, the Bank entered into a triple net lease agreement with the new owner for a period of 10 years. In summary, the lease contract provides for an annual rent of $324,000 or a monthly rent of $27,000, for 13,200 square feet, including 42 parking spaces. During the lease term, the rental fee will increase by 6% every three years, except for the last year on which the increment will be 2%. The transaction was accounted for accordance to the provisions of SFAS 13, as amended by SFAS 98, “Accounting for Leases: Sale-leaseback Transactions Involving Real Estate,” and accordingly, the lease portion of the transaction was classified as an operating lease and the gain on the sale portion of the transaction was deferred and will be amortized to income over the lease term (10 years) in proportion to the related gross rental expense for the leasedback property each period.

On July 6, 2004, the Group announced plans for its new headquarters, Oriental Group Tower, which will consolidate all corporate offices and support facilities into a building under construction at Professional Offices Park in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Group will be the anchor tenant by leasing 55,336 square feet of office space in the fourth, fifth and sixth floors.

At present, the Group’s executive offices, the main offices of OFSC, as well as several support facilities of the Group, are located at two different buildings within the Professional Offices Park facilities, and at the Tres Rios Building located in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. All these facilities will be relocated to the new building. Occupancy of the new building is expected in March 2006, subject to completion of the building. The lease term will be for 10 years and will commence on the date that the premises are ready for occupancy.

The Group’s investment in premises and equipment, exclusive of leasehold improvements, at June 30, 2005, was $9.6 million.

On August 14, 1998, as a result of a review of its accounts in connection with the admission by a former Group officer of having embezzled funds, and manipulated bank accounts and records, the Group became aware of certain irregularities. The Group notified the appropriate regulatory authorities and commenced an intensive investigation with the assistance of forensic accountants, fraud experts and legal counsel. The investigation determined losses of $9.6 million ($5.8 net of tax) resulting from dishonest and fraudulent acts and omissions involving several former Group employees, which were submitted to the Group’s fidelity insurance policy (the “Policy”) issued by Federal Insurance Company, Inc. (“FIC”). In the opinion of the Group’s management, its legal counsel and experts, the losses determined by the investigation were covered by the Policy. However, FIC denied all claims for such losses. On August 11, 2000, the Group filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico against FIC, a stock insurance corporation organized under the laws of the State of Indiana, for breach of insurance contract, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing and damages, seeking payment of the Group’s $9.6 million insurance claim loss and the payment of consequential damages of no less than $13.0 million resulting from FIC capricious, arbitrary fraudulent and without cause denial of the Group’s claim. The losses resulting from such dishonest and fraudulent acts and omissions were expensed in prior years.

In addition, the Group and its subsidiaries are defendants in a number of legal proceedings incidental to their business. The Group is vigorously contesting such claims. Based upon a review by legal counsel and the development of these matters to date, management is of the opinion that the ultimate aggregate liability, if any, resulting from these claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition or results of operations.

Not applicable.

The Group’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “OFG”. Information concerning the range of high and low sales prices for the Group’s common stock for each quarter in the previous two fiscal years, as well as cash dividends declared for such fiscal years are contained in Table 7 (“Capital, Dividends and Stock Data”) and under the “Stockholders’ Equity” caption in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information concerning legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Group and the Bank is contained under the caption “Dividend Restrictions” in Item 1 of this report.

As of June 30, 2005, the Group had approximately 6,760 holders of record of its common stock, including all directors, officers of the Group, and beneficial owners whose shares are held in “street” name by securities broker-dealers or other nominees.

