As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 1997        
                                                     Registration File No.   33-
                                                                          ------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    Form S-1
             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                            FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



          Florida                                             671                           59-2935028
 -------------------------                       ----------------------------      ------------------------------------
                                                                             
 (State or jurisdiction of                       (Primary Standard Industrial      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)                    Classification Code Number)


          1211 Orange Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789 (407) 645-1201
          -------------------------------------------------------------
   (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                    Registrant principal executive offices)

                               James V. Suskiewich
                        President/Chief Executive Officer
                               1211 Orange Avenue
                           Winter Park, Florida 32789
                                 (407) 645-1201
                                 --------------

                              Copies Requested to:
A. George Igler, Esquire                 Aaron Kaslow, Esquire
Igler & Dougherty, P.A.                  Breyer & Aguggia
1501 Park Avenue East                    1300 I Street Northwest, Suite 470 East
Tallahassee, Florida 32301               Washington, D.C. 20005
(904) 878-2411                           (202) 737-7900
(904) 878-1230 (facsimile)               (202) 737-7979 (facsimile)

Approximate  date of proposed sale to the public:  As soon as practicable  after
this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If any of the  securities  being  registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous  basis  pursuant to rule 415 under the  Securities  Act of
1933 check the following box. [ ]

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an Offering pursuant
to rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list
the  Securities  Act  registration  statement  number of the  earlier  effective
registration statement for the same offering.
[ ] _________

If this Form is a  post-effective  amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the  Securities  Act,  check  the  following  box and  list the  Securities  Act
registration  statement number of the earlier effective  registration  statement
for the same offering. [ ] _________

If delivery  of the  prospectus  is  expected  to be made  pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]




                                             CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Title of                                             Proposed               Proposed
    each class                      Amount               maximum                maximum
    of securities                   to be                Offering               aggregate                 Amount of
    to be registered                registered(1)        price per share (2)    Offering price (2)        registration fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                                                   
Common Stock $.01 par value          2,701,619                $2.00              $5,403,238              $1,637.34

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



(1)      Common Stock  ("Shares) are to be issued in a Rights  Offering.  Shares
         not subscribed  for in the Rights  Offering shall be offered to members
         of the general  public in the  Community  Offering  and the  Syndicated
         Community  Offering  which shall  commence  immediately  following  the
         Rights Offering, at the same Subscription Price.

(2)      Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in
         accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.

         The Registrant hereby amends this  Registration  Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its  effective  date until the  Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically  states that this Registration
Statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the  Securities  Act of 1933 or until the  Registration  Statement  shall become
effective on such date as the  Commission,  acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may
determine.








                            FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION
                             Up To 2,701,619 Shares
                                  Common Stock

         Federal Trust  Corporation  ("Federal  Trust",  or the  "Company"  when
discussed  collectively  with Federal  Trust Bank),  a Florida  corporation,  is
offering up to 2,701,619  shares of its common stock,  par value $1.00 per share
("Common Stock"),  on a priority basis, first to holders of record of its Common
Stock  ("Shareholders")  at the close of business on March 26, 1997 (the "Record
Date").  Each Shareholder will receive a nontransferable  right to subscribe for
and  purchase one (1)  additional  share of Common Stock for each whole share of
Common Stock owned on the Record Date (the "Subscription Right") at the price of
$2.00 per share ("Subscription  Price").  Shareholders are entitled to subscribe
for all,  or any  portion  of,  the  shares of  Common  Stock  underlying  their
Subscription Right. The offering of Common Stock pursuant to Subscription Rights
to Shareholders is referred to herein as the "Rights Offering". All Subscription
Rights to purchase Common Stock in the Rights Offering are non-transferrable and
will expire at 5:00 p.m.  Eastern Time on August 29, 1997 (the "Rights  Offering
Expiration Date").

         Immediately  following  the Rights  Offering,  Federal Trust will offer
shares not  subscribed  for in the  Rights  Offering  to members of the  general
public to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered (the "Community Offering")
and through  participating  registered  broker-dealers in a syndicated community
offering (the "Syndicated Community Offering"). The offering of shares of Common
Stock in the Community Offering and the Syndicated Community Offering is subject
to the prior  Subscription  Rights of the  Shareholders in the Rights  Offering,
Federal  Trust's right to reject orders  received in the Community  Offering and
the Syndicated Community Offering in whole or in part, and the other limitations
described herein. The Rights Offering, the Community Offering and the Syndicated
Community  Offering  are  collectively  referred  to as the  "Offering."  In the
Community  Offering or the  Syndicated  Offering the minimum number of shares of
Common  Stock any person may  purchase is 500 shares and the maximum  amount any
person may purchase,  together with associates or persons acting in concert with
such  person,  is 5% of the  total  number of shares  sold in the  Offering.  In
addition, no person shall be allowed to purchase (individually, or together with
associates  or persons  acting in concert  with such  persons)  shares of Common
Stock in the Rights Offering,  the Community Offering or the Syndicated Offering
which when  aggregated  with  current  holdings  would exceed 9.99% of the total
number of shares outstanding at the conclusion of the Offering.  The $2.00 price
per  share  to be paid  for the  Common  Stock  will be the  same in the  Rights
Offering, the Community Offering and the Syndicated Community Offering.

         See "Risk  Factors"  beginning on page 15 for a  discussion  of certain
         risks that should be carefully considered by prospective  purchasers of
         the Common Stock offered hereby.
                                               ---------------------

THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  NOR HAS THE COMMISSION
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.





=======================================================================================================================
                                                                         Estimated Fees
                                             Subscription               and Underwriting           Proceeds to the
                                                 Price                     Expenses(1)               Company(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               
Per Share Minimum . . . . . . . . .              $ 2.00                    $ 0.25                    $ 1.75
Per Share Maximum . . . . . . . . .              $ 2.00                    $ 0.19                    $ 1.81
Total Minimum (2) . . . . . . . . . .            $ 2,000,000               $ 250,000                 $ 1,750,000
Total Maximum(3) . . . . . . . . . .             $ 5,403,238               $ 500,000                 $ 4,903,238
===================================  =============================  ========================  =========================
                          Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
 The date of this Prospectus is August ___, 1997. (Footnotes on following page)


                                        1






(Continuation of cover)

         Federal Trust has engaged  Keefe,  Bruyette & Woods,  Inc.  ("KBW"),  a
registered broker-dealer,  to consult with and advise Federal Trust with respect
to the Offering. KBW has agreed to use its best efforts to solicit subscriptions
and purchase orders for shares of Common Stock in the Offering.  Neither KBW nor
any other registered broker-dealer shall have any obligation to take or purchase
any shares of Common Stock in the Offering.

         Federal Trust is offering a maximum of 2,701,619 shares of Common Stock
hereby (the "Total  Maximum"),  and must sell a minimum of  1,000,000  shares of
Common Stock in the Offering  (the "Total  Minimum") or the Offering will not be
consummated  and all funds  submitted  to the  Subscription  Agent  (as  defined
hereafter)  will be  promptly  returned  with  interest.  See  "SUMMARY - Escrow
Account". The Offering will terminate at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30,
1997,  subject  to an  extension  of 45 days up to  November  15,  1997,  at the
discretion of the Company.  All  subscriptions  are irrevocable  once submitted.
Federal  Trust  reserves the right to reject  orders  received in the  Community
Offering or the Syndicated Community Offering, in whole or in part.

         The Common  Stock of Federal  Trust is not listed on any  exchange  and
there  currently is no active  market for the shares.  There can be no assurance
that an active and liquid  trading  market for the Common Stock will develop or,
if developed,  will be maintained.  Federal Trust has applied to have the Common
Stock  listed  on the  National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers  Automated
Quotation ("Nasdaq") SmallCap Market under the symbol"_________" upon completion
of the Offering.  See "RISK  FACTORS--  Limited Trading  Market".  No assurance,
however,  can be given that the  requirements for such listing can be satisfied.
Investors should consider the potential  illiquid nature of an investment in the
Common Stock. KBW has advised Federal Trust that upon completion of the Offering
it intends  to act as a market  maker in the Common  Stock,  depending  upon the
volume of trading and subject to compliance  with applicable laws and regulatory
requirements.  KBW will also assist Federal Trust in obtaining additional market
makers.

(Footnotes for Table)

(1)      Consists  of  estimated  expenses  to be  incurred  by the  Company  in
         connection with the Offering,  including  estimated  marketing fees and
         expenses,   and   fees  to  be  paid  to  KBW  and   other   registered
         broker-dealers  in connection with the sale of shares in the Syndicated
         Community  Offering,  which  fees  and  expenses  are  estimated  to be
         $250,000 and $500,000, respectively, assuming the sale of 1,000,000 and
         2,701,619  shares,   respectively.   See  "Use  of  Proceeds"  for  the
         assumptions used to arrive at these estimates.
(2)      Assumes the sale of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock.
(3)      Assumes the sale of 2,701,619 shares of Common Stock.


                                        2








                            FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION







                                [MAP OF FLORIDA]



























         THE  SECURITIES  OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS  ACCOUNTS,  DEPOSITS OR
OTHER  OBLIGATIONS OF FEDERAL TRUST OR FEDERAL TRUST BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED  BY THE FEDERAL  DEPOSIT  INSURANCE  CORPORATION  ("FDIC"),  THE BANK
INSURANCE FUND ("BIF"),  THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION  INSURANCE FUND ("SAIF") OR ANY
OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

                                        3





                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
                               ------------------

         The following  summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified
in its entirety by the more detailed  information,  including  the  Consolidated
Financial Statements and related Notes, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.

The Company

         General.  Federal Trust is a Florida corporation which was organized in
February  1989 as a unitary  savings and loan  holding  company.  Federal  Trust
currently  operates  solely through its  wholly-owned  subsidiary  Federal Trust
Bank, a  federally-chartered  stock savings bank ("the  Bank").  The address for
Federal  Trust  is 1211  Orange  Avenue,  Winter  Park,  Florida  32789  and the
telephone  number is (407)  645-1201.  At March 31, 1997,  the Company had total
consolidated assets of $140.0 million and stockholders' equity of $ 7.3 million.

         History.  Throughout  the first five years of its existence the Company
focused on a wholesale  thrift strategy by purchasing loans and engaging in real
estate  development  and  related   activities,   such  as  mortgage  brokerage,
commercial  construction and office building management operations.  During 1990
and 1991, the Company  emphasized  the  origination  of larger  commercial  real
estate loans, land acquisition and development loans and commercial construction
loans some of which were outside its market area.  The Company relied heavily on
wholesale  deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB")  advances to fund loans.
The Company grew  rapidly  between  1989 and 1992.  This rapid  growth  resulted
primarily  from the  acquisition  of the  assets  and  liabilities  of the First
Federal of  Seminole  Savings and Loan  Association  from the  Resolution  Trust
Corporation,  in April  1992,  which  added  $78.0  million  in loans and $120.2
million in deposits.  From December 31, 1989 to December 31, 1993, the Company's
total assets grew from $24.3 million to $146.9 million. During this same period,
the Company posted  increases in net income,  which rose from a loss of $310,000
in 1989 (its first full year of operations) to $766,000 in 1993.

         The  Company's  initial  strategy  to attract  deposits  was to utilize
wholesale  funds,  i.e.,  certificates  of  deposit  obtained  through  the  "CD
Network",  a computer  network which permits the Company to display its rates on
certificates to individual investors  nationwide.  The CD Network,  which allows
Company  personnel  deal  directly  with  investors,  was  implemented  to avoid
overhead  expenses  associated with branch  facilities,  which are traditionally
used to generate deposits. Wholesale deposits, however, are generally considered
to be a more volatile  source of funds.  At the time the CD Network  program was
started,  interest rates paid on wholesale  funds were lower than interest rates
being paid on local  deposits.  At December 31,  1993,  deposits  totaled  $78.8
million,  of which $26.1 million or 33.1% were obtained  through the CD Network.
Beginning in 1993, however, interest rates on wholesale funds began to increase,
resulting in a higher cost of funds to the Company. At the same time the Company
had made the  decision to become a more retail  oriented  financial  institution
focussing  its  attention on generating  local  deposits.  As of March 31, 1997,
deposits  totaled  $103.7  million,  of which $3.0 million or 2.9% were obtained
through the CD Network.

         Beginning in 1994,  Federal Trust began to experience a sharp  increase
in the level of non-performing loans and real estate owned ("REO"). Between 1991
and 1994,  asset quality  significantly  declined,  with  non-performing  assets
increasing from approximately  $649,000 at December 31, 1991, to $9.3 million at
December 31, 1994.  This  deterioration  in asset quality and the Company's high
overhead, had a negative impact on earnings during 1994, 1995 and 1996.

                                        4





Earnings  suffered as a result of higher  reserves,  lower interest  margins and
higher  expenses,  as well  as the  wholesale  funding  strategy  and  its  cost
structure. Federal Trust posted net losses of $976,503,  $2,299,701 and $179,173
for the  years  ended  1996,  1995 and  1994,  respectively.  Concurrently,  the
Company's  total assets  declined  from $154.0  million at December 31, 1994, to
$140.0 million at December 31, 1996.

         As a result of certain deficiencies  identified during the examinations
conducted  by the  Office of Thrift  Supervision  ("OTS"),  the  Bank's  primary
regulator,  during 1992 and 1993, the Bank entered into a Supervisory  Agreement
with the OTS in May 1993.  Following the 1994  examinations of Federal Trust and
the Bank, due to further  deterioration  in asset quality and criticism of prior
management  practices,  Federal  Trust  and the Bank  voluntarily  agreed to the
issuance of  individual  Cease and Desist  Orders  which were entered in October
1994  (collectively,  the  "Orders").  The  Bank's  Order  superseded  the  1993
Supervisory  Agreement  with the OTS.  Management  of Federal Trust and the Bank
consented to the issuance of the respective Orders, without admitting or denying
that grounds for such Orders existed.  In the 1996 examinations of Federal Trust
and the Bank, the OTS concluded that the overall condition of both companies had
improved  and that  Federal  Trust and the Bank were in  compliance  with  their
respective  Orders.  See "RISK  FACTORS -  Regulating  Enforcement  Actions" and
"BUSINESS - Supervision."

         Recent  Improvements.  Since 1993, the Company has  undertaken  several
proactive measures to improve its financial stability,  operational  capability,
asset and  liability  structure  and  corporate  image.  Among  other  strategic
initiatives, the Company has:

         Strengthened Management/Governorship: Since 1993, the Company has hired
         executives  with extensive  banking and  regulatory  experience for the
         Company's  three  principal  positions,  specifically,  Chief Executive
         Officer  ("CEO"),  Chief  Financial  Officer  ("CFO") and Chief Lending
         Officer ("CLO"). Moreover, the Company has implemented changes to other
         senior and  mid-level  positions,  as well as Federal  Trust's Board of
         Directors so as to increase the  Company's  effectiveness.  This senior
         management  team  consisting of James V.  Suskiewich  (CEO),  Aubrey H.
         Wright  (CFO)  and  Louis  E.  Laubsher   (CLO),   whose   professional
         backgrounds  are detailed  under  MANAGEMENT - Directors  and Executive
         Officer,  have been  directing the Bank's  efforts  since  mid-1993 and
         directing the Company's operations since mid-1996.

         Improved Asset Quality: In connection with the corporate  restructuring
         effort, the Company hired a CLO with extensive problem asset resolution
         expertise to concentrate in identifying and analyzing nonperforming and
         potential  problem  assets and  developing and executing an appropriate
         course of action to rehabilitate or dispose of such assets.  As part of
         the  asset  quality  improvement   program,  the  management  team  has
         established a Special Assets  Department,  which is responsible for the
         disposition/liquidation  of  the  non-performing  assets,  as  well  as
         implementing an aggressive  collection  policy and real estate program.
         As a  result,  the level of  non-performing  assets  decreased  to $5.2
         million as of March 31,  1997,  from $9.3  million as of  December  31,
         1994.

         Augmented  Credit  Administration/Loan  Loss  Reserves:  In addition to
         focusing on  pre-existing  credit  problems,  the Company has  invested
         significant resources to ensure future asset quality and core income by
         significantly  enhancing the Company's credit policies,  procedures and
         allowance for loan losses.  With regard to credit  administration,  the
         

                                        5





         Company has  developed  systematic  changes that have improved the loan
         origination and management process. The Company has also established an
         officer's loan committee to enhance credit structuring and quality.  As
         such the Company's ratio of allowance for loan losses to  nonperforming
         loans  increased  to 73.5%  as of  March  31,  1997,  from  31.0% as of
         December 31, 1994.

         Implemented  Expense Reduction  Measures:  During the past three years,
         the management team initiated a series of measures to resolve corporate
         inefficiencies  associated with above market occupancy  expenses,  high
         levels of nonperforming assets and personnel overcapacity. This process
         included an analysis  of nearly  every major  aspect of the Company and
         its organization which resulted in (1) major staff consolidations;  (2)
         organizational  overhaul including the divestiture and/or dissolving of
         five subsidiaries; (3) renegotiation of major vender contracts; and (4)
         renegotiation  of the  Company's  main  office  lease and the sale of a
         branch office facility located near the main office. For the year ended
         December 31, 1995, to December 31, 1996,  operating and other  expenses
         declined by $2,270,597 or 39.21% (excluding the extraordinary  one-time
         SAIF assessment).

New Business Strategy

         General.  Federal  Trust's  management  team and new Board of Directors
recognized several major factors impacting the Company's historical  performance
and future prospects, specifically: (1) in recent years, the Company had drifted
in terms of market position,  liquidity coverage and corporate  reputation;  (2)
Federal Trust's  wholesale  strategy and real estate  development and management
activities did little to advance the Company's  franchise value; (3) the Company
had incurred  substantive  "  opportunity  costs" with regard to  garnering  new
relationships and expanding existing  relationships in recent years, as a result
of its wholesale strategy and adverse publicity relating to the Company's losses
and   regulatory   orders;   and  (4)  the  solid   economic   and   demographic
characteristics  of the Company's  primary  market,  the greater  Orlando market
area,  combined with the  substantial  consolidation  of the financial  services
arena within the primary market,  has created  significant  opportunities  for a
community  bank within the market.  As such, a top to bottom  strategic  plan is
being  developed with a new mission,  strategic  direction and long-term  goals.
Three components of the plan are outlined below. See "RISK FACTORS".

         Community  Bank  Orientation:  The Company has  refocused  its business
         strategy  to operate as a  community-oriented  bank.  A core retail and
         commercial  customer  base is  being  developed  by  providing  quality
         service  and bank  products  that  meet the needs of  customers  in the
         Company's market area. As a part of this strategy,  the management team
         endeavors  to enhance the  Company's  product  development,  strengthen
         asset/liability  management,  maintain  high  asset  quality,  and as a
         result,  significantly  improve core  earnings.  The  specific  changes
         within the asset and liability mix are as follows:

         Lending Activities - Beginning in July 1993, the Company  significantly
         curtailed its commercial  real estate loans and  discontinued  loans on
         larger land  acquisition and development  projects and other commercial
         construction loans. During this period, the Company began offering more
         community bank loan products by emphasizing  investments in residential
         mortgages,  mortgage-backed  securities and other securities  issued by
         the United  States  Government,  or  agencies  thereof,  as well as the
         origination of real estate based Small Business  Administration ("SBA")
         loans in the Company's primary market area.

                                        6






         Funding  Activities  - The  management  team has also made a  concerted
         effort to change the Company's liability mix since 1993. The management
         team believes that the material  shift to a more  retail-based  deposit
         and borrowing  structuring from the wholesale funding strategy will not
         only  mitigate  the  Company's  interst  rate  risk,  it will also help
         position the Company as the local  community  bank  alternative.  As of
         June  30,  1994,  wholesale  deposits  (i.e.  certificates  of  deposit
         obtained through the CD network)  represented  57.3% of total deposits.
         By March 31, 1997,  wholesale  deposits  represented only 2.9% of total
         deposits.

         Market  Penetration  Plans: In addition to  diversifying  the Company's
         products  and services to better serve the  community,  the  management
         team plans to utilize  part of the net  proceeds  from the  Offering to
         expand the Company's local  presence.  The management team is currently
         exploring cost effective market  penetration  opportunities such as the
         acquisition  of or  starting  of a new  branch  facility  in one of the
         outlying communities in the greater Orlando market area. The ability to
         branch will be subject to approval by the OTS, which considers  factors
         such  as  earnings,   capital,  management  and  Community  Reinvestmnt
         Activities prior to approving branch applications.

         Capital  Infusion  Through  Common  Stock  Offer:  The most  recent OTS
         examination of the Company included a review and evaluation of capital,
         asset quality,  management,  earnings and  asset/liability  management.
         Based on this examination, the OTS concluded that the overall condition
         of the  Company  and the Bank  improved  and that  the Bank  meets  the
         regulatory definition of "well-capitalized".  Notwithstanding,  Federal
         Trust  and the Bank  are  required  to  establish  a plan  for  raising
         additional  capital.  Federal Trust is developing a plan which is being
         implemented  through this  Offering.  Federal  Trust  believes that the
         capital infusion represents one of the principal  components of the new
         business  plan, as the new capital  should:  (1) remove the  regulatory
         enforced  growth  restraints  and provide for future  growth  potential
         which  should  provide  substantive  economies of scale and creation of
         synergies; (2) enable the Company to pursue new community bank business
         opportunities;  (3)  strengthen  the  Company's  margins  with  the new
         activities;  (4) return the Company to  profitability;  and (5) empower
         the Company to reach its full  valuation  by  pursuing a business  plan
         that is focused on maximization of shareholder and franchise value.