On November 30, 2004, the Group declared a ten percent (10%) stock dividend on common stock held by shareholders of record as of December 31, 2004. As a result, a total of 2,260,396 shares of common stock were distributed on January 17, 2005 (1,993,711 shares of common stock were issued and 266,685 were distributed from the Group’s treasury stock account.) For purposes of the computation of income per common share, cash dividend and stock price, the stock dividend was retroactively recognized for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Also, on November 20, 2003, the Group declared a ten percent (10%) stock dividend on common stock held by shareholders of record as of December 31, 2003. As a result, 1,798,722 shares of common stock were distributed on January 15, 2004, from the Group’s treasury stock account. For purposes of the computation of income per common share, cash dividend and stock price, the stock dividend was retroactively recognized for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

On February 12, 2004, the Group filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offering of 2,565,000 shares of common stock. The registration statement was amended on February 27, 2004. The offering consisted of 1,700,000 shares offered by the Group, and an aggregate of 865,000 shares offered by three stockholders of the Group. The offering also included an additional 384,750 shares subject to over-allotment options granted by the Group and the selling stockholders to the underwriters. The registration statement, as amended, was declared effective by the SEC on March 3, 2004.

On March 20, 2004, the underwriters exercised their options to purchase from the Group and the selling stockholders an aggregate of 384,750 shares of the Group’s common stock to cover over-allotments (255,000 of these shares were purchased from the Group and 129,750 from the three selling stockholders of the Group). Following such exercise, the total offering was for 2,949,750 shares at a public offering price of $28.00 per share, consisting of 1,955,000 shares offered by the Group and an aggregate of 994,750 shares by the three selling stockholders of the Group. Proceeds to the Group from the issuance of common stock were approximately $51,560,000, net of $3,180,000 of issuance costs.

The Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 1994, as amended, generally imposes a withholding tax on the amount of any dividends paid by Puerto Rico corporations to individuals, whether residents of Puerto Rico or not, trusts, estates, and special partnerships at a special 10% withholding tax rate. Prior to the first dividend distribution for the taxable year, such shareholders may elect to be taxed on the dividends at the regular rates, in which case the special 10% tax will not be withheld from such year’s distributions. Dividends distributed by Puerto Rico corporations to foreign corporations or partnerships not engaged in trade or business in Puerto Rico are also generally subject to withholding tax at a 10% rate.

United States citizens who are non-residents of Puerto Rico will not be subject to Puerto Rico tax on dividends if said individual’s gross income from sources within Puerto Rico during the taxable year does not exceed $1,300 if single, or $3,000 if married, and form AS 2732 of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department “Withholding Tax Exemption Certificate for the Purpose of Section 1147” is filed with the withholding agent. U.S. income tax law permits a credit against the U.S. income tax liability, subject to certain limitations, for certain foreign income taxes paid or deemed paid with respect to dividends from foreign corporations, such as the Group.

The Group has three stock options plans: the 1996, 1998 and 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plans, all of which were approved by the Group’s stockholders. These plans offer key officers, directors and employees an opportunity to purchase shares of the Group’s common stock. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has sole authority and absolute discretion as to the number of stock options to be granted, their vesting rights, and the options exercise price.

The following table shows certain information pertaining to the plans:

On December 16, 2004 the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) published Statement 123(R) requiring that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Statement 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. Statement 123(R) replaces FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. The required adoption date of Statement 123(R) for a public company with year end in June 30, is July 1, 2005. The Group will be required to apply Statement 123(R) as of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005.

On June 30, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Group’s Board of Directors approved the acceleration of the vesting of all unvested options to purchase shares of common stock of OFG that were held by employees, officers and directors as of June 30, 2005. As a result, options to purchase 1,219,333 shares became exercisable. The purpose of the accelerated vesting is to enable the Group to avoid recognizing in its income statement compensation expense associated with these options in future periods, upon adoption of Statement 123(R). The future expense to be avoided as a result of the acceleration of the vesting of these options amounts to approximately $3.4 million on a pre-tax basis over the course of the original vesting period, of which $1.5 million will be avoided for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, $0.8 million for the second fiscal year, $0.5 million for the third fiscal year, $0.3 million for each of the subsequent two fiscal years, and $65,000 for the sixth fiscal year.

The following table sets forth issuer purchases of equity securities made by the Group during the three-month period ended June 30, 2005:

For more information, please refer to Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this report.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from portions of the 2005 annual report to shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.0. The following ratios of the Group should be read in conjunction with the portions of such report filed as Exhibit 13.0. Selected financial data are presented for the last five fiscal years.