                                  Risk Factors

         The Company has experienced  financial and operating problems in recent
periods and for these and other reasons a purchase of the Common Stock  involves
certain investment risks.  Holders of Subscription  Rights and other prospective
investors should  carefully  consider the matters set forth under "RISK FACTORS"
beginning on page 15 herein.





                                        7





The Offering

Shares Offered Hereby                   Federal  Trust is offering up  2,701,619
                                        shares  of  Common   Stock  (the  "Total
                                        Maximum") subject to increase in certain
                                        circumstances. See "THE OFFERING".

Subscription Price                      The  $2.00  per  share  of  Subscription
                                        Price  was  established  by the Board of
                                        Directors   of   Federal   Trust   after
                                        considering  a  number  of  factors  and
                                        consultation    with    its    financial
                                        advisors.     See    "THE     OFFERING--
                                        Determination of Subscription  Price and
                                        Fairness Opinion."

The Rights  Offering                    Holders of shares of Common Stock at the
                                        close of  business  on the  Record  Date
                                        ("Shareholders"), are being provided, on
                                        a   priority   basis,   non-transferable
                                        subscription  rights to  purchase at the
                                        Subscription  Price  one  (1)  share  of
                                        Common  Stock  for each  whole  share of
                                        Common  Stock  owned on the Record  Date
                                        (the "Subscription Right"). Shareholders
                                        are  entitled to  subscribe  for all, or
                                        any  portion  of,  the  shares of Common
                                        Stock  underlying   their   Subscription
                                        Rights, provided the aggregate number of
                                        shares   owned   by   any    Shareholder
                                        (individually,    or    together    with
                                        associates or persons  acting in concert
                                        with such person) at the  conclusion  of
                                        the Offering, does not exceed 9.99%. See
                                        "THE        OFFERING--The         Rights
                                        Offering--Subscription Rights."

Community Offering and
Syndicated Community
Offering                                Immediately    following    the   Rights
                                        Offering,   Federal   Trust  will  offer
                                        shares of Common Stock to members of the
                                        general  public  to  whom a copy of this
                                        Prospectus  is  delivered.  In addition,
                                        the Company is offering shares of Common
                                        Stock   in   a   concurrent   Syndicated
                                        Community Offering to be managed by KBW.
                                        The shares of Common  Stock  offered for
                                        sale  in  the  Community   Offering  and
                                        Syndicated    Community   Offering   are
                                        subject to the prior Subscription Rights
                                        of Shareholders in the Rights  Offering,
                                        the  right  of  the  Company  to  reject
                                        orders   received   in   the   Community
                                        Offering   and   Syndicated    Community
                                        Offering,  in whole or in part,  and the
                                        other  limitations  described herein. If
                                        the  number of  shares  of Common  Stock
                                        remaining    after   the   exercise   of
                                        Subscription Rights is not sufficient to
                                        satisfy   all   orders   received   from
                                        participants  in the Community  Offering
                                        and the Syndicated  Community  Offering,
                                        the  remaining  shares will be allocated
                                        pro rata among such persons based on the
                                        
                                        8





                                        aggregate  number of shares  ordered for
                                        in  the   Community   Offering  and  the
                                        Syndicated  Community Offering,  subject
                                        to the rights of the Company  referenced
                                        above.  There can be no  assurance  that
                                        any  shares  of  Common  Stock  will  be
                                        available  to  satisfy,  in  whole or in
                                        part, an order from a Community Offering
                                        and   Syndicated    Community   Offering
                                        participant.   See  "THE   OFFERING--The
                                        Community    Offering   and   Syndicated
                                        Community Offering."

Financial Advisors, Sales Agent
and Fees to Participating
Broker-Dealers                          Federal  Trust and  Carruthers & Company
                                        ("Carruthers  & Co.") and RP  Financial,
                                        L.C. ("RP  Financial") have entered into
                                        agreements  whereby Carruthers & Co. and
                                        RP  Financial  have  agreed  to serve as
                                        financial  advisors  to the  Company  in
                                        connection   with   the   Offering.   In
                                        addition,  RP Financial  has prepared an
                                        opinion that the Subscription  Price and
                                        the terms of the  Offering are fair from
                                        a financial point of view to the Company
                                        and its current  shareholders.  See "THE
                                        OFFERING--Financial Advisor,"

                                        Federal  Trust has also  entered  into a
                                        Sales Agency  Agreement with KBW and has
                                        agreed to pay certain  fees and expenses
                                        of KBW for its services in the Offering.
                                        In addition, Federal Trust has agreed to
                                        pay    certain    fees    to    selected
                                        broker-dealers  who  participate  in the
                                        Syndicated Community Offering.  See "THE
                                        OFFERING  -   Community   Offering   and
                                        Syndicated Offering."

Expiration Date                         The Rights  Offering will expire at 5:00
                                        p.m.,  Eastern  Time, on August 29, 1997
                                        ("Rights Offering Expiration Date"). The
                                        Community    Offering   and   Syndicated
                                        Community   Offering   will   expire  on
                                        September 30, 1997,  unless  extended at
                                        the discretion of the Board of Directors
                                        of the  Company to a date not later than
                                        November    15,    1997.     See    "THE
                                        OFFERING--"Rights   Offering  Expiration
                                        Date" and "Offering Expiration Date ".

Minimum Offering                        The Offering will not be consummated and
                                        all funds  received  with  orders by the
                                        Company's   Escrow  Agent,   as  defined
                                        below,  will be promptly  returned  with
                                        interest  if  a  minimum  of   1,000,000
                                        shares  of  Common   Stock  (the  "Total
                                        Minimum"),   is  not   sold.   See  "THE
                                        OFFERING -- Minimum Offering."




                                        9





Shares of Common Stock
Outstanding After the
Offering                                As  of  the  Record  Date,   there  were
                                        2,256,505   shares   of   Common   Stock
                                        outstanding.  Upon successful completion
                                        of the Offering at the Total Minimum and
                                        Total  Maximum  there would be 3,256,505
                                        and  4,958,124  shares of  Common  Stock
                                        outstanding, respectively.

Procedure for Subscribing for
Common Stock in the Rights
Offering and the Community
Offering                                Shareholders   who  desire  to  exercise
                                        their  Subscription  Rights,  as well as
                                        other persons who desire to  participate
                                        in the Community Offering, must properly
                                        complete    the   Order    Form    which
                                        accompanies this  Prospectus.  The Order
                                        Form  must  be   forwarded,   with  full
                                        payment  of the  aggregate  Subscription
                                        Price,  to the Escrow  Agent on or prior
                                        to the Rights  Offering  Expiration Date
                                        in the case of  Shareholders  exercising
                                        Subscription  Rights,  or  the  Offering
                                        Expiration  Date for persons  purchasing
                                        shares in the Community Offering. If the
                                        mail is used to forward Order Forms,  it
                                        is recommended that insured,  registered
                                        mail, return receipt requested, be used.
                                        See "THE  OFFERING--Issuance  of  Common
                                        Stock."

                                        Subscriptions for the Common Stock which
                                        are  accepted  by the Escrow  Agent from
                                        Shareholders   exercising   Subscription
                                        Rights or from persons  participating in
                                        the   Community   Offering  may  not  be
                                        revoked.  See "THE OFFERING -- Procedure
                                        for  Subscribing for Common Stock in the
                                        Offering."

Procedure for Exercising
Rights by Foreign
Stockholders and
Blue Sky Considerations                 Order   Forms  will  not  be  mailed  to
                                        Shareholders whose addresses are outside
                                        the United  States or who have an APO or
                                        FPO  address,  but  will  be held by the
                                        Escrow  Agent  for  their  account.   To
                                        exercise   the    Subscription    Rights
                                        represented  thereby,  such  Shareholder
                                        must  notify the  Escrow  Agent and take
                                        all other  steps  necessary  to exercise
                                        the  Subscription  Rights on or prior to
                                        the Rights Offering Expiration Date. See
                                        "THE  OFFERING--   Foreign  and  Certain
                                        Other Shareholders."


                                       10





Blue Sky Considerations                 The  securities in this Offering will be
                                        registered  in  the  following   states:
                                        California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida,
                                        Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey,
                                        New   York,    North    Dakota,    Ohio,
                                        Pennsylvania   and   Texas.   The  total
                                        maximum  number of shares being  offered
                                        in the  states  of  Illinois,  Texas and
                                        Ohio is 500,000 in each state. The total
                                        maximum  number of shares being  offered
                                        in Indiana is 250,000. The total maximum
                                        number of shares  being  offered  in the
                                        state of Michigan is 50,000.

                                        The securities in this Offering will not
                                        be registered  in the following  states:
                                        Alabama,  Connecticut,  the  District of
                                        Columbia,  Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa,
                                        Louisiana,        Maine,       Maryland,
                                        Massachusetts,  Minnesota, Missouri, New
                                        Hampshire,  New Mexico,  Okalhoma, South
                                        Carolina,    Tennessee,   Virginia   and
                                        Washington.   In   these   states,   the
                                        Offering  will  be  limited   solely  to
                                        existing  Shareholders  of Federal Trust
                                        under their Subscription  Right, or will
                                        be offered  pursuant to other  available
                                        exemptions  from  registration  provided
                                        under the Blue Sky Laws of those states.

Persons Holding Shares of
Common Stock, or Wishing
to Exercise Subscription
Rights Through Nominees                 Subscription          Rights         are
                                        non-transferable.  Shareholders  holding
                                        shares of Common Stock through a broker,
                                        dealer,  commercial  bank, trust company
                                        or  other  nominee,  as well as  persons
                                        holding  certificates  of  Common  Stock
                                        personally who would prefer to have such
                                        entities effect transactions relating to
                                        the Subscription Rights on their behalf,
                                        should    contact    the     appropriate
                                        institution or nominee and request it to
                                        effect the  transactions  for them.  See
                                        "THE OFFERING--Procedure for Subscribing
                                        for  Shares  of  Common   Stock  in  the
                                        Offering."

Issuance of Common Stock                Provided that all  conditions  necessary
                                        to    consummate    the   Offering   are
                                        satisfied,  including  the  sale  in the
                                        Offering of the Total Minimum  number of
                                        shares  of  Common  Stock,  certificates
                                        representing   shares  of  Common  Stock
                                        purchased  pursuant to the Offering will
                                        be  delivered to  purchasers  as soon as
                                        practical after the Offering  Expiration
                                        Date  and  after  all   prorations   and
                                        adjustments  contemplated  by the Rights
                                        Offering  and  Community  Offering  have
                                        been  effected.  In  the  event  that  a
                                        Syndicated  Community  Offering is to be
                                        conducted  following the Rights Offering
                                        and the Community Offering, certificates
                                        

                                       11





                                        for shares of Common Stock  purchased in
                                        the Offering will be distributed as soon
                                        as  practical  following  the closing of
                                        the Syndicated  Community  Offering.  No
                                        fractional  shares will be issued in the
                                        Offering.  See "THE OFFERING  --Issuance
                                        of Common Stock."

Use of Proceeds                         Federal  Trust  intends to contribute at
                                        least  90% of the  net  proceeds  of the
                                        Total Minimum Offering  (estimated to be
                                        approximately  $1,575,000)  to the Bank,
                                        retaining 10% of the net proceeds of the
                                        Offering for general corporate  purposes
                                        and  miscellaneous   operating  expenses
                                        associated   with  the   Exchange   Act.
                                        Thereafter,  Federal  Trust  intends  to
                                        contribute   75%  of  the  net  proceeds
                                        raised  in the  Offering  to  the  Bank,
                                        retaining  25% of the net  proceeds  for
                                        general  corporate  purposes.  The  Bank
                                        will use such  proceeds to increase  its
                                        regulatory  capital and  support  future
                                        growth   of  the   Bank.   See  "USE  OF
                                        PROCEEDS."

Purchase Limitation                     Federal  Trust will not be  required  to
                                        issue shares of Common Stock pursuant to
                                        the  Offering  to any person who, in the
                                        opinion  of  Federal  Trust,   would  be
                                        required to obtain  prior  clearance  or
                                        approval  from  any  federal  regulatory
                                        authority to own or control such shares.
                                        The  minimum  number of shares of Common
                                        Stock any  person  may  purchase  in the
                                        Community  Offering  or  the  Syndicated
                                        Community Offering is 500 shares and the
                                        maximum  amount any person may  purchase
                                        in  the   Community   Offering   or  the
                                        Syndicated  Community  Offering is 5% of
                                        the total  number of shares  sold in the
                                        Offering.  In addition,  no person shall
                                        be allowed to purchase (individually, or
                                        together  with   associates  or  persons
                                        acting  in  concert  with  such  person)
                                        shares  of  Common  Stock in the  Rights
                                        Offering  or the  Community  Offering of
                                        the   Syndicated   Offering  which  when
                                        aggregated  with current  holdings would
                                        exceed  9.99%  of the  total  number  of
                                        shares  outstanding at the conclusion of
                                        the Offering.

Right to Amend or Terminate
the Offering                            Federal  Trust  expressly  reserves  the
                                        right to amend the terms and  conditions
                                        of the  Offering,  whether the terms and
                                        conditions are more or less favorable to
                                        Shareholders and other participants.  In
                                        the event of any material  change to the
                                        terms of the Offering,  such as a change
                                        in the Total Minimum,  the  Subscription
                                        Price or an  extension  beyond  November
                                        15, 1997, which changes would affect the
                                        investment   decision  of   subscribers,
                                        Federal Trust will file a post-effective
                                        amendment to its Registration Statement,
                                       

                                       12





                                        of which this  Prospectus is a part, and
                                        resolicit    subscribers    through    a
                                        Supplemental  Prospectus  to the  extent
                                        required by the  Securities and Exchange
                                        Commission ("SEC").

Escrow Agent                            Independent  Bankers  Bank  of  Florida,
                                        Orlando, Florida (the "Escrow Agent").

Intentions of Executive
Officers and Directors                  The executive  officers and directors of
                                        the Company intend to purchase shares of
                                        Common  Stock  in  the   Offering.   See
                                        "MANAGEMENT - Beneficial Ownership "

Federal Income Tax
Consequences                            Receipt  of the  Subscription  Rights by
                                        Shareholders  of Federal Trust  pursuant
                                        to the Rights Offering should be treated
                                        as  a   nontaxable   distribution   with
                                        respect  to the Common  Stock.  See "THE
                                        OFFERING -- Certain  Federal  Income Tax
                                        Consider- ations."

Nasdaq SmallCap Market
Symbol for the Common
Stock                                   "___________"

Information on the Offering             If you  have  questions  concerning  the
                                        Offering, contact the Stock Sales Center
                                        at  (614)  766-8400  (Dublin,  Ohio)  or
                                        (212) --- ----     (New York, New York).


                 SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

         The following table presents selected consolidated  financial and other
data for the Company as of or for the  three-month  periods ended March 31, 1997
and 1996,  and as of or for each of the five  years  ended  December  31,  1992,
through  December  31,  1996.  The data for each of the  years in the  five-year
period  ended  December 31, 1996,  is derived  from the  consolidated  financial
statements of the Company.  The data for the three month periods ended March 31,
1996 and 1997,  are  unaudited  but, in the opinion of  management,  reflect all
adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a
fair presentation.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 1997,
are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may be expected for the full
fiscal year ending  December 31, 1997.  This data should be read in  conjunction
with the Consolidated  Financial Statements and notes thereto, and "Management's
Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and  Results of  Operations"
included herein.






                                       13







                                             As of or for the Three               As of or for the
                                           Months Ended March 31,              Year Ended December 31,
                                           ----------------------    ----------------------------------------------
                                          1997         1996        1996       1995       1994      1993      1992
                                          ----         ----        ----       ----       ----      ----      ----
                                                       (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Selected Financial Data:
                                                                                           
Total assets........................    $139,995     $140,314    $139,582   $140,389   $153,957  $146,888  $139,137
Loans receivable, net...............     113,214      111,789     112,547    112,906    111,183    95,374   122,476
Investment securities...............      15,081       21,145      15,054     15,937     24,301    36,536    -
Real estate owned, net..............       3,612        2,019       1,508      3,293      2,892       565       892
Deposits ...........................     103,726      107,703     106,119    109,203    101,528    78,742    97,434
Advances from the FHLB..............      27,250       22,300      24,800     21,000     39,500    55,300    28,000
Stockholders' equity................       7,327        7,982       7,165      8,060     11,018    10,526     8,796
Selected Operations Data:
Interest income.....................       2,550       2,558        9,937     10,609      9,847     9,506    11,765
Interest expense....................       1,724       1,817        7,038      8,026      5,781     4,824     6,802
Net interest income.................         827         741        2,899      2,583      4,066     4,682     4,963
Provision (recovery) for loan losses          (3)        (18)         280        779        531       590       140
Net interest income (loss) after
     provision for loan losses......         830          759       2,619      1,804      3,535     4,092     4,823
Other income........................         105          189         427        505        483       972     1,462
Gain on sale of branch office.......         -            -           -          -          -         327     -
Real estate owned expenses .........          33           18         251        654        393        34     -
Other expenses......................         725          925       3,985      5,137      3,845     4,182     4,901
Income (loss) before income taxes
     and extraordinary item.........         177            5     (1,190)    (3,482)      (220)     1,175     1,384
Income tax (benefit) expense........          76            2       (214)    (1,232)       (41)       409       485
                                       ---------    ---------   ---------    -------  ---------   -------    --------
Net income (loss)...................   $     101  $        3    $   (977)  $ (2,250)  $   (179)  $    766  $    899
                                       =========  ==========    =========  =========  =========  ========  ========
Per Share Data(1):
Net income(loss)....................       $0.04       $0.00     $ (0.43)   $ (1.00)   $ (0.08)     $0.40     $0.48
Cash dividends......................       -           -             -         -          0.12       0.08      0.05
Book value . . . . . ...............        3.25        3.54        3.18       3.57       4.88       4.66      3.90
Selected Operating Ratios(2):
Return (loss) on average assets.....         .30%        .01%      (0.70)%    (1.50)%    (0.12)%      .56%     0.60%
Return (loss) on average equity.....        6.19         .18      (13.62)    (26.96)     (2.00)      8.02     10.64
Average yield earned on
     interest-earning assets                7.74        7.99        7.41        7.29       6.99     7.32       8.31
Average rate paid on
     interest-bearing liabilities           5.42        5.61        5.42        5.73       4.36     3.97       4.89
Average interest rate spread(3).....        2.32        2.09        1.99        1.56       2.63     3.33       3.42
Net yield on average
     interest-earing assets(3)              2.51        2.23        2.16        1.78       2.89     3.61       3.51
Ratio of average  interest-earning assets to
    average interest-bearing liabilities    1.03        1.02         1.03       1.04       1.06     1.07       1.02
Ratio of average equity to average assets   4.94        4.83         5.13       5.55       6.22     7.06       5.60
Full-service offices at end of period          1           1            1          2          2        2          3
Asset Quality Data(2):
Non-performing assets(4)............       5,234       5,233        2,499      6,619      9,264    3,798      2,952
Non-performing assets as a percent
of total assets (4).................        3.74%       3.73%        1.79%      4.71%      6.02%    2.20%      2.12%
Allowances for loan losses as a
     percentage of loans, net.......        1.05%       1.73%        1.36%      1.83%      1.78%    1.94%      1.06%
Allowance as a percentage of non-
     performing assets..............       22.29%      36.88%       61.34%     31.13%     21.32%   50.14%     43.76%
Allowance for loan losses as a percen-
    tage of non-performing loans....        73.5%       60.2%       154.7%      61.9%      31.0%    57.2%      54.8%
Capital Ratios(2):
Tangible............................        4.90%       5.39%        4.74%      5.33%      5.84%     5.71%      6.9%
Core................................        4.90%       5.39%        4.74%      5.33%      5.84%     5.71%      6.9%
Risk-based..........................       10.27%      11.05%        9.92%     10.55%     11.97%    11.34%     11.5%

                                                                                      (Footnotes on following page)



                                       14






- ---------------------

(1)      The weighted  average number of shares  outstanding for the three month
         period  presented  and the years ended  December  31, 1996 and 1995 was
         2,256,505.  The weighted  average number of shares  outstanding for the
         year ended  December  31, 1994 was  2,210,957.  1,902,042  for the year
         ended  December 31, 1993 and 1,884,587 for the year ended  December 31,
         1992. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect three stock dividends
         in December 1994, 1993 and 1992.

(2)      Asset Quality Data and Capital  Ratios are end of period  ratios.  With
         the exception of end of period ratios,  Selected  Operating  Ratios are
         based on average monthly balances during the indicated  periods and are
         annualized where appropriate.

(3)      Interest rate spread  represents  the  difference  between the weighted
         average yield on interest-earning  assets and the weighted average cost
         of interest-bearing  liabilities, and net yield represents net interest
         income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.

(4)      Non-performing  assets consist of non-performing  loans,  troubled debt
         restructurings  and REO.  Non-performing  loans  consist of  nonaccrual
         loans and accruing loans 90 days or more overdue, while REO consists of
         real estate  acquired  through  foreclosure,  real  estate  acquired by
         acceptance  of  a   deed-in-lieu   of  foreclosure   and   in-substance
         foreclosures.