The ratios shown below demonstrate the Group’s ability to generate sufficient earnings to pay the fixed charges or expenses of its debt and preferred stock dividends. The Group’s consolidated ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends were computed by dividing earnings by combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, as specified below, using two different assumptions, one excluding interest on deposits and the second including interest on deposits:

For purposes of computing the consolidated ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, earnings consist of pre-tax income from continuing operations plus fixed charges and amortization of capitalized interest, less interest capitalized. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed and capitalized, amortization of debt issuance costs, and the Group’s estimate of the interest component of rental expense. The term “preferred stock dividends” is the amount of pre-tax earnings that is required to pay dividends on the Group’s outstanding preferred stock. As of June 30, 2005 and 2004, the Group had noncumulative preferred stock issued and outstanding amounting to $68,000,000 as follows: (1) Series A, amounting to $33,500,000 or 1,340,000 shares at a $25 liquidation value; and (2) Series B amounting to $34,500,000 or 1,380,000 shares, at a $25 liquidation value. As of June 30, 2003, 2002, and 2001, the Group had noncumulative preferred stock, Series A, issued and outstanding amounting to $33,500,000 or 1,340,000 shares at a $25 liquidation value.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from portions of the 2005 annual report to shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.0 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The information regarding the market risk of the Group is incorporated herein by reference from portions of the 2005 annual report to shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.0, under the caption “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from portions of the 2005 annual report to shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.0. The consolidated financial statements of this report set forth the list of all reports required by this item and are incorporated herein by reference.

Not applicable.

The Group’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as

defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Group’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Group’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon such evaluation, the management in the best of their knowledge concluded that, as of June 30, 2005, the Group’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Group in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

There have not been any changes in the Group’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Group’s fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Group’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s responsibilities related to establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures include maintaining effective internal controls over financial reporting that are designed to produce reliable financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As disclosed in the Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting included in the consolidated financial statements as presented in and incorporated by reference from the Group’s 2005 annual report to shareholders, management assessed the Group’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, the Group’s management believes that, as of June 30, 2005, its system of internal control over financial reporting met those criteria and is effective.

During the last fiscal quarter, there was no change in the Group’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control.

Not applicable.

Items 10 through 14 will be provided by incorporating the information required under such items by reference to the Group’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

The list of financial statements required by this item is set forth in the financial data index incorporated by reference from portions of the 2005 annual report to shareholders.

No schedules are presented because the information is not applicable or is included in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes thereto described in (a)(1) above.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the date indicated.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Oriental Financial Group Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of June 30, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Oriental Financial Group Inc. and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 2005 and 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated September 9, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Group ‘s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 9, 2005

Stamp No. 2088062
affixed to original.

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Oriental Financial Group Inc.
San Juan, Puerto Rico

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting that Oriental Financial Group Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “ Group”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Group’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing, and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Group maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also, in our opinion, the Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of Oriental Financial Group Inc. and its subsidiaries as of and for the year ended June 30, 2005, and our report dated September 9, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 9, 2005

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Oriental Financial Group Inc.:

The management of Oriental Financial Group Inc. (the “Group”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a — 15(f) and 15d – 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and for the assessment of internal control over financial reporting. The Group’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Group’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Group’s management has assessed the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Based on its assessment, management has concluded that the Group maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005 based on the criteria referred to above.

The Group management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Group’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on the previous page.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30 2005, 2004 AND 2003
     (In thousands)

The accounting and reporting policies of Oriental Financial Group Inc. (the “Group” or “Oriental”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and to financial services industry practices. The following is a description of the Group’s most significant accounting policies:

Oriental is a financial holding company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It has four subsidiaries, Oriental Bank and Trust (the “Bank”), Oriental Financial Services Corp. (“Oriental Financial Services”), Oriental Insurance, Inc. and Caribbean Pension Consultants, Inc. The Group also has two special purpose entities, Oriental Financial (PR) Statutory Trust I (the “Statutory Trust I”) and Oriental Financial (PR) Statutory Trust II (the “Statutory Trust II”). The Bank has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Oriental International Bank, Inc. and Oriental Mortgage, Inc. Through these subsidiaries, the Group provides a wide range of financial services such as mortgage, commercial and consumer lending, financial planning, insurance sales, money management and investment brokerage services, as well as corporate and individual trust services. Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements present further information about the operations of the Group’s business segments.

The main offices for the Group and its subsidiaries are located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Group is subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, which is administered by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

The Bank operates through twenty-four branches located throughout the island and is subject to the supervision, examination and regulation of the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), which insures its deposits through the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), up to $100,000 per depositor. The Bank has a wholly-owned subsidiary, Oriental Mortgage Corporation (“Oriental Mortgage”), which is currently inactive, and its only asset is a cash account with an insignificant balance as of June 30, 2005 and 2004. The Bank also operates an international banking entity (“IBE”), which is a unit of the Bank, named O.B.T. International Bank, pursuant to the International Banking Center Regulatory Act of Puerto Rico, as amended (the “IBE Act”). In November 2003, the Group organized a new IBE, named Oriental International Bank Inc., as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. The Group transferred as of January 1, 2004 most of the assets and liabilities of O.B.T. International Bank to the new IBE subsidiary. The IBE offers the Bank certain Puerto Rico tax advantages and its services are limited under Puerto Rico law to persons and assets/liabilities located outside of Puerto Rico.

Oriental Financial Services is subject to the supervision, examination and regulation of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico. Oriental Insurance is subject to the supervision, examination and regulation of the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Puerto Rico.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate mainly to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, income tax, and the valuation of derivatives.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Group and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Most of the Group’s business activities are with customers located in Puerto Rico. Note 3 discusses the types of securities in which the Group invests. Note 5 discusses the types of lending the Group engages in. The Group does not have any significant concentrations with any one industry or customer.

For purposes of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Group considers as cash equivalents all money market instruments that are not pledged with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

Basic earnings per share excludes potential dilutive common shares and is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders (net income reduced by dividends on preferred stock) by the weighted average of outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share except that the weighted average of common shares is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares (options) had been issued, assuming that proceeds from exercise are used to repurchase shares in the market (treasury stock method). Any stock splits and dividends are retroactively recognized in all periods presented in the financial statements.

The Group purchases securities under agreements to resell the same or similar securities. Amounts advanced under these agreements represent short-term loans and are reflected as assets in the statements of financial condition. It is the Group’s policy to take possession of securities purchased under resale agreements while the counterparty retains effective control over the securities. The Group monitors the market value of the underlying securities as compared to the related receivable, including accrued interest, and requests additional collateral when deemed appropriate. The Group also sells securities under agreements to repurchase the same or similar securities. The Group retains effective control over the securities sold under these agreements; accordingly, such agreements are treated as financing agreements, and the obligations to repurchase the securities sold are reflected as liabilities. The securities underlying the financing agreements remain included in the asset accounts. The counterparty to repurchase agreements generally has the right to repledge the securities received as collateral.

Securities are classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. Securities for which the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Securities that might be sold prior to maturity because of interest rate changes, to meet liquidity needs, or to better match the repricing characteristics of funding sources are classified as available-for-sale. These securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported net of tax in other comprehensive income.

The Group classifies as trading those securities that are acquired and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. These securities are carried at fair value with realized and unrealized changes in fair value included in earnings in the period in which the changes occur. Interest revenue arising from trading instruments is included in the statements of income as part of interest income.

The Group’s investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of New York stock has no readily determinable fair value and can only be sold back to the FHLB at cost. Therefore, the carrying value represents its fair value.

Premiums and discounts are amortized to interest income over the life of the related securities using the interest method. Net realized gains or losses on sales of investment securities available for sale, and unrealized loss valuation adjustments considered other than temporary, if any, on securities classified as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity are reported separately in the statements of income. The cost of securities sold is determined on the specific identification method.