                                  RISK FACTORS

         The  purchase  of  Common  Stock  in  the  Offering   involves  certain
significant  risks.  In determining  whether or not to make an investment in the
Common Stock,  Shareholders and prospective  investors should carefully consider
the matters set forth below, as well as the other information  contained in this
Prospectus.

Operating Losses in  Recent Years

         The Company  has  experienced  significant  financial  and  operational
problems in recent  years.  The Company  reported net income of $100,900 for the
three  months  ended March 31,  1997,  as  compared  to net losses of  $977,000,
$2,250,000,  and $179,000  during the years ended  December 31, 1996,  1995, and
1994,   respectively.   The  losses  were   primarily  due  to  high  levels  of
non-performing  assets, as reflected in the substantial  provisions for loan and
REO  losses,   net   charge-offs   and  collection  and  carrying   expenses  of
non-performing  assets  during the periods.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and  Results of  Operations."  The  Company's
stockholders'  equity  decreased  to $7.2  million  or 5.13% of total  assets at
December 31,  1996,  from $8.1 million or 5.74 % of total assets at December 31,
1995.  Book value per share of Common Stock  declined from $3.60 at December 31,
1995, to $3.20 at December 31, 1996. As of March 31, 1997,  stockholders' equity
and book  value  per  share  amounted  to $7.3  million  and  $3.25  per  share,
respectively.



                                       15





Non-Performing Assets

         The Company's  non-performing  assets amounted to $5.2 million or 3.53%
of total assets at March 31, 1997, as compared to $2.5 million or 1.79% of total
assets at December 31, 1996,  $6.62 million or 4.72% of total assets at December
31, 1995,  and $9.26 million or 6.02% of total assets at December 31, 1994.  The
high levels of non-performing  assets have had and will continue to have adverse
effects on the Company's  operations,  including  decreased  accrual of interest
income,  increased  provisions for loan losses, and increased operating expenses
as a result of the  allocation  of resources to the  collection  and work-out of
non-performing  assets.  On March 31, 1997, the Company reached agreement with a
borrower to accept a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, which resulted in the property
being transferred to real estate owned at its net book value of $2,350,000.  The
property consists of 44 unsold  condominium units, of which 41 were being rented
at March 31, 1997. The Company is in the process of evaluating the units,  which
are part of a 60 unit condominium  complex in northeast Florida,  and will begin
marketing the units in the second quarter of 1997.  Until such time as the units
are sold, the Company  expects to continue to rent the majority of the units, in
order to generate  income from the  property,  with two or three held vacant for
sale at a given time.

         The  senior   management  team  has  been  successful  in  working  out
non-performing  assets.  There can be no assurance,  however,  that such success
will  continue.   The  absence  of  continued   progress  in  the  reduction  of
non-performing  assets or changes in economic  condition,  or an increase in the
level of non-performing assets in the future will adversely affect earnings, the
returns on average assets and equity of the Company.

         Management  remains  committed to the  identification,  collection  and
work-out of  non-performing  assets.  The real estate markets in Florida,  along
with the local and  national  economy,  will  have a  significant  impact on the
Company's overall success in continuing to reduce its non-performing assets.

Regulatory Enforcement Actions

         The  Company  is  subject  to  extensive  regulation,  supervision  and
examination by the OTS, the primary  federal  regulator,  and by the FDIC,  with
regard to the insurance of the Bank's  deposit  accounts.  Such  regulation  and
supervision establish a comprehensive framework of activities in which a savings
and loan holding company and its financial  institution  subsidiaries may engage
and is  intended  primarily  for  the  protection  of the  Savings  Associations
Insurance Fund ("SAIF"), administered by the FDIC, and depositors.

         On October  3, 1994,  Federal  Trust and the Bank each  entered  into a
voluntary Cease and Desist Order  (collectively  the "Orders") with the OTS. The
decision by  management  and the Board of Directors  of both  companies to enter
into the Orders was reached after  several  months of  discussions  with the OTS
following the 1994 safety and soundness  examinations.  Although  management and
the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Federal  Trust  and the  Bank  believed  that
significant action had been taken to correct  operational  deficiencies cited in
the  Bank's  1992  safety  and  soundness   examination  (which  resulted  in  a
Supervisory  Agreement between the Bank and the OTS) and the deficiencies  cited
in the 1994 examinations, it was determined that it was in the best interest

                                       16





of Federal  Trust and the Bank to agree to the Orders due to the increase in the
Bank's  classified  assets and the  resulting  increase  to the Bank's loan loss
reserves.  See  "BUSINESS-Supervision."  Failure to comply with the terms of the
Orders  could result in further  sanctions  against  Federal  Trust or the Bank,
including  but not limited to the  assessment of civil money  penalties.  In the
1996 safety and soundness  examinations  of the Federal Trust and the Bank,  OTS
found  Federal  Trust and the Bank to be in  compliance  with  their  respective
Orders.  In light of the improvement of the Bank's  operations,  the OTS reduced
the number of provisions in the Bank's Order from 27 to 23.

         As a result of certain regulatory restrictions,  the Bank is subject to
a limited growth  restriction  whereby the Bank cannot increase its assets in an
amount  that would  exceed net  interest  credited  on deposit  liabilities  (or
earnings credited on share accounts) during a calendar quarter. Until the growth
restrictions are lifted the Bank cannot implement its growth strategy.

          Management  has been  advised,  however,  that  the OTS will  consider
lifting the Bank's Order and growth  restrictions  when the ratio of  classified
assets to capital is reduced  below 100%.  At March 31, 1997 the Bank's ratio of
classified assets to capital was 123%. At March 31, 1997, based upon the capital
that the Bank would receive if the Total Minimum  Offering is sold, the ratio of
classified assets to capital would be below 100%. No assurances, however, can be
given that the OTS will in fact take  action on the  Bank's  Order or the growth
restrictions. See "BUSINESS Supervision".

Adequacy of Allowance for Loan Losses

         In originating  loans,  there is a substantial  likelihood  that credit
losses will occur.  This risk of loss varies with,  among other things,  general
economic conditions,  the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness and debt
servicing capacity of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of
a collateralized  loan, the value and  marketability of the collateral  securing
the loan.  Management  maintains  an  allowance  for loan losses based on, among
other things, historical loan loss experience,  known inherent risks in the loan
portfolio,  adverse  situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay,
the estimated  value of any  underlying  collateral and an evaluation of current
economic  conditions.  Provisions  for loan losses are charged to  operations to
bring the total allowance to a level  considered by management to be adequate to
provide  for  estimated  losses.  Additional  provision  for loan  losses may be
required should economic or other conditions change substantially in the future.

         As of March 31, 1997, the Company's allowance for loan losses was $1.19
million,  which  represented  1.05% of net loans as compared to $1.53 million or
1.36% of net loans as of December 31, 1996.  Although  management  believes that
the Bank's  allowance for loan losses was adequate at December 31, 1996,  and at
March 31, 1997, and further believes that it uses the best information available
to  recognize  losses  on  loans  and to  determine  the fair  value of REO,  no
assurance  can be given that future  significant  additions to the allowance for
loan  losses  or  further  reductions  in the  net  carrying  values  may not be
necessary,   especially  if  economic   conditions   or  other  factors   differ
substantially  from the assumptions  used in making the initial  determinations.
The  provision for loan losses in the future will depend on, among other things,
the level of non-performing  loans and market and economic  conditions.  The OTS
and the FDIC, as an integral  part of their  examination  process,  periodically
review the Company's allowances for possible loan losses and the net carrying

                                       17





values of REO. Such  agencies may require the Company to recognize  additions to
the  allowances or reductions  in net carrying  values based on their  judgments
about information available to them at the time of examination.

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

         The Company's  investment in  obligations of U.S.  government  agencies
consists of dual indexed bonds issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"). At
March 31,  1997,  the FHLB  bonds had a market  value of  $14,868,078  and gross
unrealized  pre-tax  losses of  $1,231,922.  The FHLB  bonds have a par value of
$16,100,000 and pay interest based on the difference between two indices. All of
the FHLB bonds at March 31, 1997, pay interest at the 10 year constant  maturity
treasury  ("CMT")  rate,  less  the 3  month  or 6  month  LIBOR  rate,  plus  a
contractual  amount  ranging from 2.3% to 4.0%.  The Company  purchased the FHLB
bonds to  partially  offset  its risk  related  to its  portfolio  of ARM loans.
Consequently,  the FHLB bonds subject the Company to a certain  degree of market
risk as the  indices  change  with  prevailing  market  rates.  See  "Business -
Investment Activities".

Dependence on Local Economy

         The success of the Company is dependent,  to a certain extent, upon the
general  economic  conditions in the  geographic  markets served by the Company.
Although  the Company  expects  that  economic  conditions  will  continue to be
favorable  in these  markets,  no  assurance  can be given that  these  economic
conditions  will  continue.  Adverse  changes  in  economic  conditions  in  the
geographic  markets that the Company  serves would likely  impair the  Company's
ability to collect on loans and could  otherwise have a material  adverse effect
on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. Examples of
potentially  unfavorable  changes in economic  conditions which could affect the
Company's  market areas  include  military base  shutdowns  and adverse  weather
conditions resulting from natural causes, such as a hurricane.

Competition

         Competition in the banking and financial  services industry is intense.
In its primary market area, the Company  competes with commercial  banks,  other
savings  banks  and  savings  and  loan  associations,  credit  unions,  finance
companies,  mutual funds,  insurance  companies,  and  brokerage and  investment
banking firms operating  locally and elsewhere.  Many of these  competitors have
substantially  greater  resources  and  lending  limits than the Company and may
offer  certain  services  that the  Company  does  not or  cannot  provide.  The
profitability  of the  Company  depends  upon its  continued  ability to compete
successfully in its market areas. See "BUSINESS - Competition."

Vulnerability to Changes in Interest Rates

         The Company's net interest income,  which is the difference between the
interest income  received on its  interest-earning  assets,  including loans and
investment securities,  and the interest expense incurred in connection with its
interest-bearing   liabilities,   including  deposits  and  borrowings,  can  be
significantly affected by changes in market interest rates. The Company actively
monitors  its assets and  liabilities  in an effort to  minimize  the effects of


                                       18





changes in interest  rates,  primarily  by altering  the mix and maturity of the
Company's  loans,  investments  and funding  sources.  Rates of interest paid on
deposits are priced to be sufficiently competitive in its primary market area in
order to meet its  asset/liability  management  objectives and  requirements for
funds, but are typically not the highest rates available.

The  Company's  net  interest  income  is also  affected  by its  interest  rate
sensitivity "gap," which is defined as the difference  between  interest-earning
assets and  interest-bearing  liabilities  maturing or repricing  within a given
time  period.  A gap is  considered  positive  when the amount of interest  rate
sensitive  assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive  liabilities.  A
gap  is  considered   negative  when  the  amount  of  interest  rate  sensitive
liabilities exceeds interest rate sensitive assets. During a prolonged period of
falling interest rates, a positive gap would reduce net interest income, while a
negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income.  During
a period of rising  interest  rates,  a positive  gap would tend to result in an
increase in net  interest  income  while a negative gap would tend to affect net
interest  income  adversely.  The Company has  historically  been  dependent  on
short-term   certificates  of  deposits  (i.e,  certificates  of  deposits  with
maturities of one year of less) which are more interest  rate  sensitive.  As of
March 31,  1997,  the amount of the  Company's  cumulative  gap with  respect to
assets maturing or repricing within one year was a negative $19.1 million,  or a
negative  13.7% of total  assets.  Based upon its current  cumulative  gap,  the
Company's  results of  operation  would be  adversely  affected  by a  prolonged
increase  in  interest  rates.  See  "MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--Asset and Liability Management."

Dividends

         Federal Trust suspended dividend payments on the Common Stock after the
fourth  quarter of 1994.  Due to its financial  condition and recent  results of
operations and regulatory  restrictions  on the payment of dividends  imposed on
the Bank,  which is  Federal  Trust's  primary  source of funds,  management  of
Federal Trust does not anticipate  dividend  payments on the Common Stock in the
foreseeable  future.  No assurances can be given as to when or if the payment of
dividends will be resumed or the amount of such  dividends.  For a discussion of
the  requirements  and  limitations  relating to Federal  Trust's ability to pay
dividends to  stockholders  and the ability of the Bank to pay  dividends to the
Company, see "MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS" .

Dilution

         Because the Subscription Price is less than the per share book value of
the Common Stock,  Shareholders  will incur  dilution in the book value of their
Common  Stock upon  completion  of the  Offering,  regardless  of  whether  they
exercise  their  Subscription  Rights.  In  addition,  Shareholders  who  do not
exercise their  Subscription  Rights will suffer dilution in their percentage of
voting  interest in Federal Trust as a result of the voting  rights  acquired by
other  investors  in the  Offering;  however,  voting  rights per share will not
change, as all holders of Common Stock will continue to have one vote per share.
As of the Record Date, there were 2,256,505 shares of Common Stock  outstanding.
Even if some current  Shareholders  exercise their Subscription  Rights in full,
they may not be able to maintain their percentage voting interest since Federeal
Trust  intends to issue up to 2,701,619  shares of Common Stock in the Offering.


                                       19





For a tabular  presentation  of the actual book value of a share of Common Stock
at March 31, 1997,  and the  estimated pro forma book value of a share of Common
Stock based on certain assumptions, see "CAPITALIZATION."

Impact on Earnings per Share

         The  issuance of the  2,701,619  shares  offered  hereby may  adversely
affect the  Company's  earnings per share until such time as the net proceeds of
the  Offering  are fully  utilized to generate  additional  assets and  deposits
through both internal and external means. See "USE OF PROCEEDS".

Major Shareholder

         James T.  Bell,  the  former  director,  Chief  Executive  Officer  and
President  of  Federal  Trust,   together  with  his  wife  and  children,   own
approximately 23.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of Federal Trust.
Mr.  Bell  has  not  stated  his  intentions   with  regard  to  exercising  his
Subscription  Rights.  If he or his family does not exercise their  Subscription
Rights,  their  beneficial  ownership  would be  reduced  to 16.6% if the  Total
Minimum shares are sold and 10.8% if the Total Maximum shares are sold. If he or
his family does exercise their Subscription  Rights,  their combined  beneficial
ownership  would be 33.1% if the Total Minimum  shares are sold and 21.6% if the
Total Maximm shares are sold. Mr. Bell has,  however,  indicated that he intends
to sell a portion  of or all of his  shares of  Common  Stock  over the next few
months. Federal Trust has no knowledge as to whether Mr. Bell or his family will
in fact sell their  stock.  The sale of these shares  during the Offering  could
have a negative effect on the ability of Federal Trust to sell the Total Minimum
shares.

Right to Terminate the Offering

         Federal Trust expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion,  at
any time prior to  delivery of the shares of Common  Stock  offered  hereby,  to
terminate the Offering by giving notice  thereof to the Escrow Agent and KBW and
making a public announcement thereof. If the Offering is so terminated or if the
Total Minimum Offering is not reached,  all funds received from Shareholders and
other participants will be promptly refunded, with interest.

Anti-takeover Provisions

         Certain  provisions  of the  Articles  of  Incorporation  and Bylaws of
Federal  Trust  could have the effect of  discouraging  non-negotiated  takeover
attempts which certain  stockholders might deem to be in their best interest and
making it more  difficult  for  stockholders  to remove  members of its Board of
Directors and management.  These provisions include  restrictions on the removal
of directors (with or without cause) by shareholders,  no cumulative voting, and
restrictions on calling a special meeting of shareholders.  In addition, various
federal  laws and  regulations  could  affect the  ability of a person,  firm or
entity to acquire the Company or shares of its Common Stock. See "DESCRIPTION OF
CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE ARTICLES AND BYLAWS OF FEDERAL TRUST".



                                       20





Limited Trading Market

         Federal  Trust's  Common  Stock is  currently  not  listed on any stock
exchange. Prior to the Offering, there has been no active trading market for the
Common  Stock.  Federal Trust has applied to have the Common Stock listed on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market, under the symbol"__________".  No assurance can be given
that the requirements for such quotation can be satisfied. In the event a Nasdaq
listing is not received,  Federal Trust  anticipates  (based on discussions with
KBW) that it will be able to secure at least two broker-dealers to match buy and
sell orders for the Common  Stock.  However,  a public  market  having depth and
liquidity  depends on the presence in the marketplace of a sufficient  number of
buyers and sellers at any given time.  There can be no  assurance  that a liquid
market for the Common  Stock will  develop.  If an active  trading  market  does
develop,  there can be no assurance  that such a trading  market will  continue.
Additionally,  since the prices of securities generally fluctuate,  there can be
no assurance  that  purchasers  in this Offering will be able to sell the Common
Stock  at or  above  the  Subscription  Price.  Investors  should  consider  the
potential  illiquid and  long-term  nature of an investment in the Common Stock.
See "MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK".

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

         Sales of Common  Stock in the public  market  following  this  Offering
could  adversely  affect the market price of the Common  Stock.  Following  this
Offering,  approximately  2,239,928  shares  of  Common  Stock  held by  current
shareholders,  as well as all of the shares  sold in this  Offering  (except for
shares  purchased by officers and directors of the Company) will be eligible for
immediate  sale without  restriction in the public  market.  Federal Trust,  its
executive officers and directors, and certain officers of the Bank owning 45,287
shares of Common Stock in the  aggregate  have agreed that,  for a period of 180
days  following The  Offering,  they will not offer,  sell,  grant any option to
purchase  or  otherwise  dispose of any  shares of Common  Stock held by them or
securities  held by them that are  exchangeable  for such  stock,  now or in the
future,  without the prior written  consent of KBW. Such shares also are subject
to the volume and other limitations of Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act
of 1933 ("Securities Act"). See "SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE."

Potential Operational Restrictions Associated with Regulatory Oversight

         The  Company  is  subject  to  extensive   government   regulation  and
oversight.  Such  regulation and  supervision  govern the activities in which an
institution can engage and is designed  primarily to protect the federal deposit
insurance fund and depositors.  Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion
in connection with their supervisory and enforcement  activities,  including the
imposition   of   restrictions   on  the  operation  of  an   institution,   the
classification  of  assets  by the  institution  and  the  determination  of the
adequacy of an  institution's  allowance for loan losses.  Such regulation often
has a  material  impact  on  the  Bank's  financial  condition  and  results  of
operations. See "Regulatory Enforcement Action," and "BUSINESS - Supervision".

         During 1996,  pursuant to the Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 ("DIF
Act"),  the  Bank  paid  a  one-time  assessment  of  $716,498  to the  FDIC  to
recapitalize  the SAIF. See  "MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL


                                       21





CONDITION AND RESULTS OF  OPERATIONS -- Comparison of Operating  Results for the
Years  Ended  December  31,  1996 and 1995." The U.S.  Congress  is  expected to
consider  legislation  that may  eliminate  the  thrift  industry  as a separate
industry.  The DIF Act  provides  that the SAIF will be  merged  with the BIF on
January 1, 1999 but only if there are no thrift  institutions in existence.  The
DIF Act requires the Treasury  Department to study the  development  of a common
charter  for  banks  and  thrifts  and to  submit a report  of its  findings  to
Congress.  The Company cannot predict what the attributes of such common charter
would be or whether any  legislation  will result from this study. If developed,
the  common  charter  may not offer all the  advantages  that a federal  savings
association now enjoys (e.g.  unrestricted  nationwide branching).  Furthermore,
holding companies for institutions with the common charter may not have the same
advantages as a unitary  savings and loan holding  company now possesses  (e.g.,
the absence of non-banking activities restrictions). If Congress fails to create
a  common  charter,  or does  not act  otherwise  to end the  thrift  industry's
separate  existence,  the merger of the SAIF and BIF contemplated by the DIF Act
would not likely occur.  Although the SAIF currently meets its statutory reserve
ratios,  there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so. The financial
burden of any future  recapitalization would likely fall on a smaller assessment
base,  potentially increasing the burden on individual  institutions,  including
the Bank.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

         Federal Trust intends to contribute at least 90% of the net proceeds of
the Total Minimum  Offering  (estimated to be  approximately  $1,575,000) to the
Bank  retaining  10% of the net proceeds of the  Offering for general  corporate
purposes and  miscellaneous  operating  expenses  associated with operating as a
public  company.  Thereafter  Federal Trust intends to contribute 75% of the net
proceeds  raised in the Offering to the Bank,  retaining 25% of the net proceeds
for general corporate purposes.  The Bank will use such proceeds to increase its
regulatory capital and support future growth of the Bank, including  development
of additional branches in the outlying communities in the greater Orlando area.

         The net proceeds to be raised in the Offering  depends on the number of
shares of Common  Stock sold in the  Offering,  the  portion of shares of Common
Stock sold in the Rights  Offering,  the Community  Offering and the  Syndicated
Community  Offering  and the  amount  of the  actual  expenses  incurred  in the
Offering, which may differ from the estimates thereof.