The Group evaluates its securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity for impairment. An impairment charge in the consolidated statements of income is recognized when the decline in the fair value of investments below their cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. The Group considers various factors in determining whether it should recognize an impairment charge, including, but not limited to the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than its cost basis, and the Group’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any

anticipated recovery in market value. For debt securities, the Group also considers, among other factors, the debtor’s repayment ability on its bond obligations and its cash and capital generation ability.

As part of the Group’s asset and liability management, the Group uses interest-rate contracts, which include interest-rate swaps to hedge various exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics of various statement of financial condition accounts.

The Group follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended (refer to Note 10), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. The statement requires that all derivative instruments be recognized as assets and liabilities at fair value. If certain conditions are met, the derivative may qualify for hedge accounting treatment and be designated as one of the following types of hedges: (a) hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”); (b) a hedge of the exposure to variability of cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”) or (c) a hedge of foreign currency exposure (“foreign currency hedge”).

In the case of a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of the derivative instruments that have been highly effective are recognized in current period earnings along with the change in value of the designated hedged item. In the case of a qualifying cash flow hedge, changes in the value of the derivative instruments that have been highly effective are recognized in other comprehensive income, until such time as those earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows of the underlying hedged item. In either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge, net earnings may be impacted to the extent the changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments do not perfectly offset changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged items. If the derivative is not designated as a hedging instrument, the changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded in earnings.

Certain contracts contain embedded derivatives. When the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, it should be bifurcated and carried at fair value.

The Group uses several pricing models that consider current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments as well as time value and yield curve or volatility factors underlying the positions to derive the fair value of certain derivatives contracts.

In the ordinary course of business, the Group enters into off-balance sheet instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and commitments under credit card arrangements. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received. The Group periodically evaluates the credit risks inherent in these commitments, and establishes loss allowances for such risks if and when these are deemed necessary.

The mortgages reported as loans held-for-sale are stated at the lower of cost or market in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Realized gains or losses on these loans are determined using the specific identification method. From time to time, the Group sells loans to other financial institutions or securitizes conforming mortgage loans into Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) certificates using another institution as issuer. This other institution services the mortgages included in the resulting GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC pools.

Servicing rights on mortgage loans originated and held by the Group are sold to another financial institution. The gain on the sale of these rights is amortized over the expected life of the loans unless the loans are sold, at which time the unamortized deferred gain is taken into income.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan

origination fees and costs and premiums and discounts on loans purchased are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the loans as an adjustment of their yield through interest income using a method that approximates the interest method.

Interest recognition is discontinued when loans are 90 days or more in arrears on principal and/or interest, except for well-collateralized real estate loans for which recognition is discontinued when they become 365 days or more past due and are written down, if necessary, based on the specific evaluation of the collateral underlying the loan. Loans for which the recognition of interest income has been discontinued are designated as non-accruing. Such loans are not reinstated to accrual status until interest is received on a current basis and other factors indicative of doubtful collection cease to exist.

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The Group follows a systematic methodology to establish and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. This methodology consists of several key elements. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectibility of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

Larger commercial loans that exhibit potential or observed credit weaknesses are subject to individual review and grading. Where appropriate, allowances are allocated to individual loans based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flow and legal options available to the Group.

Included in the review of individual loans are those that are impaired, as provided in SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Group will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. Loans are individually evaluated for impairment, except large groups of small balance, homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and for loans that are recorded at fair value or at the lower of cost or market. The Group measures for impairment all commercial loans over $250,000. The portfolios of mortgages, and consumer loans, are considered homogeneous and are evaluated collectively for impairment.

For loans that are not individually graded, the Group uses a methodology that follows a loan credit risk rating process that involves dividing loans into risk categories. The following are the credit risk categories (established by the FDIC Interagency Policy Statement of 1993): pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss.