         The following table shows estimated net proceeds based upon the sale of
the Total Minimum of 1,000,000  shares of Common Stock and the sale of the Total
Maximum of 2,701,619 shares of Common Stock in the Offering.  In determining net
proceeds, the estimated expenses of the Offering have been subtracted from gross
proceeds. In estimating the expenses of the Offering,  the following assumptions
have  been  utilized:  (i) 15% of the  shares of  Common  Stock  will be sold to
Shareholders in the Rights  Offering,  of which 5% of the shares will be sold to
directors,  officers  and  employees of the Company for which KBW will receive a
commission of 2% of the aggregate  Subscription Price of such shares,  excluding
the shares sold to directors,  officers and employees; (ii) the remaining 85% of
shares of Common  Stock will be sold in the  Community  Offering  or  Syndicated
Community  Offering  for  which  KBW  will  receive  a  commission  of 7% of the
aggregate  Subscription  Price of such  shares,  excluding  the  shares  sold to
directors,  officers and  employees of Federal  Trust;  and (iii) the  estimated
expenses of the Offering, including the fees paid to KBW described above.

                                       22







                                                     Issuance of the          Issuance of the
                                                     Total Minimum            Total Maximum
                                                     of 1,000,000 shares      of 2,701,619 shares
                                                     -------------------      -------------------

                                                                               
         Gross Proceeds                              $2,000,000               $5,403,238
         Less, Offering expenses (estimated)            250,000                  500,000
                                                     ------------             ------------
         Total net proceeds                          $1,750,000               $4,903,238
                                                     ==========               ==========

         Amount to be contributed to Bank            $1,575,000               $3,752,428
                                                     ==========               ==========

         Amount to be retained by Federal Trust      $  175,000               $1,150,810
                                                     ==========               ==========


                                 CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the Company as
of March 31, 1997,  and as adjusted to give effect to the sale by Federal  Trust
of  1,000,000  shares of Common Stock (Total  Minimum) and  2,701,619  shares of
Common Stock (Total Maximum), offered at a price of $2.00 per share, net of fees
and  commissions  payable to KBW and other  broker-dealers,  and other estimated
Offering expenses, based on the assumptions set forth in "USE OF PROCEEDS".




                                                                                                        As Adjusted     As Adjusted
                                                                                                          For Tota        For Total
                                                                                          Actual          Minimum         Maximum
                                                                                          ------          -------         -------
                                                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                                                      
Deposits                                                                                   $ 103,726      $ 103,726      $ 103,726
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                                                          27,250         27,250         27,250

                                                                                           ---------      ---------      ---------
         Total deposits and borrowed funds                                                 $ 130,976      $ 130,976      $ 130,976
                                                                                           =========      =========      =========
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares
   authorized 2,256,505 issued and outstanding
   (3,256,505 shares based on Total Minimum Offering and
    4,958,124 shares based on Total Maximum Offering)(1)                                   $      23      $      33      $      50
Additional paid-in capital                                                                    11,144         12,884         16,104
Retained earnings                                                                             (3,125)        (3,125)        (3,125)
Treasury stock (16,577 shares of Common Stock at
   cost at March 31, 1997)                                                                       (77)           (77)          --
Unrealized loss on investment securities, net                                                   (204)          (204)          (204)
Unrealized loss on investment securities transferred
   from available for sale to hold to maturity, net .                                           (434)          (434)          (434)

 Total stockholders' equity                                                                $   7,327      $   9,077      $  12,391
                                                                                           =========      =========      =========
 Book value, per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                      $    3.25      $    2.79      $    2.90
                                                                                           =========      =========      ---------
Subscription price as a percent
of book value, per share                                                                       61.54%         71.68%         80.00%

                                                                                               Actual         Minimum       Maximum
                                                                                               ------         -------       -------
Bank Capital Ratios (2)
    Tangible                                                                                    4.90%          6.07%          8.22%
    Core                                                                                        4.90           6.07           8.22
    Risk-based (March 31, 1997)                                                                10.27          12.55          16.81
                                                                 
- ------------------------------
(Footnotes on following page)



                                       23





(1)      4,958,124  shares  outstanding  includes 16,577 shares held as Treasury
         Stock.

(2)      Calculated   in   accordance   with  OTS   regulations.   Assumes  that
         approximately  90% of the net proceeds from the Total Minimum  Offering
         and  75% of the  net  proceeds  from  the  Total  Maximum  Offering  is
         contributed  to the  capital of the Bank and is used to  replace  other
         sources of funds, principally FHLB advances. Under OTS regulations, the
         Bank is  required  to  maintain  Tangible  Capital  equal  to  1.50% of
         adjusted total assets,  Core Capital equal to 3.00% of adjusted  assets
         and Risk-based Capital equal to 8% of risk-weighted assets.

- -----------------------------


                       DETERMINATION OF SUBSCRIPTION PRICE

Subscription Price

         The Subscription  Price of $ 2.00 per share, which is the uniform price
for all  purchasers,  was determined by Federal  Trust's Board of Directors with
the  assistance of RP Financial.  Federal Trust  believes that the  Subscription
Price  reflects the  Company's  objectives of achieving the maximum net proceeds
obtainable  from the Offering while providing the current  shareholders  with an
opportunity to make an additional  investment in Federal Trust and thus avoid or
minimize  dilution of their  ownership  interest.  In that regard,  RP Financial
reviewed with  management and the Board of Directors  alternatives  available to
Federal Trust for raising capital, the current liquidity  characteristics of the
Common Stock, the regulatory capital requirements of Federal Trust and the Bank,
the business prospects of Federal Trust on a pro forma basis after giving effect
to the Offering, and the general condition of the securities markets at the time
of the meeting with the Board of Directors at which the Offering was approved.

         Federal Trust has received s written statement from RP Financial, dated
July 1, 1997,  stating that as of such date,  in the opinion of RP Financial and
based upon and subject to the factors set forth in the  statement,  the terms of
the Offering, including the Subscription Price and the numbers of shares offered
in the  Offering  are  fair  to  Federal  Trust's  current  shareholders  from a
financial point of view. RP Financial's  statement was addressed to the Board of
Directors of Federal  Trust and Federal  Trust only,  and does not  constitute a
recommendation or advice to current  shareholders of Federal Trust. RP Financial
expressed  no  opinion,  and  has  not  made  any  recommendation,   to  current
shareholders   as  to  whether  current   shareholders   should  exercise  their
Subscription Rights (See "Opinion of RP Financial").

         In approving the Subscription Price, the Board of Directors  considered
the  written  statement  and  oral  advice  provided  by RP  Financial  and such
additional  factors as the  alternatives  available to Federal Trust for raising
capital,  the  current  liquidity  characteristics  of  the  Common  Stock,  the
regulatory  capital  requirements  of Federal Trust and the Bank,  the terms and
conditions of the supervisory Orders, the business prospects of Federal Trust on
a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Offering, and the general condition
of the securities markets at the time of the meeting with the Board of Directors
at which the Offering was  approved.  There can be no assurance,  however,  that
following the issuance of the  Subscription  Rights and of the Common Stock upon
exercise  of  the  Subscription   Rights,  a  current   shareholder   exercising
Subscription  Rights will be able to sell shares  purchased in the Offering at a
price equal to or greater than the Subscription Price.


                                       24





Opinion of RP Financial

         The Board of  Directors  of Federal  Trust  retained  RP  Financial  in
December 1996 to provide certain  financial  advisory and valuation  services to
Federal Trust in  conjunction  with the Offering,  including the rendering of an
opinion with respect to the fairness of the terms of the Offering, including the
Subscription  Price and the  number of shares  offered in the  Offering,  from a
financial  point  of  view  to  the  current  shareholders.   In  requesting  RP
Financial's advice and opinion,  the Board of Directors of Federal Trust did not
give any special  instructions  to, or impose any limitations  upon the scope of
the investigation  which RP Financial might wish to conduct to enable it to give
its opinion.  RP Financial was selected by Federal Trust to act as its financial
advisor  because of RP Financial's  expertise in the valuation of businesses and
their securities for a variety of purposes including its expertise in connection
with initial public offerings and secondary offerings including rights offerings
of savings and loans, savings banks, and savings and loan holding companies.  RP
Financial stated that, to the best of its knowledge, RP Financial is independent
of Federal Trust, KBW and the other parties to the Offering.

         On July 1, 1997,  RP  Financial  rendered  its  opinion to the Board of
Directors of Federal  Trust that,  as of such date,  the terms of the  Offering,
including the  Subscription  Price and the number of shares offered  pursuant to
the Offering,  were fair to the current  shareholder  from a financial  point of
view. The opinion was updated as of the date of this  Prospectus.  In connection
with its opinion dated the date of this Prospectus,  RP Financial also confirmed
the  appropriateness  of its reliance on the analysis used to render its July 1,
1997 opinion,  by performing  procedures to confirm the  appropriateness of such
analysis and by reviewing the  assumptions on which such analysis were based and
the factors considered in connection therewith.

         The full text of the  opinion  of RP  Financial,  which  sets forth the
assumptions made,  matters  considered and limitations on the review undertaken,
is attached  as  Appendix A to this  Prospectus  and is  incorporated  herein by
reference.  Current  shareholders of Federal Trust are urged to read the opinion
in its entirety.

         THE OPINION OF RP  FINANCIAL  IS DIRECTED TO THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS OF
FEDERAL  TRUST  AND  DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE  A  RECOMMENDATION   TO  ANY  CURRENT
SHAREHOLDER  OF FEDERAL  TRUST AS TO WHETHER SUCH  SHAREHOLDER  SHOULD  EXERCISE
HIS/HER  SUBSCRIPTION  RIGHTS OR ANY OTHER ACTION THAT SUCH  SHAREHOLDER  SHOULD
TAKE IN CONNECTION  WITH THE OFFERING,  OR OTHERWISE.  IT IS FURTHER  UNDERSTOOD
THAT THE  OPINION  OF RP  FINANCIAL  IS BASED ON  MARKET  CONDITIONS  AND  OTHER
CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING ON THE DATE HEREOF.

         The  opinion  states  that  RP  Financial  reviewed  and  analyzed  the
following  material  in  conjunction  with  its  analysis:  (1) the  preliminary
Prospectus; (2) certain publicly available information concerning Federal Trust,
including annual reports  (incorporating  audited  financial  statements),  Form
10-Ks and Proxy  Statements  for the years ended  December 31, 1994,  1995,  and
1996,  and unaudited 10-Q reports for March 31, 1997; (3) certain other internal
and public financial information  including,  but not limited to, certain recent
unaudited  internally and externally  generated financial reports,  analysis and


                                       25





files  through  March 31, 1997,  pertaining  to the  Company's (i) balance sheet
composition,  trends,  volume  and  market  value,  (ii)  capitalization,  (iii)
off-balance  sheet assets,  liabilities  and  contingencies,  (iv) statements of
operations, (v) cash flows, (vi) delinquent,  non-accrual and non-earning assets
and general  valuation  allowances,  (vii) interest  rate,  credit and liquidity
risks, and (viii) taxable position;  (4) the current budget and business plan of
the  Company;  (5)  comparative  analysis  of Federal  Trust  relative to recent
publicly-available   financial   statements,   operating  results,   and  market
characteristics  of the common stock of  publicly-traded  savings  institutions,
including such institutions with financial, operating and market characteristics
which are relatively  comparable to Federal Trust;  (6) the terms and conditions
of the  supervisory  Orders for Federal  Trust and the Bank;  (7) the  financial
terms of other rights offerings by savings  institutions and savings institution
holding companies.

         The opinion  further  states that in the course of its  evaluation  and
analysis,  RP Financial  conducted  discussions with management of Federal Trust
regarding past and current business operations,  financial condition, and future
prospects. RP Financial reviewed the Company's financial, operational and market
area  characteristics  compared to similar  information  for comparable  savings
institutions,  evaluated  the  potential  for growth and  profitability  for the
Company  in its  market,  specifically  regarding  competition  by other  banks,
thrifts,  mortgage  banking  companies and other financial  services  companies,
economic  projections  in the local market area,  the impact of the  regulatory,
legislative and economic environments on operations and the public perception of
the thrift and banking  industries,  and the pro forma  impact on the  Company's
financial condition and operations of the Offering.

         As set forth in the opinion,  RP Financial relied,  without independent
verification,  on the accuracy and completeness of the information  furnished to
RP  Financial  by  Federal  Trust,  as  well as  publicly-available  information
regarding other financial  institutions  and economic data. RP Financial  relied
upon the  management  of the Company as to the  reasonableness  of the financial
forecasts (and the assumptions and bases therefor)  provided to RP Financial and
assumed that such forecasts reflected the best currently available estimates and
judgments of such management and that such financial forecasts would be realized
in the amounts and in the time  periods  estimated by such  management.  Federal
Trust does not  publicly  disclose  internal  management  forecasts  of the type
provided to RP  Financial  in  connection  with its review,  and such  financial
forecasts were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure. The financial
forecasts  were  based  upon  numerous   variables  and  assumptions  which  are
inherently  uncertain,  including without  limitation factors related to general
economic  and  competitive  conditions,  as well as  trends  in  asset  quality.
Accordingly,  actual  results could vary  significantly  from those set forth in
such financial forecasts. RP Financial did not perform or obtain any independent
appraisals or evaluations  of the assets and  liabilities  and potential  and/or
contingent  liabilities  of the Company.  Moreover,  RP  Financial  expressed no
opinion on matters of a legal,  accounting  or tax nature or the  ability of the
offering to be consummated as set forth in the Prospectus.

         In  connection  with  rendering  its  opinion  dated July 1, 1997,  and
updated as of the date of this Prospectus,  RP Financial  performed a variety of
analysis, which are summarized below. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex  process   involving   subjective   judgments  and  is  not  necessarily
suspectable to partial analysis or summary description. RP Financial stated that
its analysis must be considered as a whole and that  selecting  portions of such
analysis and of the factors  considered by RP Financial without  considering all


                                       26





such  analysis  and  factors  could  create an  incomplete  view of the  process
underlying RP Financial's  opinion. In its analysis,  RP Financial made numerous
assumptions  with  respect  to  industry  performance,   business  and  economic
conditions,  applicable laws and regulations,  and other matters,  many of which
are  beyond  the  control  of  Federal  Trust.  Any  estimates  contained  in RP
Financial's analyses are not necessarily indicative of future results or values,
which  may be  significantly  more or less  favorable  than such  estimates.  No
company or  transaction  utilized in RP  Financial's  analyses was  identical to
Federal  Trust of the Offering.  None of the analyses  performed by RP Financial
was assigned a greater significance by RP Financial than any other.

         The  following is a summary of the financial  analyses  performed by RP
Financial in connection with providing its opinion of July 1, 1997, and does not
purport to be a complete description of all factors that were considered .

         (a)  Transaction  Summary.  RP  Financial  summarized  the terms of the
Offering.  including the Subscription Price, the range of number of shares to be
offered  in  the  Offering,  and  the  Subscription  Rights  issued  to  current
shareholders,  including  certain  limitations  imposed on the  exercise of such
Subscription  Rights.  RP  Financial  also  summarized  the  estimated  earnings
improvements  anticipated as a result of reinvestment of the net proceeds of the
Offering,  the pro forma capitalization levels resulting from the Offering,  and
the pricing ratios indicated by the Subscription Price relative to the pro forma
book value, earnings, and assets of Federal Trust.

         (b) Comparable  Transactions  Approach.  In this analysis, RP Financial
conducted  an  evaluation  of the  financial  terms of recent  rights  offerings
completed by  publicly-traded  savings  institutions,  including  the  financial
condition,   operating  results  and  other   characteristics   of  the  savings
institution and the terms of the offerings.  Specifically,  RP Financial  stated
that it evaluated six rights offering transactions  completed by publicly-traded
savings  institutions  since  December  1992 and December  1995 (the most recent
comparable rights offering transactions) with relatively comparable pre-offering
capital levels and non-performing assets levels (the "Comparable Transactions").
In conjunction with its analysis,  RP Financial considered the pricing multiples
relative  to pro forma  tangible  book  value per  share,  and the  dilution  of
ownership  and  tangible  book  value  per  share  implied  by the  terms of the
Comparable  Transactions.  RP Financial  did not consider the pricing  multiples
relative to pro forma earnings per share because most such  multiples  indicated
by the  Comparable  Transactions  were  considered  not  meaningful by virtue of
minimal  or  negative  pro forma  earnings.  The  average  and  median pro forma
price-to-tangible book value multiples indicated by the Comparable  Transactions
were 78% and 80%, respectively,  versus a pro forma price-to-tangible book value
multiple  of 81%  indicated  by the  Subscription  Price at the  maximum  of the
Offering.  The  average and median  dilution  in  tangible  book value per share
indicated by the Comparable Transactions was 33% and 28%, respectively, versus a
pro forma  dilution in  tangible  book value per share of 24%  indicated  by the
Subscription  Price at the  maximum  of the  Offering.  The  average  and median
dilution in ownership (assuming that current shareholders did not exercise their
Subscription  Rights in the  respective  Offerings)  indicated by the Comparable
Transactions  was 68% and 75%,  respectively,  versus a pro  forma  dilution  in
ownership   (assuming   that  current   shareholders   did  not  exercise  their
Subscription  Rights in the  Offering) of 54%  indicated by the number of shares
offered at the maximum of the  Offering.  RP Financial  stated that the terms of
the Comparable Transactions, specifically the higher pro forma price-to-tangible
book value multiple  indicated by the Subscription Price relative to the average


                                       27





and  median  of the  Comparable  Transactions  and the lower  level of  dilution
indicated  by the  Offering  relative  to  tangible  book  value  per  share and
ownership, supported its fairness conclusions.

         (c) Market Value Approach.  In this analysis, RP Financial analyzed the
current  stock  prices  of  publicly-traded  savings  institutions  and  savings
institution holding companies that RP Financial considered comparable to Federal
Trust. RP Financial  considered  only  publicly-traded  institutions  with total
assets less than $750 million,  return on average assets (core earnings) of 0.5%
or less,  equity-to-assets of 8.5% or lower, and non-performing assets to assets
ratios of 1.5% or greater.  A total of seven public companies met these criteria
(the "Public  Company  Peers").  The Public Company Peers  reported  average and
median  total  assets of $280 million and $263  million,  respectively,  various
assets of $139 for Federal Trust;  reported  average and median equity-to assets
ratios of 6.6% and 6.5%,  respectively,  versus 5.3% for Federal Trust; reported
average and median and non-performing  assets to assets ratios of 2.2% and 1.7%,
respectively,  versus 3.5% for Federal  Trust;  and reported  average and median
market capitalization of $11.5 million and $18.4 million,  respectively,  versus
$9.9  million on a pro forma basis for Federal  Trust,  assuming a market  value
based on the Subscription  Price and pro forma shares outstanding at the maximum
of the Offering.  As of June 20, 1997,  the average and median price to tangible
book value ratios  indicated by the trading  prices of the Public  Company Peers
common  stock  were  92% and 91%,  respectively,  versus  a pro  forma  price to
tangible  book value ratio of 81%  indicated  by the  Subscription  Price at the
maximum  of the  Offering.  Based  on its  comparative  analysis,  RP  Financial
concluded  that  Federal  Trust's  pro forma  stock  price  warranted a discount
relative to the Public  Company Peers by virtue of Federal  Trust's higher level
of non-performing  assets, lower pro forma market capitalization (which suggests
lower  liquidity in the Common Stock on a pro forms basis relative to the Public
Company  Peers which are all  publicly-traded  institutions),  and smaller asset
size which implies lower  resources than the Public Company Peers.  RP Financial
considered an analysis of the price-to- earnings multiples of the Public Company
Peers versus the pro forma price-to-earnings multiple of Federal Trust indicated
by the Subscription  Price.  However,  RP Financial  discarded an earnings based
analysis because Federal Trust's pro forma earnings  multiple was not meaningful
and was not  subject  to  comparison.  Based on the  Subscription  Price at that
maximum of the Offering,  Federal Trust's pro forma price-to-tangible book value
Multiple  of 81% is at a  valuation  discount  of 12% and 11%,  relative  to the
average  and median of the Public  Company  Peers,  respectively.  RP  Financial
considered  these  discounts  to  be  reasonable  relative  to  the  comparative
financial  analysis  discussed  above  and in light of some  level of new  issue
discount warranted for a securities  offering.  RP Financial  concluded that the
conclusions  reached  in  the  market  value  approach  supported  its  fairness
conclusion.

         (d)  Discounted  Cash Flow  Approach.  In this  approach,  RP Financial
sought to prepare  two  discounted  cash flow  ("DCF")  analyses.  The first DCF
analysis  would  quantify the present value benefit of Federal  Trust's  current
business  plan  (incorporating  potential  dividends  and a  terminal  value) to
current  shareholders,  without  the impact of the  Offering  (the  "Stand-Alone
DCF").  The second DCF  analysis  would  quantify the present  value  benefit of
Federal Trust's pro forma business plan to current  shareholders,  incorporating
the impact of the Offering and post-  recapitalization  growth  strategies  (the
"Post-Recapitalization   DCF").  After  considering  the  potential   regulatory
enforcement actions facing Federal Trust in the absence of the Offering, and the
potential  resulting  market  value  loss  to  current   shareholders  (of  such
enforcement action), and the historical losses Federal Trust has experienced due


                                       28





to  non-performing  assets, RP Financial stated that future cash flows could not
reasonably be estimated under a Stand-Alone DCF scenario.  Accordingly,  the DCF
approach was not used in the final fairness analysis.

         In  addition  to these  financial  analyses,  RP  Financial  considered
several other considerations in its fairness  conclusions.  Such other financial
considerations  included the greater market capitalization of Federal Trust on a
pro forma basis,  suggesting the potential for greater liquidity for the current
shareholders;  the stronger pro forma  equity-to-assets ratio resulting from the
Offering, which should provide enhanced future potential to leverage the balance
to increase earnings per share for the current  shareholders;  and the potential
negative  implications to the interests of the current shareholders in the event
the  Offering is not  completed  and the OTS  initiates  regulatory  enforcement
options.

         On the basis of its  analyses  and other  considerations,  RP Financial
concluded that the terms of the Offerings,  included the Subscription  Price and
number  of  shares  to be  offered  in the  Offering,  are  fair to the  current
shareholders  of Federal  Trust from a  financial  point of view.  As  described
above,  RP  Financial's  written  statement  and  presentation  to the  Board of
Directors of Federal Trust was one of many factors taken into  consideration  by
the Board of Directors of Federal Trust in making its  determination  to approve
the Offering.  Although the foregoing summary describes the material  components
of the  analyses  presented by RP Financial to the Board of Directors of Federal
Trust,  it does not  purport to be a complete  description  of all the  analyses
performed by RP Financial  and is qualified by reference to the written  opinion
of RP Financial  set forth as Appendix A hereto,  which  investors  are urged to
read in its entirety.

         Pursuant  to a  letter  dated  January  27,  1997  (the  "RP  Financial
Engagement  Letter"),  RP Financial  estimates that it will receive from Federal
Trust  total fees of  $75,000  for its  financial  advisory  services,  of which
$35,000  has been paid to date,  plus  reimbursement  of  certain  out-of-pocket
expenses.  In  addition,  Federal  Trust has agreed to  indemnify  RP  Financial
against certain liabilities,  including liabilities under the federal securities
laws.


                      MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS

Market for Common Stock

         There has been a limited market for Federal Trust's Common Stock, which
is not listed on any exchange or Nasdaq.  Federal  Trust has applied for listing
of its  Common  Stock on the  Nasdaq  Small Cap Market  upon  completion  of the
Offering.  No assurance can be given,  however,  that the  application  for such
listing will be approved,  or that an active trading market for the Common Stock
will develop or be sustained  subsequent to the Offering.  Furthermore,  because
the Nasdaq  Stock Market has filed  proposed  rule changes with the Security and
Exchange  Commission that  strengthens the listing  requirements  for the Nasdaq
Small Cap  Market,  there can be no  assurance  that if Federal  Trust meets the
Nasdaq Small Cap Market  listing  requirements  that it will be able to maintain
its  listing.  KBW has  advised  Federal  Trust  that it intends to use its best
efforts to make a market in the Common  Stock,  but has no  obligation to do so.
Making a market  involves  maintaining bid and ask quotations and being able, as
principal,  to effect  transactions  in  reasonable  quantities  at those quoted
prices,  subject to various  securities laws and other regulatory  requirements.


                                       29





The  development  of a liquid public market  depends on the existence of willing
buyers and sellers and is not within the control of Federal  Trust or any market
maker.  There can be no assurance  that an active and liquid  trading market for
the  Common  Stock  will  develop  or  that,  if  developed,  it will  continue.
Furthermore,  there  is no  assurance  that  persons  purchasing  shares  in the
Offering will be able to sell them at or above the Subscription Price.

         As of March 31,  1997  there  were  2,239,928  shares  of Common  Stock
outstanding,  which were held by 434 holders of record. The number of holders of
record does not reflect the number of persons who hold their stock in nominee or
"street" name through various brokerage firms or other entities.

Dividends

         Each  share of Common  Stock  shares  equally in  dividends,  which are
payable when and as declared by Federal  Trust's Board of Directors out of funds
legally available  therefor.  Under Florida law, Federal Trust is not limited to
the amount or number of dividends that can be paid or declared.

         Federal Trust  suspended  dividend  payments on the Common Stock in the
fourth  quarter of 1994. Due to its financial  condition,  its recent results of
operations and regulatory  restrictions  on the payment of dividends  imposed on
the Bank,  Federal Trust does not anticipate the resumption of dividend payments
on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

         Federal  Trust's  ability to pay  dividends  on the  Common  Stock will
depend  on the  receipt  of  dividends  from  the  Bank.  For a  description  of
limitations  on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to Federal  Trust,  see
"REGULATION AND SUPERVISION - Payment of Dividends."


                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

         The Company's primary business consists of attracting deposits from the
general public and using these funds,  together with FHLB advances, to fund bulk
purchases of one-to-four family  residential  mortgage loans, the origination of
one-to-four  family  residential  mortgage  loans,  residential  consumer loans,
multi-family  loans and, to a lesser extent,  commercial real estate related SBA
loans,  and consumer loans.  Profitability of the Company depends largely on net
interest income,  which is the difference between interest income generated from
interest-earning  assets (i.e.,  deposits and  borrowings)  and interest paid on
interest-bearing  liabilities.  Net interest  income is affected by the relative
amounts of interest-earning  assets and  interest-bearing  liabilities,  and the
interest  rates  earned  and paid on these  balances.  Net  interest  income  is
dependent  upon the  Company's  interest  rate spread,  which is the  difference
between the average yield earned on its interest-earning  assets and the average
rate paid on its  interest-bearing  liabilities.  When  interest-earning  assets
approximate or exceed interest-bearing  liabilities,  any positive interest rate
spread will generate  interest  income.  The interest rate spread is impacted by
interest rates, deposit flows and loan demand. To a lesser extent, profitability


                                       30





is  affected  by such  factors as the level of other  income and  expenses,  the
provision  for loan losses and the  effective  tax rate.  Other income  consists
primarily of customer  service fees,  loan servicing fees, and gains on the sale
of  mortgage  loans.  Other  expenses  consist  of  compensation  and  benefits,
occupancy-related  expenses,  deposit  insurance  premiums  paid to the FDIC and
other operating expenses.

         The net earnings of the Company were adversely  affected by the rise in
interest rates in 1994, 1995, and 1996, due to its negative GAP position, as its
liabilities  have repriced sooner than (and in greater amounts than) its assets.
As a result,  the cost of funds has  increased  faster than the yields earned on
its  assets,  resulting  in a decrease  in its  interest  rate  spread and lower
earnings.  The Company  continues to  concentrate on increasing its portfolio of
ARMs, as well as its efforts to lengthen the  maturities of its  liabilities  in
order to reduce its  negative  GAP  position  and the impact of higher  interest
rates in the future.  Should  interest rates begin to rise before the Company is
able to  further  reduce its  negative  GAP,  the  Company's  earnings  would be
adversely affected.

         In addition,  loss reserves have been increased as a result of a higher
level of non-performing  loans. The level of  non-performing  loans decreased in
1996 and, although management  believes that the level of non-performing  assets
will continue to decrease in future periods,  unforeseen economic conditions and
other  circumstances  beyond the  Company's  control  could  result in  material
additions to the loss reserves in future periods if the level of  non-performing
assets increases.  Management does anticipate  additions to the loss reserves in
future  periods  as part of the  normal  course of  business,  as the  Company's
assets, which consist primarily of loans, are continually evaluated and the loss
allowances  are adjusted to reflect the potential  losses in the portfolio on an
ongoing basis.

Financial Condition

         The Company's total assets  increased  slightly to $140.0 million as of
March 31, 1997,  from $139.6 million as of December 31, 1996.  Loans  receivable
increased  $667,000  from  $112.5  million to $113.2  million as a result of the
purchase and origination of loans.

         Total deposits  decreased by $2.4 million to $103.7 million as of March
31, 1997,  from $106.1 million as of December 31, 1996. The decrease in deposits
was replaced by advances from the FHLB which increased $2.4 million.

         Total  shareholders'  equity  increased  slightly to $7.3 million as of
March 31,  1997,  from $7.2  million as of  December  31,  1996.  This  increase
primarily  reflects the Company's  earnings for the three months ended March 31,
1997.

Results of Operation for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996

         The Company  reported  net income for the three  months ended March 31,
1997, of $100,889 or $.04 per share, as compared to net income of $3,473 or $.00
per share for the same  period  in 1996.  The  increase  in  earnings  is due to
improved net  interest  income,  and the  reduction  of other  expenses,  offset
partially by decreased other income.

         Interest Income and Expense.  Net interest income  increased by $85,585
for the three months ended March 31, 1997.  Interest income  decreased by $7,763


                                       31





to $2,550,059 for the three months ended March 31, 1997, from $2,557,822 for the
same period in 1996.  Interest  income on loans  decreased to $2,335,042 in 1997
from  $2,353,343  in 1996,  primarily  as a result of a decrease  in the average
amount of loans outstanding and a decrease in the average yield on loans. During
the quarter ended March 31, 1997, the Company sold a participation interest in a
loan  originated  in March  1996 in  conjunction  with the sale of a  previously
foreclosed  property,  which resulted in the realization of $122,007 in interest
income that had been deferred  since the  origination  of the loan in accordance
with the accounting standards which require the income on the loan and profit on
the sale be deferred until such time as the loan balance is reduced to a certaun
level,  in this  case  85%,  when the  buyer  does not make a cash  downpayment.
Interest income on the securities  portfolio  increased by $15,026 for the three
months  ended March 31,  1997,  over the same period in 1996,  as a result of an
increase in the average yield on securities  held.  Other interest and dividends
decreased  $4,488  during  the same  three  month  period in 1997 from 1996 as a
result of a decrease in the  average  volume of other  interest-bearing  assets.
Management  expects the rates earned on the portfolio to fluctuate  with general
market conditions.

         Interest  expense  decreased by $93,348 to $1,723,526  during the three
month period ended March 31, 1997,  from  $1,816,874 for the same period in 1996
primarily  due to a decrease  in the amount  of,  and the  average  rate paid on
deposits.  Interest on deposits decreased by $135,185 to $1,384,785 in 1997 from
$1,519,970  in 1996 as a result of  decreased  deposits  and a  decrease  in the
average rate paid,  and interest on FHLB advances  increased to $338,741 in 1997
from $296,904 in 1996 as a result of the increase in the average  amount of FHLB
advances  outstanding  and an  increase  in the  rates  paid on  such  advances.
Management  expects to continue to use FHLB  advances as a liability  management
tool.

         Provisions  for Loan Losses.  A provision  for loan losses is generally
charged to  operations  to bring the total  allowance for loan losses to a level
deemed  appropriate  by  management.  The allowance is an estimated  amount that
management  believes  will be  adequate  to absorb  losses  inherent in the loan
portfolio  and  commitments  to  extend  credit,  based  on  evaluations  of its
collectibility.  The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes
in the nature and volume of the portfolio,  overall portfolio quality,  specific
problem loans and commitments,  and current and anticipated  economic conditions
that may affect the borrower's  ability to pay. While  management  uses the best
information  available to  recognize  losses on loans,  future  additions to the
allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic  conditions.  During the
first quarter of 1997, management did not make a provision for loan losses based
on its  evaluation  of the loan  portfolio,  however a provision for $30,000 was
made for losses on REO, and $3,000 was  transferred  from the provision for loan
losses to the  provision  for losses on real estate  owned.  The Company did not
make a  provision  for loan  losses  during  the same  period in 1996;  however,
$18,356  was  transferred  to the  provision  for losses on REO.  There were net
charge-offs of $337,269 during the three  month-period  ended March 31, 1997, as
compared  to net charge  offs of $112,398  during the three  month-period  ended
March 31, 1996.  Total  non-performing  loans at March 31, 1997, were $1,622,027
compared to $3,215,300 at March 31, 1996. The allowance for loan losses at March
31, 1997, was $1,192,734 or 73.5% of non-performing loans and 1.05% of net loans
outstanding.

         Total Other  Income.  Other  income  decreased  from  $189,087  for the
three-month  period  ended March 31,  1996,  to $104,868  for the same period in
1997. The decrease in other income was primarily due to a decrease of $86,577 in


                                       32





gains on the sale of assets, offset partially by an increase in rental income of
$8,129 on a  repossessed  rental  property.  During the quarter  ended March 31,
1997, the Company sold a  participation  interest in a loan  originated in March
1996 in  connection  with the sale of a previously  foreclosed  property,  which
resulted in the  realization  of $30,993 in profit that had been deferred  since
the  origination of the loan in accordance  with the accounting  standards which
require  the income on the loan and profit on the sale be  deferred   until such
time as the loan balance is reduced to a certain level.  Rental income increased
as a result of receipt of rental income on a repossessed property.  Gains on the
sale of assets decreased as a result of fewer loan sales and sales of REO.

         Total Other  Expense.  Other  expense  decreased  to  $757,212  for the
three-month  period ended March 31, 1997,  from  $942,965 for the same period in
1996.  The decrease in 1997 was primarily the result of the  elimination  of the
staff and separate  offices of Federal Trust at the end of the second quarter of
1996 and decreases in the amount of non-performing loans. Compensation decreased
by $18,358 as a result of reductions in staff.  Professional  fees  decreased by
$57,161,  primarily  as a  result  of  decreased  legal  costs  associated  with
non-performing  loans. Other  miscellaneous  expense decreased by $51,675 due to
reduced  costs  associated  with  repossessed  assets.  Occupancy  and equipment
expense  decreased  by  $37,658 to  $131,813  in 1997 due to the  subletting  of
Federal  Trust's offices and the termination of the lease on the remote drive-in
facility that had been  previously  used by the Bank.  Data  processing  expense
decreased by $2,463 due to the decreased number of accounts,  and FDIC Insurance
expense  decreased  by $18,438 as a result of the  reduction in the premium rate
charged  by  the  FDIC.   Management   expects   professional   fees  and  other
miscellaneous  expenses to decrease further as non-performing loans are resolved
and repossessed assets are disposed.

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

         General.  The  Company  had a net loss for 1996 of $976,503 or $.43 per
share, compared to a net loss of $2,249,701 or $1.00 per share in 1995. The loss
in 1996 was  attributable  in part to the one-time  SAIF special  assessment  of
$716,498.  The special assessment,  (which was based upon the Company's deposits
as of March 31, 1995) was charged  against  third  quarter  earnings and paid in
November 1996. A special  assessment was charged by the FDIC to all SAIF insured
institutions in order to fully capitalize the SAIF to its required reserve level
of 1.25  percent  of insured  deposits.  In  addition,  the  Company  incurred a
one-time  charge of $64,921 to sell the remote  drive-in  branch  facility and a
one-time  charge to write off $114,646 in leasehold  improvements at the offices
which Federal Trust previously  occupied.  The decrease in net loss for 1996 was
due to an increase  in net  interest  income,  a  decreased  provision  for loan
losses,  and a decrease in other  expenses,  offset  partially  by a decrease in
other income.

         Interest Income and Expense.  Net interest income increased by $316,025
for the year ended  December 31, 1996.  Interest  income was  $9,936,960 in 1996
compared  to  $10,609,387  in  1995.  Interest  income  on  loans  increased  to
$9,039,426 in 1996 from  $9,001,646 in 1995. The increase in interest  income on
loans  in 1996 as  compared  to 1995 was  primarily  attributable  to  increased
interest rates on the loans and a lower amount of non-accruing  loans.  Interest
income on investment securities decreased to $675,279 in 1996 from $1,289,025 in
1995 as a result of a decrease in the interest  rates  earned on the  securities
and a decrease in the average balance of investment securities held by the Bank.


                                       33





Other  interest and dividends  decreased  $96,401 during 1996 and $43,315 during
1995 as a result of a decrease in the average balance of other  interest-bearing
assets.

         Interest  expense  decreased  during  1996 to  $7,037,882  compared  to
$8,026,334 in 1995 primarily due to a decrease in interest rates and the average
amount of FHLB  advances  and  deposit  accounts  outstanding.  Interest on FHLB
advances and other borrowings decreased to $1,277,492 in 1996 from $1,812,655 in
1995 due to a decrease in the average amount of FHLB advances outstanding during
the year and a decrease in interest rates.

         Provisions  for Loan Losses.  In May 1995, the OTS directed the Bank to
increase  its  reserves  for loan and REO losses by  $730,000.  The increase was
primarily the result of the  classification  of the first mortgages on two loans
on which the Bank has a second mortgage position. Also, additional reserves were
required  on two  commercial  loans whose  classification  was  downgraded.  The
provision for loan losses for 1996 was  $279,596,  compared to $779,415 in 1995.
Net  charge-offs  totaled  $1,223,240  for 1996,  compared to $707,222 for 1995.
Total  non-performing  loans at December 31, 1996,  were  $991,000,  compared to
$3,326,000  at December 31, 1995.  The allowance for loan losses at December 31,
1996, was $1,533,003 or 154.70% of  non-performing  loans and 1.36% of net loans
receivable compared to $2,060,568 or 61.93% of non-performing loans and 1.83% of
net loans receivable at December, 31, 1995.

         Total Other  Income.  Other income  decreased  from $505,424 in 1995 to
$426,707  for the year ended  December  31,  1996.  The decrease in other income
during 1996 resulted from a $88,171  decrease in rent income  attributable  to a
repossessed  office  building that was sold in December 1995, a decrease in fees
and services charges of $24,772, a decrease of $2,673 in other income consisting
mainly of decreased  other loan income,  offset  partially by an increase in the
gain on the sale loans of  $31,381  and an  increase  in the gain on the sale of
other real estate of $5,518.

         Total Other Expense. Other expense decreased to $4,236,492 in 1996 from
$5,790,591 in 1995.  The decrease of $1,554,099 in 1996 was primarily the result
of a  decrease  of  $263,891  in salary and  employee  benefits,  a decrease  of
$118,383 in occupancy and equipment  expense,  decreased legal and  professional
expenses of  $490,556,  a decrease of  $402,620 in real estate  owned  expenses,
decreased  general  and  administrative  expenses  of  $124,442,  a decrease  of
$930,156  in losses on sale of  investment  securities,  a decrease  $122,222 in
losses on the sale of real  estate,  partially  offset by an increase in deposit
insurance premiums of $710,415,  a loss on the sale of fixed assets of $152,621,
and  increased  other  expense of $35,135.  The  decrease in salary and employee
benefits were the result of reduced staff levels,  particularly at Federal Trust
which eliminated all of its full-time staff, which consisted of three positions.
Occupancy  and  equipment  expense  were  reduced as a result of the sale of the
drive-in  facility and the sub-letting of Federal Trust's  corporate  offices to
Properties  Corporation,  both of which were no longer  necessary as a result of
the corporate  restructuring at Federal Trust.  Legal and  professional  expense
decreased due to the reduction in the amount and number of non-performing loans.
REO  expenses  and  losses on the sale of REO were  reduced  as the  result of a
reduction  in the amount of  repossessed  properties  during  1996.  General and
administrative expenses were reduced primarily as a result of the elimination of
Federal Trust's staff and corporate  offices.  The increase in deposit insurance
premiums was due to the one-time SAIF special  assessment.  The loss on the sale
of fixed assets was the result of the leasehold improvements  written-off by the


                                       34





Company in conjunction  with the sale of the drive-in branch  facility,  and the
write-off  of the  leasehold  improvements  at the  former  corporate  office of
Federal  Trust,  which it no longer  uses.  The  decrease in loss on the sale of
investments  securities  was a result of the large loss  incurred in 1995 on the
sale of a $7,250,000 block of bonds.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994

         General. The Company had a net loss for 1995 of $2,249,701 or $1.00 per
share,  compared  to a net  loss of  $179,173  or $.08 per  share  in 1994.  The
decrease in net earnings for 1995 was due to a decrease in net interest  income,
an  increased  provision  for loan  losses,  and an increase in other  expenses,
including a loss on the sale of investment securities.

         Interest  Income  and  Expense.   Net  interest  income   decreased  by
$1,483,051 for the year ended December 31, 1995. Interest income was $10,609,387
in 1995 compared to $9,846,673 in 1994.  Interest  income on loans  increased to
$9,001,646 in 1995 from  $7,731,077 in 1994. The increase in interest  income on
loans  in 1995 as  compared  to 1994 was  primarily  attributable  to  increased
interest rates on the loans.  Interest income on investment securities decreased
to $1,289,085  in 1995 from  $1,753,625 in 1994 as a result of a decrease in the
interest rates earned on the securities and a decrease in the average balance of
investment securities held by the Company, which was attributable to the sale of
$7,250,000,  par value, of investment securities in early December,  1995. Other
interest and dividends  decreased  $43,315 during 1995 as a result of a decrease
in the average balance of other interest-bearing assets.

         Interest  expense  increased  during  1995 to  $8,026,334  compared  to
$5,780,569  in 1994,  primarily  due to an increase  in  interest  rates and the
average amount of deposit accounts outstanding,  which was only partially offset
by a decrease in the FHLB  advances  outstanding.  Interest on FHLB advances and
other borrowings  decreased to $1,812,655 in 1995 from $1,978,219 in 1994 due to
a decrease in the amount of FHLB advances  outstanding  during the year, however
this was partially offset by an increase in interest rates.

         Provisions for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses for 1995 was
$779,415 compared to $531,483 in 1994. Net charge-offs totaled $707,222 for 1995
compared to $409,329 for 1994. Total  non-performing  loans at December 31, 1995
were  $3,326,000  compared to $6,373,000 at December 31, 1994. The allowance for
loan losses at December 31, 1995,  was  $2,060,568  or 61.93% of  non-performing
loans and 1.83% of net  loans  receivable  compared  to  $1,974,950  or 31.0% of
non-performing loans and 1.78% of net loans receivable at December, 31, 1994.