The Group, using an aged-based rating system, applies an overall allowance percentage to each loan portfolio category based on historical credit losses adjusted for current conditions and trends. This delinquency-based calculation is the starting point for management’s determination of the required level of the allowance for loan losses. Other data considered in this determination includes: the overall historical loss trends (one year and three years) and other information including underwriting standards, economic trends and unusual events such as hurricanes.

Loan loss ratios and credit risk categories, are updated quarterly and are applied in the context of GAAP and the Joint Interagency Guidance on the importance of depository institutions having prudent, conservative, but not excessive loan loss allowances that fall within an acceptable range of estimated losses. While management uses available information in estimating possible loan losses, future changes to the allowance may be necessary based on factors beyond the Group’s control, such as factors affecting general economic conditions.

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each type of asset. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the terms of the leases or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.

Long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles, except for financial instruments, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In performing the review for recoverability, an estimate is made of the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less

than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized if the fair value is less than the carrying amount of the related asset. Otherwise, an impairment loss is not recognized. There were no such impairment losses in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Foreclosed real estate is initially recorded at the lower of the related loan balance or the fair value of the real estate at the date of foreclosure. At the time properties are acquired in full or partial satisfaction of loans, any excess of the loan balance over the estimated fair market value of the property is charged against the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, these properties are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Any excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair market value, less estimated costs to sale is charged to operations. The costs and expenses associated to holding these properties in portfolio are expensed as incurred.

A transfer of financial assets is accounted for as a sale when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the transferor, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before maturity. As such, the Group recognizes the financial assets and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred. At the same time, it ceases to recognize financial assets when control has been surrendered and liabilities when they are extinguished.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Group is required to estimate income taxes. This involves an estimate of current income tax expense together with an assessment of temporary differences resulting from differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The determination of current income tax expense involves estimates and assumptions that require the Group to assume certain positions based on its interpretation of current tax regulations. Changes in assumptions affecting estimates may be required in the future and estimated tax assets or liabilities may need to be increased or decreased accordingly. The accrual for tax contingencies is adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Group’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax contingency accruals and changes to such accruals, including related interest and penalties, as considered appropriate by management. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Group’s effective rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the effective rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution.

The determination of deferred tax expense or benefit is based on changes in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that generate temporary differences. The carrying value of the Group’s net deferred tax assets assumes that the Group will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income based on estimates and assumptions. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Group may be required to record valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and assesses the need for a valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowance from period to period are included in the Group’s tax provision in the period of change. As of June 30, 2005 and 2004, the Group had no recorded valuation allowances related to its net deferred tax assets.

In addition to valuation allowances, the Group establishes accruals for certain tax contingencies when, despite the belief that Group’s tax return positions are fully supported, the Group believes that certain positions are likely to be challenged. The tax contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Group’s tax contingency accruals are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities.

On August 1, 2005 the Puerto Rico Legislature approved Law No. 41 “Law of the Educational Future of the Puerto Rican Children”. This law imposes an additional tax of 2.5 % on taxable net income. This law is applicable to all corporations and partnerships with a taxable net income over $20,000, according to part (a) of Section 1015 of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 1994.

The law will be effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2004 and finish on or before December 31, 2006. Also ,the effectiveness of this law is subject to the final approval of the Joint Resolution of the Legislature Number 445, concerning the General Budget for the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

At June 30, 2005, the Group had three stock-based employee compensation plans: the 1996, 1998, and 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plans, which are described more fully in Note 2. The Group follows the intrinsic value-based method of accounting for measuring compensation expense, if any. The Group accounts for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations. Compensation expense is generally recognized for any excess of the quoted market price of the Group’s stock at measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Group had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to stock-based employee compensation:

The average fair value of each option granted in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $13.09, $6.81 and $4.54, respectively. The average fair value of each option granted in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 was estimated at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no restrictions and are fully transferable and negotiable in a free trading market. Black-Scholes does not consider the employment, transfer or vesting restrictions that are inherent in the Group’s employee options. Use of an option valuation model, as required by GAAP, includes highly subjective assumptions based on long-term predictions, including the expected stock price volatility and average life of each option grant. Because the Group’s employee options have characteristics significantly different from those of freely traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the Group’s estimate of the fair value of those options, in the Group’s opinion, the existing valuation models, including Black-Scholes, are not reliable single measures. The use of other option pricing models may result in different fair values of the Group’s employee options.

The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of the options granted, after giving retroactive effect to the 10% stock dividend:

The diluted per share calculations for the years ended June 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 have been adjusted from previous reported figures to take into account additional incentive stock options required to be issued by the anti-dilution provisions of employment agreements with certain executives. The contractual provisions required the Group to adjust stock options granted to the executives pursuant to their employment agreements to avoid any form of dilution, including dilution resulting from stock dividends and additional offerings of common stock by the Group. Although all stock options granted to the executives had been adjusted pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the Group’s incentive stock option plans to account for stock dividends, the stock options granted to the executives pursuant to their employment agreements had not been adjusted as contractually mandated for additional events of dilution such as the Group’s issuance of common stock in 2004, and the granting of stock options from time to time to other participants under the Group’s incentive stock option plans.

After an evaluation on the merits, the Compensation Committee of the Group’s Board of Directors determined during the fourth quarter of the year ended June 30, 2005 that the executives were entitled to additional options for the implied value of their exercised options by crediting them the amount of such implied value upon future exercises of stock options granted under the Group’s incentive stock option plans and by issuing to each executive the number of additional stock options required to account for the events of dilution with respect to unexercised options granted to them under their employment agreements.

As a result, the Group has increased the number of options used in the calculation of fully diluted shares by 363,325 for the first three quarterly periods of fiscal 2005 and for fiscal years 2004 and 2003, which represent the Group’s calculation of the additional options affecting these periods. The additional options reduced diluted per share results by approximately one cent per share for fiscal 2005 and four cents per share for fiscal years 2004 and 2003. (See note 2).

On June 30, 2005, the compensation committee of the Group’s Board of Directors approved the acceleration of the vesting of all outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock of the Group that were held by employees, officers and directors as of June 30, 2005. As a result, options to purchase approximately 1,219,333 shares became exercisable. The purpose of the accelerated vesting is to enable the Group to avoid recognizing in its income statement compensation expense associated with these options in future periods, upon adoption of Statement 123(R). (See note 2).

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, except for those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. GAAP requires that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and on derivative activities that qualify and are designated for cash flows hedge accounting, are reported as a separate component of the stockholders’ equity section of the statements of financial condition, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) published Statement 123(R) requiring that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Statement 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. Statement 123(R) replaces FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Statement 123, as originally issued in 1995, established as preferable a fair-value-based method of accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees. However, that Statement permitted entities the option of continuing to apply the guidance in Opinion 25, as long as the footnotes to the financial statements disclosed what net income would have been had the preferable fair-value-based method been used. The Group will be required to apply Statement 123(R) on July 1, 2005.

At June 30, 2005, the Group had three stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 1. Up to June 30, 2005, the Group accounted for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted during previous fiscal periods under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Please refer to the Table included in Note 1 for an illustration of the effect in net income and earnings per share if the Group had applied the fair value recognition provisions.

On June 30, 2005, the compensation committee of the Group’s Board of Directors approved the acceleration of the vesting of all outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock of the Group that were held by employees, officers and