         Total Other  Income.  Other  income  increased to $505,424 for the year
ended  December 31, 1995 from $483,277 for the same period in 1994. The increase
in other  income  during 1995  resulted  from a $85,820  increase in rent income
attributable to a repossessed office building, a gain on the sale of repossessed
real estate of $43,056, and an increase of $12,398 in other miscellaneous income
consisting mainly of increased other loan income,  which was offset partially by
a decrease  in fees and  service  charges of $6,084,  and a decrease in gains on
loan sales of $113,043.

         Total Other  Expense.  Other  expense  increased to $5,790,591 in 1995,
compared to $4,238,071 in 1994. The increase of $1,552,520 in 1995 was primarily
the result of a loss on the sale of investment securities of $942,500, increased


                                       35





legal and professional expenses of $264,636,  increased REO expense of $260,892,
increased  occupancy and equipment  expense of $127,999,  a $99,548  increase in
deposit insurance premiums, an increase of $75,935 in losses on the sale of real
estate owned, and an increase of $33,523 in other expense.  The Company incurred
a loss of $942,500 on the sale of  $7,250,000  in FHLB bonds in December,  1995.
The  increases in legal and  professional  expenses were the result of the legal
costs incurred on non-performing loans and foreclosures on loans secured by real
estate.  The  increases  in REO expense and losses on the sale of REO,  were the
result of the increased levels of repossessed properties at the Bank during 1995
and the expenses incurred in owning the properties and the losses taken on sales
of some of the properties.  Occupancy and equipment  increased  primarily due to
the  additional  space  rented by the  Company  during 1995 as compared to 1994.
Deposit insurance  premiums  increased as a result of the increase in the amount
of deposits during 1995 and the increased assessment rate on the deposits. Other
expense  increased  primarily  as a result  of the  write-down  of an asset  and
miscellaneous expenses incurred in the operation of rental properties.

         Data processing  expense decreased by $9,730 in 1995 as a result of the
renegotiation  of the contract with the service  bureau in 1994, and the closure
of the Bank's drive-in branch on June 1, 1995, which was located down the street
from the Company's  headquarters.  General and administrative expenses decreased
by $56,804, stationary,  printing and supplies expense decreased by $12,757, and
telephone  expense  decreased by $4,390,  postage  expense  decreased by $1,234,
compared to 1994.  These  expenses  decreased  as a result of the closure of the
drive-in  branch  facility  and  efforts  by the  Company  to  reduce  expenses.
Advertising  expense  increased by $15,304 in 1995, as the Company  expanded its
marketing  efforts in order to increase  the amount of  deposits  from its local
market.

Asset/Liability Management

         The  Company's  operating  results  depend  primarily  on net  interest
income,  which is the difference  between  interest  income on  interest-earning
assets,  primarily  single-family  residential  loans,  and interest  expense on
interest-bearing  liabilities,  consisting of deposits, FHLB advances, and other
borrowings.  Net interest  income is  determined by (i) the  difference  between
yields  earned on  interest-earning  assets and rates  paid on  interest-bearing
liabilities   ("interest  rate  spread")  and  (ii)  the  relative   amounts  of
interest-earning  assets and  interest-bearing  liabilities.  The interest  rate
spread  is  affected  by  regulatory,  economic  and  competitive  factors  that
influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows.

         The Company's one year GAP position at March 31, 1997,  the most recent
report  available,  was -14%,  as compared to -22.8% at December 31,  1995.  The
primary  reason for the  decrease  in the  one-year  GAP has been the ability to
extend  the  maturities  of its  liabilities  and the sale of a  portion  of the
dual-indexed  bonds from the Company's  investment  portfolio  during the fourth
quarters of 1995 and 1996. In addition, the Company sold fixed rate loans in the
first  quarter of 1997  which it  replaced  with ARMs as part of its  efforts to
continue  improving its GAP position.  As interest  rates  declined  slightly in
1996,  the net interest  spread  improved,  but as interest  rates have risen in
1997, the net interest  spread has decreased.  Should interest rates continue to
rise, the Company's net interest income could be adversely  affected as a result
of its  negative  GAP;  however,  should  interest  rates begin to decline,  the
Company's  net  interest  income  should  improve  as  the  rates  paid  on  its
liabilities will fall faster than the rates earned on its assets.

                                       36





         In order to minimize the potential for adverse  effects of material and
prolonged  increases in interest  rates on the Company's  results of operations,
the Company has an Interest Rate Risk Management  Policy,  which is reviewed and
approved by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The policy provides:  (i)
for management to manage the assets and liabilities to protect earnings over the
interest  rate  cycle;  (ii) the  maximum  allowable  percentage  changes in net
interest income and net portfolio value over different  interest rate scenarios;
(iii)  for the  Asset/Liability  Management  Committee  ("ALCO");  and  (iv) for
quarterly  reporting to the Board of Directors.  The ALCO monitors the Company's
interest-rate  risk position and manages the asset and liability mix in order to
better   match   the   maturities   and   repricing   terms  of  the   Company's
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  Since the latter half
of 1993 the ALCO has focused  primarily on (i)  emphasizing  the origination and
purchase of single-family  residential ARMs; (ii) extending the term of deposits
and borrowings;  and (iii) maintaining an adequate amount of liquid assets (cash
and  interest-earning  assets).  As a  result,  the  Company  has  continued  to
originate and purchase ARMs throughout this period and has extended deposits and
borrowings  to longer terms  whenever  possible  through its pricing  practices.
While the  Company  has had  success in these  efforts,  it has not been able to
achieve a level of success great enough to completely  insulate its net interest
rate spread  during  periods of rising  interest  rates.  Until such time as the
Company is able to further reduce its negative GAP position,  it will be subject
to a declining net interest spread when interest rates are rising. When interest
rates  began to decline in the first half of 1996,  the  Company  increased  its
efforts to lengthen liabilities and shall continue to do so whenever prudent.

         The  following  table sets forth the interest rate  sensitivity  of the
Company's  interest-earning assets and interest-bearing  liabilities as of March
31,  1997,  using  the  interest  rate  sensitivity  gap  ratio,  based  on  the
information and assumptions set forth in the notes below.


                          [Table Follows On Next Page]



                                       37








                                              From           From         From          From           From         Greater
                                             1 to 3         3 to 6       6 to 12       1 to 3         3 to 5        than 5
                                             Months         Months       Months         Years          Years         Year
                                             ------         ------       ------         -----          -----         ----
                                                                       (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                                      
Total Loans(1)                             $   8,198      $ 10,851      $ 66,263      $ 15,006       $  2,847       $ 8,493

Other interest-bearing assets(2)              2,493           -             -               7         16,100            --
                                             -------   -----------    ----------    ----------        -------    ---------

Total interest-earning assets                 10,691        10,851        66,263        15,013         18,947         8,493

Non-interest bearing demand deposits(3)           84            75           126           260             70           154

Interest bearing demand deposits(3)               59            53            89           184             49           109

Money Market Demand Deposits(3)                2,339         1,582         1,797           797            379           345

Savings deposits(3)                               82            79           147           467            305           729

Time deposits                                 26,981             -        46,032        18,561          2,193             0

FHLB advances and other                       9,850            21        17,540           143            116           513
                                              ------     ---------    ----------      --------         ------       ------

Total interest-bearing liabilities            39,395        1,810         65,731        20,412         3,112         1,850
                                              ------        ------        ------        ------         ------        -----

Interest rate sensitivity gap              $(28,704)        $9,041          $532      $(5,399)       $15,835        $6,643
                                           =========        ======          ====      ========       ========       ======

Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap   $(28,704)     $(19,663)     $(19,131)     $(24,530)       $(8,695)      $(2,052)
                                           =========     =========     =========     =========       ========       ======

Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap
         as a percentage of total assets   (20.61)%        (4.22)%      (13.74)%      (17.61)%        (6.24)%        (1.47)%
                                           =========       =======      ========      ========        =======        =====



(1)      Mortgage   loans  and   mortgage-backed   securities  are  net  of  the
         undisbursed   portion   of  loans   due   borrowers.   Adjustable   and
         floating-rate  loans are included in the period in which interest rates
         are next scheduled to adjust,  and fixed-rate loans are included in the
         periods in which they are scheduled to be repaid.
(2)      Consists  of  interest-bearing  deposits,  FHLB  stock  and  investment
         securities.
(3)      Decay rates for deposits, based on a study by the OTS:







Decay Rates                                  From             From             From            From            From        Greater
                                            1 to 3           3 to 6          6 to 12          1 to 3          3 to 5        than 5
                                            Months           Months           Months           Years           Years         Years
                                            ------           ------           ------           -----           -----         -----
                                                                                                            
Non-interest bearing demand                 37.00            37.00            37.00           33.87            9.06         20.07

Interest bearing demand                     37.00            37.00            37.00           33.87            9.06         20.07

Money Market demand                         79.00            79.00            79.00           11.00            5.24          4.76

Savings Deposits                            17.00            17.00            17.00           25.82           16.83         40.35






                                       38





Average Balances and Net Interest Income Analysis

Yield Earned and Rates Paid. The following tables set forth certain  information
relating  to  the  categories  of  the  Company's  interest-earning  assets  and
interest-bearing  liabilities  for the  periods  indicated.  All  yield and rate
information is calculated on an annualized  basis.  Average balances are derived
from monthly  balances.  Net interest  margin is net interest  income divided by
average  interest-earning  assets.  Non-accrual  loans  are  included  in  asset
balances for the appropriate  periods,  whereas  recognition of interest on such
loans is discontinued and any remaining  accrued  interest margins  appearing in
the following tables have been calculated on a pre-tax basis.






                                                             Three Months Ended March 31,

                                                                 1997                             1996
                                                      ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Average                           Average
                                                       Average            Yield/      Average               Yield/
                                                       Balance  Interest   Rate      Balance    Interest    Rate
                                                       -------  --------   ----      -------    --------    ----
                                                                       (Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
                                                                                            
Loans(1)                                              $113,289   $ 2,335   8.24%      $112,492   $ 2,353    8.37%
Investment securities                                   15,070       167   4.43         15,904       153    3.85
Other interest-earning assets                            3,347        48   5.74          4,770        52    4.36
                                                     ---------   -------   ----      ---------   -------    ----
Total interest-earning assets                          131,706     2,550   7.74        133,166     2,558    7.68
Non-interest earning assets                              3,905                           5,569
                                                    ----------                       ---------
      Total assets                                    $135,611                        $138,735
                                                       =======                        ========

Interest -bearing liabilities:
Non-interest bearing demand deposits                      $208       -      -         $    255       -       -
Interest bearing demand deposits                         8,276        79  3.82           7,173        63   3.51
Savings deposits                                         1,377         9  2.61           1,832        12   2.61
Time Deposits                                           94,614     1,298  5.49         100,102     1,445   5.77
                                                        ------     -----  ----         -------     -----   ----
Total deposit accounts                                 104,475     1,385  5.31         109,362     1,520   5.56
FHLB advances & other borrowings                        22,810       339  5.93          20,700       297   5.74
                                                        ------       ---  ----          ------       ---   ----
Total interest-bearing liabilities                     127,285     1,724  5.42         130,067     1,817   5.59
Non-interest bearing liabilities                         1,798                           1,969
Retained earnings and stockholder's equity               6,528                           6,704
                                                   -----------                    ------------
Total liabilities & retained earnings                 $135,611                       $ 138,735
                                                    ==========                       =========

Net interest income                                              $   826                         $   741
                                                                 =======                         =======
Interest rate spread(3)                                                    2.32%                            2.09%
                                                                           =====                            =====
Net interest margin(4)                                                     2.51%                            2.23%
                                                                           =====                            =====
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average
  interest -bearing liabilities                                            1.03%                            1.02%
                                                                           =====                            =====





(1)      Includes non-accrual loans.
(2)      Includes interest-earning deposits and FHLB of Atlanta stock.
(3)      Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average
         yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-
         bearing liabilities.
(4)      Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average
         interest-earning assets.




                                       39







                                                                           Years Ended December 31
                                                                           -----------------------
                                                         1996                        1995                        1994
                                                         ----                        ----                        ----
                                                               Average                       Average                    Average
                                          Average               Yield/  Average               Yield/ Average            Yield/
                                          Balance      Interest  Rate   Balance    Interest    Rate  Balance    Interest Rate
                                          -------      --------  ----   -------    --------    ----  -------    -------------
                                                                     (Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
                                                                                                
   Loans (1)                              $112,288     $  9,040  8.05% $115,608    $  9,001    7.79% $108,771    $7,731  7.11%
   Investment securities                    15,728          675  4.29    23,408       1,289    5.51    24,544     1,754  7.15
   Other interest-earning assets             6,046          222  3.67     6,424         319    4.97     7,592       362  4.77
                                             -----          ---  ----     -----         ---    ----     -----       ---  ----
    Total interest-earning assets          134,062        9,937  7.41   145,440      10,609    7.29   140,907     9,847  6.99
   Non-interest earning assets               5,719                        5,033                         2,795
                                             -----                        -----                         -----
                                                                                            
Total assets                              $139,781                     $150,473                      $143,702
                                          ========                     ========                      ========

Interest-bearing liabilities:
   Non-interest bearing dem
    and deposits                          $    239         --     --    $   286         --      --   $    836      --    --
   Interest-bearing demand deposits          7,483          266  3.55     7,301         259    3.55     7,793       268  3.44
   Savings deposits                          1,641           43  2.62     2,975          92    3.09     6,227       212  3.40
   Time deposits                            97,042        5,451  5.62    99,716       5,862    5.88    77,333     3,322  4.30
                                            ------        -----  ----    ------       -----    ----    ------     -----  ----
   Total deposit accounts                  106,405        5,760  5.41   110,278       6,213    5.63    92,189     3,802  4.12
   FHLB advances &
     other borrowings                       23,529        1,277  5.43    29,725       1,813    6.10    40,526     1,978  4.88
                                            ------        -----  ----    ------       -----    ----    ------     -----  ----
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     129,934        7,037  5.42   140,003       8,026    5.73   132,715     5,780  4.36
   Non-interest-bearing liabilities          2,677                        2,125                         2,043
   Retained earnings and
     stockholder's equity                    7,170                        8,345                         8,944
                                             -----                        -----                         -----
Total liabilities &
     retained earnings                    $139,781                     $150,473                      $143,702
                                          ========                     ========                      ========

Net interest income                                    $  2,900                    $  2,583                      $4,067
                                                       ========                    ========                      ======
Interest rate spread(3)                                          1.99%                         1.56%                     2.63%
                                                                 ====                          ====                      ==== 
Net interest margin(4)                                           2.16%                         1.78%                     2.89%
                                                                 ====                          ====                      ==== 
Ratio of average interest-earning
    assets to average interest-bearing
    liabilities                                                  1.03%                         1.04%                     1.06%
                                                                 ====                          ====                      ==== 
- ----------------------------------------


(footnotes on following page)

                                       40





(1)    Includes non-accrual loans.
(2)    Includes interest-earning deposits and FHLB of Atlanta stock.
(3) Interest rate spread represents the difference  between the average yield on
interest-earning  assets and the average cost of  interest-bearing  liabilities.
(4)  Net   interest   margin  is  net  interest   income   dividend  by  average
interest-earning assets.

- ----------------------------

Rate/Volume  Analysis:  The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information
regarding  changes in interest income and interest  expense of Federal Trust for
the  periods  indicated.  For  each  category  of  interest-earning  assets  and
interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to
(i) change in rate (change in rate  multiplied by prior volume,  (ii) changes in
volume multiplied by prior rate and (iii) changes in rate-volume (change in rate
multiplied by change in volume).



                                               Three Months Ended            Year Ended December 31, 1996        
                                                 March 31, 1997                        vs. 1995                  
                                                    vs. 1996                  Increase (Decrease) Due to         
                                       ----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                          Rate/                                    Rate/         
                                       Rate    Volume    Volume     Total     Rate     Volume     Volume    Total
                                       ----    ------    ------     -----     ----     ------     ------    -----
                                                                    (In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
                                                                                      
   Loans(1)                          $  (146)  $    17   $   111   $   (18)  $   315   $  (285)  $   (19)  $    38
   Investment securities                  23        (8)       (1)      (14)     (284)     (423)       93      (614)
   Other interest-earning assets          17       (15)       (6)       (4)      (92)      (19)       15       (96)
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   ------- 
      Total interest-earning assets     (106)       (6)      104        (8)      (61)     (700)       89      (672)
Interest -bearing liabilities:
   Non-interest bearing
         demand deposit              $  --     $  --     $  --     $  --     $  --     $  --     $  --     $  --   
   Interest bearing demand deposits        1        10      --          11         5         7        (3)        9 
   Savings deposits                     --           3      --           3      --         (35)     --         (35)
   Time Deposits                         (65)      (79)        2      (142)     (265)     (190)       28      (427)
      Total deposit accounts             (64)      (72)        2      (134)     (260)     (218)       25      (453)
      FHLB advances &
         other borrowings                  9        30         2        41      (151)     (368)      (16)     (535)
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   ------- 
         Total interest-bearing
          liabilities                    (55)      (42)        4       (93)     (411)     (586)        9      (988)
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   ------- 
Net change in net interest income
 before provision for loan losses    $   (51)  $    36   $   100   $    85   $   350   $  (114)  $    80   $   316 
                                     =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   ======= 
                                                                                                                   
(1)      Includes non-accrual loans.








                                           Year Ended December 31, 1995
                                                    vs. 1994
                                            Increase (Decrease) Due to
                                       ----------------------------------
                                                          Rate/
                                       Rate     Volume   Volume     Total
                                       ----     ------   ------     -----
                                                (In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
                                                           
   Loans(1)                          $   761   $   484   $    48   $ 1,293
   Investment securities                (403)      (81)       19      (465)
   Other interest-earning assets          24       (56)       (4)      (35)
                                      -------   -------   -------   -------
      Total interest-earning assets      383       347        63       793
Interest -bearing liabilities:
   Non-interest bearing
         demand deposit              $  --     $  --     $  --     $  --
   Interest bearing demand deposits       19       (17)       (1)        1
   Savings deposits                      (51)     (112)       27      (136)
   Time Deposits                       1,433       874       249     2,556
      Total deposit accounts           1,401       745       275     2,421
      FHLB advances &
         other borrowings                470      (516)     (125)     (171)
                                      -------   -------   -------   -------
         Total interest-bearing
          liabilities                  1,871       229       150     2,250
                                      -------   -------   -------   -------
Net change in net interest income
 before provision for loan losses    $(1,488)  $   118   $    87   $(1,457)
                                      =======   =======   =======   =======
- -------
(1)      Includes non-accrual loans.


                                                          41






Liquidity and Capital Resources

         General.  Financial  institutions must ensure that sufficient funds are
available to meet deposit  withdrawals,  loan commitments,  investment needs and
expenses.  Control of the  Company's  cash flow  requires  the  anticipation  of
deposit  flows and loan  payments.  The  primary  sources  of funds are  deposit
accounts, FHLB advances and principal and interest payments on loans.

         The  Company  requires  funds  in the  short  term to  finance  ongoing
operating expenses, pay liquidating deposits,  purchase temporary investments in
securities and invest in loans.  Short-term  liquidity  requirements  are funded
through FHLB  advances,  the sale of temporary  investments,  deposit growth and
loan principal  payments.  The Company requires funds in the long-term to invest
in  loans  for  its  portfolio,  purchase  fixed  assets  and  provide  for  the
liquidation  of  deposits  maturing in the  future.  Management  has no plans to
significantly  change  long-term  funding   requirements.   Long-term  liquidity
requirements  are funded with proceeds from maturing  loans,  the sale of loans,
the sale of investments in securities and deposits and the sale of real estate.

         OTS regulations require the Bank to maintain a daily average balance of
liquid assets equal to a specified percentage (currently 5%) of net withdrawable
deposit accounts and borrowings payable in one year or less. Federal regulations
currently require that each member institution maintain short-term liquid assets
of at least 1% of its net withdrawable  deposit accounts and borrowings  payable
in one year or less.  Generally,  management seeks to maintain its liquid assets
at comfortable levels above the minimum  requirements imposed by its regulators.
At March 31, 1997, the Company's average liquidity was 9.50%.

         During the  three-month  period ended March 31, 1997,  the Company used
funds  primarily from principal  collected on loans,  $4,408,212;  proceeds from
FHLB  advances,  $2,450,000;  proceeds  from  the  sale  of real  estate  owned,
$219,772;  proceeds from loan sales,  $699,248;  advance  payments by borrowers,
$332,847; and cash from operating activities,  $294,957; to fund the origination
and purchase of loans, $8,163,721;  decreases in net deposits,  $2,392,859;  and
the purchase of FHLB Stock $174,300. As of March 31, 1997, there was $27,250,000
outstanding FHLB advances.  The Company's total borrowing capacity with the FHLB
of Atlanta is currently $35,000,000.

         At March 31, 1997,  loans-in-process,  or closed loans  scheduled to be
funded over a future period of time, totaled  $1,407,473.  Loans committed,  but
not closed,  totaled  $4,253,667 and available lines of credit totaled $172,453.
During the  three-month  period ended March 31, 1997, the Company  acquired $6.6
million net in primarily residential mortgage loans.