directors as of June 30, 2005. As a result, options to purchase approximately 1,219,333 shares became exercisable. The purpose of the accelerated vesting is to enable the Group to avoid recognizing in its income statement compensation expense associated with these options in future periods, upon adoption of Statement 123(R). The future expense to be avoided as a result of the acceleration of the vesting of these options amounts to approximately $3.4 million on a pre-tax basis over the course of the original vesting period, of which $1.5 million will be avoided in the first fiscal year to be ended June 30, 2006, $0.8 million in the second fiscal year, $0.5 million in the third fiscal year, $0.3 million in each of the subsequent two fiscal years and $65,000 in the sixth fiscal year.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions.” This statement amends the principle that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged and more broadly provides for exceptions regarding exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The entity’s future cash flows are expected to significantly change if either of the following criteria is met: a) the configuration (risk, timing, and amount) of the future cash flows of the asset(s) received differs significantly from the configuration of the future cash flows of the asset(s) transferred or b) the entity-specific value of the asset(s) received differs from the entity-specific value of the asset(s) transferred, and the difference is significant in relation to the fair values of the assets exchanged. A qualitative assessment will, in some cases, be conclusive in determining that the estimated cash flows of the entity are expected to significantly change as a result of the exchange. SFAS No. 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.” This Statement replaces APB Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes”, and FASB Statement No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements”, and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed. Opinion 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principle be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. This Statement also redefines restatement as the revising of previously issued financial statements to reflect the correction of an error. This Statement requires that retrospective application of a change in accounting principle be limited to the direct effects of the change. Indirect effects of a change in accounting principle should be recognized in the period of the accounting change. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle. This Statement carries forward without change the guidance contained in Opinion 20 for reporting the correction of an error in previously issued financial statements and a change in accounting estimate. This Statement also carries forward the guidance in Opinion 20 requiring justification of a change in accounting principle on the basis of preferability. This Statement will be effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Early adoption is permitted for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after the date this Statement is issued. This Statement does not change the transition provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements, including those that are in a transition phase as of the effective date of this Statement. Management believes that the adoption of this statement will not have a significant effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ financial statements to conform with the current year presentation.

On February 12, 2004, the Group filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offering of 2,565,000 shares of common stock. The registration statement was amended on February 27, 2004. The offering consisted of 1,700,000 shares offered by the Group, and an aggregate of 865,000 shares offered by three stockholders of the Group. The offering also included an additional 384,750 shares subject to over-allotment options granted by the Group and the selling

stockholders to the underwriters. The registration statement, as amended, was declared effective by the SEC on March 3, 2004.

On March 20, 2004, the underwriters exercised their options to purchase from the Group and the selling stockholders an aggregate of 384,750 shares of the Group’s common stock to cover over-allotments (255,000 of these shares were purchased from the Group and 129,750 from the three selling stockholders of the Group). Following such exercise, the total offering was for 2,949,750 shares at a public offering price of $28.00 per share, consisting of 1,955,000 shares offered by the Group and an aggregate of 994,750 shares by the three selling stockholders of the Group. Proceeds to the Group from the issuance of common stock were approximately $51,560,000, net of $3,180,000 of issuance costs.

On October 28, 2002, the Group declared a twenty-five percent (25%) stock split effected in the form of a dividend on common stock held by shareholders of record as of December 30, 2002. As a result, 3,864,800 shares of common stock were distributed on January 15, 2003.

On November 20, 2003, the Group declared a ten percent (10%) stock dividend on common stock held by shareholders of record as of December 31, 2003. As a result, 1,798,722 shares of common stock were distributed on January 15, 2004, from the Group’s treasury stock account. For purposes of the computation of income per common share, cash dividends and stock price, the stock dividend was retroactively recognized for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Also, on November 30, 2004, the Group declared a ten percent (10%) stock dividend on common stock held by shareholders of record as of December 31, 2004. As a result, a total of 2,236,152 shares of common stock were distributed on January 17, 2005 (1,993,711 shares of common stock were issued and 242,441 were distributed from the Group’s treasury stock account.) For purposes of the computation of income per common share, cash dividends and stock price, the stock dividend was retroactively recognized for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

On March 26, 2003, the Group’s Board of Directors announced the authorization of a program for the repurchase of up to $9.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock. This program superseded the ongoing repurchase program established earlier. The authority granted by the Board of Directors does not require the Group to repurchase any shares. The Group will make such repurchases from time to time in the open market at such times and prices as market conditions shall warrant, and in compliance with the terms of applicable federal and Puerto Rico laws and regulations.

The activity of common shares held in treasury by the Group for the years ended June 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is set forth below.