         The Company  expects its current  central  Florida  office  facility to
generate sufficient deposits to provide liquidity for expected loan originations
and other investments.  The Asset/Liability Management Committee meets regularly
and, in part,  reviews  liquidity  levels to ensure that funds are  available as
needed.

         At March 31, 1997, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature by March
31, 1998, or sooner totaled $73.2 million.  Management believes that the Company
can adjust the rates offered for certificates of deposit to retain deposits in a
changing interest rate environment.

                                       42





         At March 31. 1997, the Bank's capital totaled $7.3 million,  or 5.2% of
total assets.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

         The consolidated financial statements and related data presented herein
have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted  Accounting  Principles
("GAAP"),  which  require the  measurement  of financial  position and operating
results  in terms of  historical  dollars,  without  considering  changes in the
relative  purchasing  power of money  over time due to  inflation.  Unlike  most
industrial  companies,  substantially  all of the assets and  liabilities of the
Company  are  monetary  in  nature.  As a  result,  interest  rates  have a more
significant  impact on the  Company's  performance  than the  effects of general
levels  of  inflation.  Interest  rates  do not  necessarily  move  in the  same
direction or in the same  magnitude as the prices of goods and  services,  since
such prices are affected by inflation to a larger extent than interest rates.

Impact of Accounting Requirements

         In June  1996,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 125,  "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial  Assets
and Extinguishments of Liabilities".  SFAS 125 provides accounting and reporting
standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of
liabilities.   Those  standards  are  based  on  consistent   application  of  a
financial-components  approach  that  focuses on control.  Under that  approach,
after a transfer of financial  assets,  an entity  recognizes  the financial and
servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred,  de-recognizes
financial  assets  when  control  has  been   surrendered,   and   de-recognizes
liabilities when extinguished. SFAS 125 is effective for transfers and servicing
of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities  occurring after December
31, 1996, and is to be applied prospectively. In December 1996, the FASB amended
SFAS 125 to delay the  effective  date of certain  provisions of the standard to
transfers  occuring  after  December 31, 1997.  The Company  adopted SFAS 125 as
amended on January 1, 1997,  and does not  anticipate  a material  impact on its
operations  or  financial  position  from the  implementation  of SFAS  125,  as
amended.

         In February 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standards No.
128, "Earnings Per Share".  SFAS 128 establishes new standards for computing and
presenting  earnings per share (EPS) and applies to entities  with publicly held
common stock. In effect,  this statement  simplifies the standards for computing
EPS  previously  addressed in APB Opinion No. 15, by making them  comparable  to
international  EPS standards.  SFAS 128 replaces the presentation of primary EPS
with a presentation of basic EPS and it also requires dual presentation of basic
and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement for all public entities with
complex capital structures. In addition, the statement requires a reconciliation
of the numerator and denominator  used to compute basic EPS. SFAS 128 supersedes
APB Opinion No. 15 and the AICPA  Interpretations  thereon and is effective  for
financial  statements  issued for periods  ending after  December 15, 1997.  The
standard also requires the restatement of all prior-period EPS data presented in
the  financial  statements.  The Company  adopted SFAS 128 as of January 1, 1997
and, therefore, did not incorporate the disclosure requirements of this standard
in its December 31, 1996,  consolidated  financial statements.  The Company does
not anticipate a material  impact on its  operations or financial  position from
its implementation during the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997.


                                       43





                                    BUSINESS

The Company

         General.  Federal Trust is a Florida corporation which was organized in
February  1989 as a unitary  savings and loan  holding  company.  Federal  Trust
currently  operates  solely through its  wholly-owned  subsidiary  Federal Trust
Bank, a federally-chartered stock savings bank. The address for Federal Trust is
1211 Orange Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789 and the telephone number is (407)
645-1201. At March 31, 1997, the Company had total consolidated assets of $140.0
million and stockholders' equity of $ 7.3 million.

         Throughout the first five years of its existence the Company focused on
a wholesale  thrift  strategy by  purchasing  loans and  engaging in real estate
development  and  related  activities,  such as mortgage  brokerage,  commercial
construction and office building  management  operations.  During 1990 and 1991,
the Company  emphasized the origination of larger  commercial real estate loans,
land acquisition and development loans and commercial construction loans some of
which were  outside its market  area.  The Company  relied  heavily on wholesale
deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances to fund loans. The Company
grew rapidly between 1989 and 1992.  This rapid growth  resulted  primarily from
the  acquisition of the assets and  liabilities of the First Federal of Seminole
Savings and Loan  Association from the Resolution  Trust  Corporation,  in April
1992,  which added $78.0 million in loans and $120.2  million in deposits.  From
December  31, 1989 to December 31, 1993,  the  Company's  total assets grew from
$24.3 million to $146.9  million.  During this same period,  the Company  posted
increases  in net income,  which rose from a loss of $310,000 in 1989 (its first
full year of operations) to $776,000 in 1993.

         The  Company's  initial  strategy  to attract  deposits  was to utilize
wholesale funds, i.e.,  certificates of deposit obtained through the CD Network.
This business plan was  implemented to avoid overhead  expenses  associated with
branch facilities,  which are traditionally used to generate deposits. Wholesale
deposits,  however,  are generally  considered  to be a more volatile  source of
funds.  At the time the CD Network  program was started,  interest rates paid on
wholesale funds were lower than interest rates being paid on local deposits.  At
December 31, 1993,  deposits  totaled $78.8  million,  of which $26.1 million or
33.1% were obtained through the CD Network. Beginning in 1993, however, interest
rates on wholesale funds began to increase,  resulting in a higher cost of funds
to the  Company.  At the same time the Company had made the decision to become a
more retail oriented financial institution focussing its attention on generating
local deposits.  As of March 31, 1997, deposits totaled $103.7 million, of which
$3.0 million or 2.9% were obtained through the CD Network.

         Since  1993,  the  Company has  undertaken  measures  to  significantly
restructure  the Company.  These measures  include  strengthening  management by
hiring  executives with extensive  banking  experience for the positions of CEO,
CFO and CLO. Several other senior and mid-level positions have been restructured
to better  utilize  staff  experience.  The Company  established a Special Asset
Department to handle the  disposition and resolution of  non-performing  assets.
The Company developed stricter lending policies and procedures, and improved the
internal loan review and classification  process.  In addition,  the Company has
implemented  a series of cost cutting moves that include  staff  reductions  and


                                       44





operational streamlining with specific emphasis in the areas of occupancy,  data
processing,  and  servicing  costs while  maintaining  focus on  providing  high
quality customer service.  The final  restructuring of the Company was completed
in May  1997,  when the  Board of  Directors  of the  Bank  was  elected  by the
Shareholders  as the Board of Directors of Federal  Trust,  further  emphasizing
Federal Trust's commitment to focus all of its attention and resources on making
the Bank a community  oriented  financial  institution in order that the Company
can reach its full valuation and maximize shareholder value.

         The Company's current operating  strategy focuses on banking strategies
which include bulk  loan/asset  purchases,  loan  origination,  and core deposit
generation in its local community. While the Company originates residential real
estate  loans,  the  practice of the Company is to purchase  $2.0 million to $10
million  dollars in loan packages  which are primarily  seasoned  one-year ARMs.
Each  loan  package  is  reviewed  to  determine  if the loans  comply  with the
Company's  Loan  Underwriting  Policy.   Variable  rate,  short-term  loans  and
adjustable rate loans are offered to help manage interest rate risk. The Company
has been successsful in its business  strategy in making the shift from reliance
on wholesale funds to attracting funds from its local market. The Company offers
a number  of  deposit  products  such as  regular  checking,  statement  savings
account,  money market account and its new  "Advantage"  checking  account which
provides for free checks, unlimited checkwriting,  no per check charge, ATM card
availability,  free  cashiers  checks,  among  other  features.  The  Company is
currently working on a new business account and an Advantage Plus account.

         In order to further  expand its deposit base and control the  Company's
interest-rate  spread,  the senior  management  team is exploring cost effective
market penetration opportunities such as the acquisition of or starting of a new
branch facility in one of the outlying communities in the greater Orlando market
area. The ability to accomplish  this strategy will be subject to the lifting of
the current growth  restrictions by the OTS. The OTS will also consider  factors
such as earnings,  capital,  management and Company  Reinvestment  Activities as
part of the approval process.

Supervision

         The  Company  is  subject  to  extensive  regulation,  supervision  and
examination  by the OTS,  its primary  federal  regulator,  and by the FDIC with
regard to the insurance of deposit  accounts.  Such  regulation and  supervision
establishes a comprehensive  framework of activities in which a savings and loan
holding  company and its financial  institution  subsidiaries  may engage and is
intended  primarily  for the  protection  of the  deposit  insurance  funds  and
depositors.

         The  first  significant   supervisory  concerns  regarding  the  Bank's
operation  and  underwriting  policy were cited by the OTS in the December  1992
examination.  In May  1993,  the OTS and the  Bank  entered  into a  Supervisory
Agreement   which  was  mainly   directed  at   correcting   loan   underwriting
deficiencies,  limiting certain affiliated party transactions,  including taking
measures to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest in  transactions  with
affiliated  persons,  amending the Bank's main office lease with an affiliate to
more accurately  reflect market rates,  developing  plans for the disposition of
classified  assets,  and better monitoring and documenting of loans to borrowers
to ensure compliance with the Bank's loan to one borrower limits.

                                       45





         In the April,  1994  examination,  the OTS cited  Federal Trust and the
Bank with certain  deficiencies,  many of which  stemmed from  transactions  and
loans which occurred or were made prior to 1993. Management of Federal Trust and
the Bank  consented  to the  issuance  of  individual  Cease and Desist  Orders,
without  admitting or denying that grounds for such Orders  existed.  The Bank's
Order superseded the 1993 Supervisory Agreement with the OTS.

         Under  Federal  Trust's  Order,   Federal  Trust:  (i)  cannot  request
dividends  from the Bank  without  written  permission  from the OTS;  (ii) must
reimburse  the Bank for its  expenses;  and  (iii)  must  develop  a  Management
Services  Agreement  with the Bank  which  provides  for the  reimbursement  for
employees who work for both the Bank and Federal Trust. The Board must report to
the OTS, on a quarterly basis, Federal Trust's compliance with the Order.

         The Bank's Order  provides  for the Board of Directors  to, among other
items:  (i) develop,  adopt and adhere to policies and  procedures to strengthen
the Bank's  underwriting,  administration,  collection and foreclosure  efforts;
(ii)  review and revise  underwriting  policies  and  procedures  to comply with
regulatory  requirements;  (iii) record  minutes of the loan committee and grant
loans only pursuant to procedures that comply with regulatory requirements; (iv)
record  minutes of the loan  committee and grant loans only on terms approved by
the loan  committee;  (v)  develop  and  implement  a written  plan to  collect,
strengthen and reduce the risk of loss for all real estate owned and for certain
loans  at risk and  secured  by real  estate;  (vi)  comply  with  policies  and
procedures  requiring written inspection of development and construction  loans;
(vii) pay no more than market rate,  determined by a rent study  approved by the
OTS, for lease of the Bank's offices;  (viii) make no payment of taxes owed by a
person affiliated with the Bank; (ix) seek a Management  Services  Agreement for
work performed for Federal Trust by Bank  employees;  (x) develop and submit for
approval a  three-year  business  plan;  (xi) comply with loans to one  borrower
policy;  (xii) make no capital distribution to Federal Trust without the consent
of the OTS; and (xiii) refrain from purchasing additional dual indexed bonds.

         The Orders  require  Federal  Trust and the Bank to establish  separate
Compliance  Committees.  The Compliance  Committees  meet monthly to review,  in
detail,  the terms of the Orders to ensure that the respective  companies are in
compliance  with  their  Orders.   The  Bank  also  contracted  with  a  company
specializing in the review of internal control systems and operating  procedures
of financial  institutions,  including  compliance  with  internal  policies and
procedures to ensure that the Bank was in compliance with its Order.

         The most  recent OTS  examinations  of Federal  Trust and the Bank were
completed in September,  1996. The examination of the Bank included a review and
evaluation   of   capital,    asset   quality,    management,    earnings,   and
liquidity-asset/liability management. While the examination concluded that there
had been modest  improvement in the overall  condition of the Bank, and that the
Bank met the FDICIA definition of a well-capitalized institution,  Federal Trust
and the Bank needed to  establish a plan for raising  additional  capital due to
the level of classified  assets.  The OTS noted that while classified assets had
declined 37.0% from the prior  examination,  classified assets still represented
6.3% of total  assets and  continued  to have an adverse  effect on earnings and
capital.

                                       46





The  examination  did not disclose any  violations of the Bank's  Order,  law or
regulation.  The Board of  Directors  of Federal  Trust and the Bank  authorized
management to file written appeals regarding the respective  supervisory ratings
and to request that the Bank's Order be lifted in whole or in part.

         On December 20, 1996, the OTS Regional  Director  advised Federal Trust
that the OTS had decided to upgrade its supervisory rating. As for the Bank, the
OTS Regional Director noted that there was an overall  improvement in the Bank's
operations  including  underwriting  procedures,  documentation,  disposition of
problem assets, significant reduction in the dependency on wholesale funds and a
continued  reduction in  operating  expenses.  As a result,  the OTS reduced the
number of provisions in the Bank's Order from 27 to 23.

         Since the  issuance  of the 1993  Supervisory  Agreement,  the  overall
management  of the Bank  has  been  strengthened  with  the  hiring  of James V.
Suskiewich  as the  CEO/President  in January  1993,  the addition of a new CFO,
Aubrey H. Wright,  Jr., in June 1993, the  reorganization of the Loan Department
and the  establishment  of  improved  underwriting  systems,  coupled  with  the
addition of Louis E.  Laubscher as the new  CLO/Senior  Problem Asset Officer in
March,  1995. This  transition  carried over to Federal Trust in June 1996, when
James Suskiewich was named President and CEO of Federal Trust.

         The Board of Directors and  management of the Company  believe that the
necessary  corrective  measures  are being  taken to ensure  that the Company is
being  operated  prudently  and that the level of  classified  assets  are being
carefully  monitored and managed in order to provide for the steady reduction of
classified and  non-performing  assets. The Board of Directors of the Company is
committed to taking the appropriate  steps to have the respective  Orders lifted
as soon as possible  and to assist the  management  in its efforts to making the
Company a more traditional financial institution with consistent core earnings.

          Under the growth  limitations  that accompany the Orders,  the Company
cannot increase its total assets during any quarter in excess of an amount equal
to net interest credited on deposit  liabilities during the quarter.  Management
expects that the interest income of the Company will continue to be limited,  so
long as the current growth  limitations  remain in place.  Management,  however,
does not believe that Orders,  or the current  growth  limitations,  will have a
material impact on the financial condition of the Company.

Primary Market Area

         The  Company  is located in Winter  Park,  a city of 24,000  residents,
located approximately seven miles northeast of downtown Orlando.  Winter Park is
in the heart of the greater  metropolitan Orlando area which encompasses Orange,
Seminole, Lake, and Osceola Counties in Central Florida. The total population of
the four county  area is  estimated  at 1.4  million,  with the  majority of the
population in Orange and Seminole counties. The Company's primary market area is
Northeast  Orange County and Southwest  Seminole  County,  although its customer
base  comes  from  the four  county  area.  Although  best  known  as a  tourist


                                       47





destination,  with approximately 20 million visitors a year, the area has become
a center for industries such as electro-optics  and lasers,  computer  simulated
training,  computer networking and data management.  In addition, motion picture
production,  and  distribution  make the local  economy  more diverse each year.
Orlando is home to the Orlando  Magic,  one of the newer NBA  franchises  and is
also home to the University of Central Florida with an enrollment of 25,000, one
of the  fastest  growing  schools  in the state  university  system,  as well as
Valencia  Community  College  and  Seminole  Community  College  whose  combined
enrollment  exceeds  80,000.  Winter Park is also home to Rollins  College,  the
oldest  college in Florida  founded in 1885.  According to The Orlando  Sentinel
newspaper,  the greater  metropolitan Orlando area is projected to be one of the
fastest growing areas in the United States through the year 2000.

Competition

         The Company  experiences  substantial  competition  in  attracting  and
retaining  deposits and in lending  funds.  The primary  factor in competing for
deposits is interest  rates.  Direct  competition  for deposits comes from other
savings   institutions  and  commercial  bank  holding   companies.   Additional
significant  competition  for  deposits  comes  from  corporate  and  government
securities  and money market funds.  The primary  factors in competing for loans
are  interest  rates and loan  origination  points.  The  Company  is  currently
competing  aggressively,  due to the current  level of interest  rates,  for the
origination  of   construction   and  permanent   residential   mortgage  loans.
Competition  for  origination  of real estate  loans  normally  comes from other
savings  institutions,   commercial  banks,  bank  holding  companies,  mortgage
bankers, insurance companies and real estate investment trusts.

         In addition to competition from other savings institutions, the Company
faces  significant  competition  from other  financial  services  organizations.
Commercial  banks  continue to compete  for loans and  deposits,  while  finance
companies and credit unions compete in the important  areas of consumer  lending
and deposit gathering. Additionally,  nontraditional financial service providers
such as  brokerages,  mutual  funds and  insurance  companies  have  intensified
competition for savings and investment dollars in recent years.

         Consolidation  within the banking  industry,  and in particular  within
Florida,  has been dramatic.  As of September 30, 1996, the four largest banking
institutions in the state controlled  approximately 70% of the bank deposits. In
1980, the four largest controlled less than 33% of the deposits.

         Geographic  deregulation  has also had a material impact on the banking
industry.  Recent  legislation  in Florida and on the national level will remove
most of the final  barriers to  interstate  banking.  Under  Florida  Law,  bank
holding companies are permitted to acquire existing banks across state lines. As
of June 1, 1997,  a bank  holding  company may now  consolidate  its  interstate
subsidiary banks into branches and merge with a bank in another state, depending
upon state laws.
See "REGULATION AND SUPERVISION - Interstate Branching".


                                       48





Lending Activities

         General. The Company's primary lending activity is the acquisition and,
to a more limited extent, the origination of conventional loans for the purchase
or  construction  of residential  real estate,  which loans are secured by first
liens on such  property.  Conventional  loans are loans which are not insured by
the  Federal  Housing  Administration  ("FHA") or  partially  guaranteed  by the
Veterans Administration ("VA"). Within this category, the largest portion of the
Company's  loans  are  made  to  homeowners  on the  security  of  single-family
dwellings. The Company has also, to a lesser extent, made commercial real estate
and consumer loans. The Company also makes SBA loans secured by real estate.

         Loan Portfolio  Composition.  Single-family  residential loans comprise
the largest group of loans in the Company's loan portfolio,  amounting to $100.6
million  or 87.8% of the total loan  portfolio  as of March 31,  1997,  of which
approximately  98.4% are first mortgage loans and includes $2.5 million in loans
for the  construction  of  single-family  homes and  $900,000  which are  either
insured by the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") or partially guaranteed by
the  Department  of  Veterans  Administration  ("VA").  The  percentage  of  the
Company's loan portfolio  consisting of  single-family  residential  real estate
loans has remained stable during the past few years.

         In addition,  commercial real estate loans and land loans,  amounted to
$11.9  million  or 10.4% of the  total  loan  portfolio  as of March  31,  1997.
Commercial  real estate loans consist of $11.0 million of loans secured by other
non-residential property and $900,000 of loans secured by undeveloped land as of
March 31, 1997. The  percentage of the Company's  loan  portfolio  consisting of
such  loans has,  in the past five  years,  ranged  from 19.5% of the total loan
portfolio, in 1990, to 9.8% of the total loan portfolio in 1996. As of March 31,
1997,  consumer and other loans,  consisting  of  installment  loans and savings
account loans, amounted to $153,000 or 0.1% of the total loan portfolio.




                           [Intentionally Left Blank]

                                       49







         The following table sets forth  information  concerning the Bank's loan
portfolio by type at the dates indicated.

                                     At March 31,                         At December 31,
                                  ----------------   --------------------------------------------------------
                                         1997              1996                1995                 1994
                                  ----------------   -----------------    --------------      ---------------
                                             %  of               %  of             %  of                 %  of
                                  Amount     Total   Amount      Total    Amount   Total      Amount     Total
                                  ------     -----   ------      -----    ------   -----      ------     -----
                                                                                      (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                     
Mortgage loans:
   Commercial                    $ 11,931    10.54% $ 11,295     10.04%   13,112   11.61%     14,675     13.20%
   Residential                     98,074    86.63%   97,718     86.82%   97,613   86.46%     88,984     80.03%
   Residential construction
       conventional                 2,547     2.25 %   3,795      3.37 %    1,667   1.48 %     1,342       1.2%
                                    -----     ----     -----      ----      -----   ----       -----      -----   
   Total mortgage loans           112,552    99.42 % 112,808    100.23 %  112,392  99.55 %   105,001     94.44%
    Commercial loans                1,239     1.09 %   1,349      1.20 %    1,443   1.28 %       891      0.80 %
    Consumer loans                    153     0.13 %     154      0.14 %      180   0.16 %       503      0.45 %
     Lines of credit                  711     0.63 %     686      0.60 %    1,258   1.11 %     2,385      2.15 %
     In substance foreclosure        --       0.00 %      --      0.00 %      --     --        3,592      3.23 %
                                  -------   ------   -------    ------    ------- ------     -------    ------  

     Total loans receivable       114,655   101.27 % 114,997    102.17 %  115,273 102.10 %   112,372    101.07 %

Net premium on mortgage
     loans purchased                1,202     1.06 %   1,155      1.03 %      987   0.87 %     1,460      1.31 %
   Deduct:
   Unearned discounts &
     loan origination fees             42     0.04 %     170      0.15 %      104   0.09 %       149      0.13 %
   Undisbursed portion of loans     1,408     1.24 %   1,902      1.69 %    1,190   1.05 %       525      0.47 %
   Allowance for loan losses        1,193     1.05 %   1,533      1.36 %    2,060   1.83 %     1,975      1.78 %
                                    -----     ----     -----      ----      -----   ----       -----      ----  

Loans receivable, net            $113,214   100.00 %  $112,547  100.00 % $112,906 100.00 %  $111,183    100.00 %
                                 ========   ======    ========  ======   ======== ======    ========    ======  



                                       50







         The following table sets forth as of March 31, 1997, loans by scheduled
due date for the periods  indicated.  Loans  maturing after one year are further
distinguished between fixed and adjustable interest rates.



                                                  Within            1-5             After
                                                  1 year           years           5 years            Total
                                                  ------           -----           -------            -----
                                                                      (In thousands)

                                                                                              
     Mortgage loans:
         Permanent                          $        6,665    $       6,145        $   96,202      $   109,012
         Construction                                3,795             -               -                 3,795
                                                   -------        ---------       ----------        ----------
         Total mortgage loans                       10,460            6,145            96,202          112,807

         Consumer loans                                148                6             -                  154
         Commercial loans                              632              602               116            1,350
         Lines of credit                               540              146             -                  686
                                              ------------    -------------    --------------     ------------
         Total loans receivable             $       11,780    $       6,889        $   96,318       $  114,997
                                            ==============     ============         =========        =========


       Loans maturing after one year:
          Fixed interest rates                                  $     3,860       $    18,103
         Adjustable interest rates                                    3,039            78,215
                                                                  ---------        ----------
         Total                                                  $     6,899      $     98,318
                                                                  =========        ==========


         Scheduled  contractual principal repayments of loans do not reflect the
actual life of such assets. The average life of loans is substantially less than
their average  contractual  terms due to prepayments.  In addition,  due-on-sale
clauses on loans  generally give the Company the right to declare a conventional
loan  immediately  due and payable in the event,  among other  things,  that the
borrower  sells the real  property  subject to the  mortgage and the loan is not
repaid.  The average  life of mortgage  loans tends to increase,  however,  when
current  mortgage  loan rates are  substantially  higher  than rates on existing
mortgage loans and,  conversely,  decrease when rates on existing  mortgages are
substantially higher than current mortgage loan rates. As of March 31, 1997, the
Company had $ 3.5 million in construction loans, all of which mature in one year
or less.  Thirteen percent (13%) of the construction  loans have fixed rates and
87% have adjustable rates.









                                       51





                  Purchase,   Origination,  and  Sale  of  Loans.  Historically,
Florida  has  experienced  a rate of  population  growth in  excess of  national
averages.  However,  the real estate development and construction  industries in
Florida have been sensitive to cyclical  changes in economic  conditions and the
demand for and supply of residential  units.  The Company's real estate mortgage
loan  origination  activities  will be  affected  by changes in the real  estate
development and construction industries.

                  The  Company's  residential  real  estate loan volume has been
primarily purchased since 1991. The Company generally purchases loan packages of
$2.0 million to $10.0 million of single family  residential  mortgages which are
primarily  seasoned  one-year ARM loans.  Approximately 75% of the single family
residential  mortgages in the Company's loan portfolio are secured by properties
located  in  Florida.  While the  Company  prefers  to  purchase  loan  packages
comprised of Florida real estate,  because of pricing and the limited  number of
Florida loan packages that are available,  the Company also  purchases  seasoned
loan  packages  outside of Florida,  generally  consisting  of loans in Georgia,
Ohio,  South  Carolina  and  Virginia.   The  loan  packages  undergo  the  same
underwriting standards as are applied to loans which the Company originates.

                  The Company generally  originates loans on real estate located
in its  primary  lending  area of Central  Florida.  Residential  mortgage  loan
originations  by the Company are  attributable  to  depositors,  other  existing
customers,  advertising  and referrals from real estate brokers and  developers.
The Company has  authority  within  regulatory  limitations  to originate  loans
secured by real  estate  throughout  the United  States and has  exercised  this
authority in the past on a limited  basis.  The Company's  residential  mortgage
loans  generally are  originated to ensure  compliance  with  documentation  and
underwriting standards which permit their sale to Fannie Mae and other investors
in the secondary market.  The Company has engaged in the sale of whole loans and
participations.

                  The  Company  utilizes  the  sale  of  fixed  rate  loans  and
purchases of ARM loans to improve its interest  rate  sensitivity  and to ensure
its future interest margin against adverse economic conditions created by rising
interest rates.  Sale of fixed rate loans can also provide liquidity and profits
under certain market conditions.

                  Commercial  real  estate  loan  originations  have  been  made
recently on a limited basis through walk-in customers,  and referrals.  All loan
applications  are  evaluated  by staff to ensure  compliance  with  underwriting
standards.   See  "Lending  Activities  -  Loan  Portfolio  Composition  -  Loan
Underwriting Policies."


                          [Table Follows On Next Page]

                                       52






         The following table sets forth for the Company total loans  originated,
purchased, sold and repaid during the periods indicated.




                                        Three Months
                                       Ended March 31,                         Year Ended December 31,
                                    --------------------      ---------------------------------------------------
                                      1997           1996       1995          1994         1993          1992
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                (In thousands)
                                                                                        
Originations:
   Real Estate Loans:
   Loans on existing property       $  1,474        3,655     $  3,354     $  3,739     $  5,600        4,586
   Construction loans                    100          621          186        1,466        1,500        2,891
   Commercial loans                     --            663          100          148        1,196          369
   Lines of credit                      --           --             74          154          933        2,143
   Consumer & other loans               --            515           47           54          275          123
                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
   Total loans originated              1,574        5,454        3,761        5,561        9,504       10,112
Purchases:                             6,590       25,082       29,005       36,913       22,880       77,988
   Total loans originated
      & purchased                      8,164       30,536       32,766       42,474       32,384       88,100
Sales and principal reductions         
   Loans sold                           (689)      (7,761)      (2,704)      (4,356)     (30,084)     (11,992)
   Principal on loan reductions       (5,368)     (24,490)     (23,380)     (19,829)     (29,392)     (31,884)
                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
      Total loans sold
         & principal reductions       (6,057)     (31,251)     (26,084)     (24,185)     (59,476)     (43,876)
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Real estate acquired in settlement
   of loans                           (2,350)        (861)      (3,780)      (2,629)         --           --
Loans acquired in settlement of
   real estate sold                     --          1,300          --           --           --           --
Increase (decrease) in loans
   receivable (before net items)    $   (243)    $   (276)    $  2,909     $ 15,660    $ (27,092)    $ 44,224
                                    ========     ========     ========     ========     ========     ========






                                       53






      Loan   Underwriting.   Lending  activities  are  subject  to  underwriting
standards and loan origination  procedures  prescribed by the Board of Directors
and  management.  Loan  applications  are obtained to determine  the  borrower's
ability  to repay,  and the more  significant  items on these  applications  are
verified   through  the  use  of  credit  reports,   financial   statements  and
confirmations.  The  Company's  lending  policy for real estate loans  generally
requires  that  collateral  be appraised by an  independent,  outside  appraiser
approved by the Board of Directors.

      Loans are approved at various  management  levels up to and  including the
Bank's Board of Directors,  depending on the amount of the loan.  Loan approvals
are made in accordance with a Chart of Delegated Authority approved by the Board
of  Directors.  Generally,  loans less than  $250,000 are approved by authorized
officers or loan  underwriters.  Loans in excess of $250,000 to $350,000 require
the concurrence of two or more authorized officers.  Loans over $350,000 usually
require approval by the Loan Committee or Board of Directors.

      While the Company has always had underwriting  standards and loan policies
for its lending programs, the management team has established an internal and an
external loan review process to ensure that the underwriting  standards and loan
policies are being followed.

      General Lending Policies.  The policy of the Company for real estate loans
is to have a valid mortgage lien on real estate  securing a loan and to obtain a
title  insurance  policy  which  insures the  validity and priority of the lien.
Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance policies prior to closing,  and when
the property is in a flood prone area,  flood  insurance is required.  Most real
estate  loans also  require  the  borrower to advance  funds on a monthly  basis
together  with each  payment of  principal  and  interest  to a mortgage  escrow
account  from which  disbursements  are made for items such as real estate taxes
and property insurance.

      The Company is permitted to lend up to 100% of the appraised  value of the
real  property  securing  a  mortgage  loan.   However,   if  the  amount  of  a
conventional,  residential loan (including a construction  loan or a combination
construction  and permanent  loan)  originated or refinanced  exceeds 90% of the
appraised value,  the bank is required by federal  regulations to obtain private
mortgage  insurance  on that  portion of the  principal  amount of the loan that
exceeds 80% of the appraised  value of the property.  The Company will originate
single-family residential mortgage loans with up to a 95% loan-to-value ratio if
the required  private  mortgage  insurance  is obtained.  Loans over 95% loan to
value  ratio are  limited to special  community  support  programs or one of the
Federal  Housing  Administration,   Veterans  Administration,  or  Farmers  Home
guarantee or insurance programs.  The loan-to-value ratio on a home secured by a
junior lien  generally  does not exceed 90%,  including  the amount of the first
mortgage on the collateral.  With respect to home loans granted for construction
or combination construction/permanent financing, the bank will lend up to 95% of
the  appraised  value of the property on an "as  completed"  basis.  The Company
generally  limits  the  loan-to-value  ratio  on  multi-family  residential  and
commercial  real estate loans to 80% of value.  Consumer loans are considered to
be loans to natural  persons for  personal,  family or household  purposes,  and
these loans may be unsecured,  secured by personal  property or secured by liens
on real estate which,  when aggregated  with prior liens,  equals or exceeds the
appraised value of the collateral property.

                                       54






      The maximum amount which the Company could have loaned to one borrower and
the borrower's  related  entities as of March 31, 1997, was  approximately  $1.0
million.  The Company  currently  has two loan  relationships  in excess of this
amount. See "REGULATION AND SUPERVISION - Regulation of the Bank."

      Federal  regulations also permit the Company to invest,  in the aggregate,
up to four times its regulatory  capital in loans secured by  non-residential or
commercial real estate.  As of March 31, 1997, the Company was allowed to invest
an aggregate  amount up to $28.9 million in  non-residential  or commercial real
estate  loans.  As of March  31,  1997,  loans  secured  by  non-residential  or
commercial real estate totaled $11.9 million.

         Interest rates charged on loans are affected principally by competitive
factors, the demand for such loans and the supply of funds available for lending
purposes.  These factors are, in turn, affected by general economic  conditions,
monetary  policies  of the federal  government,  including  the Federal  Reserve
Board, legislative tax policies and government budgetary matters.

      Residential  Loans. The Company  historically has been and continues to be
primarily a purchaser  and, to a lesser  extent,  an originator  of  one-to-four
family  residential  real  estate  loans  secured by  properties  located in the
southeastern  United States.  The Company  generally  purchases loan packages of
$2.0 million to 10.0 million of single-family residential mortgages comprised of
seasoned  one-year ARM loans.  The loan packages  undergo the same  underwriting
standards  as are  applied to loans which the  Company  originates.  The Company
currently  originates  fixed-rate  residential mortgage loans and ARMS loans for
terms of up to 30 years.  As of March 31, 1997,  $100.6  million or 87.8% of the
Company's total loan portfolio  consisted of one-to-four family residential real
estate  loans.  As of such date,  approximately  $83.9 million or 82.7% of these
loans were ARM loans and $17.5  million or 17.3% of the  residential  loans were
fixed-rate.

      The residential  ARM loans  currently  being offered,  have interest rates
that are  fixed  for a period of one,  three or five  years  and then  after the
initial period,  the interest rate is adjusted annually based upon an index such
as the yield on  Treasury  Securities  adjusted to a one-year  maturity,  plus a
margin.  Most of the  Company's  ARM  lending  programs  limit the amount of any
increase or decrease in the interest rate at each  adjustment  and over the life
of the loan.  Typical  limitations  are 2% at each adjustment with a limit of 6%
over the life of the loan. The Company may offer ARM loans with different annual
and life of loan interest change limits,  shorter or longer  adjustment  periods
and  different  base  indices  as may be  appropriate  to  meet  market  demand,
portfolio needs, and the Company's  interest rate risk management  goals.  While
the Company  usually  offers an initial rate on ARM loans below a fully  indexed
rate, the loan is always  underwritten based on the borrower's ability to pay at
the interest rate which would be in effect after  adjustment  of the loan.  Some
ARM loans include features that allow the borrower, under special conditions, to
convert the loan to a fixed rate at the then prevailing market rates.

      ARMs loans  reduce the risks to the bank  concerning  changes in  interest
rates,  but  involve  other  risks  because  as  interest  rates  increase,  the
borrower's  required  payments  increase,  thus  increasing  the  potential  for
default.  Marketability of real estate is also affected by the level of interest
rates.

                                       55





      Most fixed rate home loans are originated for 30 year amortization  terms.
Borrowers  requesting a term of 15 years or less are usually granted an interest
rate slightly lower than is offered for a 30 year amortizing  loan.  These loans
are  originated  to  ensure  compliance  with   documentation  and  underwriting
standards  which  permit  their sale in the  secondary  market to  institutional
investors such as the Federal  National  Mortgage  Association  ("Fannie  Mae").
Fixed-rate  home loans  include a "Due on Sale" clause  which  provides the bank
with the  contractual  right to declare the loan  immediately due and payable in
the event the borrower transfers ownership of the property without the Company's
consent. It is the Company's policy to enforce "Due on Sale" provisions.

      Construction  Loans. The Company has and continues to offer adjustable and
fixed-rate  residential  construction loans to owners wishing to construct their
primary  residence  and to  selected  builders/developers  to build  one-to-four
family   dwellings  in  the  Company's   primary  market  area  and  neighboring
communities.  As of March  31,  1997,  construction  lending  amounted  to $ 3.5
million or 3.1% often total loan portfolio. Loans to builders/developers are for
homes  that are  pre-sold  or are  constructed  on a  speculative  basis  ("Spec
Loans").  Loans to builder for the  construction of a home for which there is no
end  buyer  at the  time  of  construction  are  considered  speculative  loans.
Construction loans to individuals  usually are originated in connection with the
permanent    loan    on   the    property    ("construction-permanent    loan").
Construction/permanent  loans typically  provide for a construction  term of six
months  to one year  followed  by the  permanent  loan  term of up to 30  years.
Speculative  builder  loans are  typically for one year and provide for interest
only payments during the loan term. The financial  capacity of the builder,  the
builder experience and credit history of the builder, as well as, present market
conditions  are reviewed when  considering  speculative  loans.  As of March 31,
1997, the Company had four Spec Loans for an aggregate of $462,000.  The largest
loan to one  builder  was  $180,000.  All of the Spec  Loans are  performing  in
accordance with their original terms.

      Loan advances to borrowers during construction are made on a percentage of
completion  basis, and funds are typically  disbursed in four to six draws after
an  inspection  is made  by  Company  personnel  and/or  authorized  independent
inspectors  and after a written  report of  construction  progress is  received.
Construction  financing is generally  considered  to involve a higher  degree of
risk of loss than long-term  financing on improved,  owner-occupied real estate.
Risk of loss on a  construction  loan is dependent  largely upon the accuracy of
the initial  estimate of  construction  cost and of the initial  estimate of the
property's value upon completion. During construction, a number of factors could
result in delays and cost overruns. If the estimate of construction costs proves
to be  inaccurate,  funds may be  required  to be  advanced  beyond  the  amount
originally committed to complete  construction.  If the estimate of value proves
is high,  the Company may be confronted  with a project  having a value which is
insufficient to assure full payment. Repayment of construction loans to builders
of single family homes usually depends upon the builder successfully negotiating
a sale for the property.  Sales of homes are affected by market  conditions  and
the supply and demand for such products.

      Consumer Loans. Federal regulations permit the Company to make secured and
unsecured  consumer loans up to 35% of the Bank's  assets.  Although the Company
has few consumer loans, management considers consumer lending to be an important
component of its future  strategic  plan.  The Company  makes  various  types of


                                       56





consumer loans, primarily home equity loans and second mortgages. Consumer loans
are  originated  in order to  provide  a wide  range of  financial  services  to
customers  and to create  stronger ties to its customers and because the shorter
term  and  normally  higher  interest  rates on such  loans  help  increase  the
sensitivity of interest earning assets to changes in interest rates and maintain
a profitable  spread  between the  Company's  average loan yield and its cost of
funds.  The terms of  consumer  loans  generally  range  from one to ten  years.
Underwriting   standards  for  consumer  loans  include  an  assessment  of  the
applicant's  payment  history  on  other  debts  and  ability  to meet  existing
obligations  and  payments  on the  proposed  loans.  Although  the  applicant's
creditworthiness  is a primary  consideration,  the  underwriting  process  also
includes a comparison of the value of the security, if any, to the proposed loan
amount.  Consumer loans generally  involve more credit risks than mortgage loans
because of the type and  nature of the  collateral  or  absence  of  collateral.
Consumer  lending  collections  are  dependent  on  the  borrower's   continuing
financial  stability,  and are  likely  to be  adversely  affected  by job loss,
divorce and illness.  Furthermore,  the application of various federal and state
laws,  including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the
amount  which can be  recovered on such loans.  In most cases,  any  repossessed
collateral for a defaulted  consumer loan will not provide an adequate source of
repayment of the outstanding loan balance.  Management  believes that the yields
earned on consumer loans are  commensurate  with the credit risk associated with
such loans.  The Company intends to continue to increase its investment in these
types of loans. As of March 31, 1997, consumer loans amount to $ 152,795 or 0.1%
of the total loan portfolio.

      Commercial  Real Estate  Loans.  Commercial  real estate loans are secured
primarily  by  office,  warehouse  and  retail  business  properties  located in
Florida.  These types of loans  amounted to $ 11.9 million or 10.4% of the total
loan portfolio as of March 31, 1997. Commercial loans may be for an amortization
term of up to 30 years, but frequently  include a maturity in seven to 15 years.
The Company also offers  multi-family real estate loans which are collateralized
primarily  by  garden  style  apartments  located  in  Florida.  Commercial  and
multi-family  loans are usually  originated  with an interest  rate that adjusts
based upon an index such as the prime rate or the yield on  Treasury  Securities
adjusted to a maturity of one, three or five years.  The Company  generally does
not offer fixed-rate commercial real estate or multi-family loans.

      Commercial   and   multi-family   real  estate  are   originated   with  a
loan-to-value  ratio not exceeding  80%.  Loans on this type of collateral  will
continue to be a part of the Company's future lending  programs.  Commercial and
multi-family real estate loans are generally larger and involve a greater degree
of risk than  residential  mortgage loans.  Because payments on loans secured by
commercial  properties  depend to a large  degree on results of  operations  and
management  of the  properties,  repayment  of such  loans may be  subject  to a
greater  extent to adverse  conditions in the real estate market or the economy.
At March 31,  1997 the  largest  commercial  real  estate  loan was  $1,957,806,
secured by a motel complex located in Orlando, Florida. The loan is current. The
largest  multi-family  real estate loan is  $360,722,  secured by a  multi-story
retirement facility located in Orlando, Florida. The loan is current.

      Commercial  Loans. The Company's  commercial loans are business loans that
are not secured by real estate.  At March 31, 1997, the largest  commercial loan
was  $380,889  to a  smoker/grill  manufacturer  in Macon,  Georgia,  secured by
inventory.  The owner of the smoker/grill  company is related by marriage to the


                                       57





former  Chairman and President of Federal  Trust.  The Loan is current,  but has
been classified as Doubtfull. The Company does not anticipate making these types
of commercial  loans in the future;  rather the Company is focusing more on real
estate based  commercial  loans in its primary market area, which are guaranteed
in part by the SBA or the Farmers Home  Administration  ("FmHA").  Through 1996,
the Company originated three SBA loans. These loans are underwritten  consistent
with the Company's  policies,  but may include a higher loan balance relative to
the value of collateral than commercial  loans  originated  without a government
guarantee. These lending programs help small businesses to develop and/or expand
and are an  important  tool in helping  meet the credit  needs of the  Company's
lending area.

      The Company is currently not a delegated SBA underwriter,  but anticipates
that in the  future  it  will  apply  for  and  receive  such  SBA  designation.
Applications  for  SBA  or  FmHA  guaranteed  or  insured  loans  are  carefully
underwritten and include an analysis of the borrower's  business plan, the value
of  collateral,  financial  capacity,  the experience of the borrower and market
conditions.  The Company requires personal  guarantees from the borrower as part
of the terms of the loan. After the underwriting  review, a complete application
is  submitted  to  the  appropriate  agency  which  in  turn  performs  its  own
underwriting  analysis  and makes a credit  decision  authorizing  guarantee  or
insurance of the loan. The SBA usually  guarantees up to 75% of a loan, and some
programs of FmHA provide guarantees up to 90% of the loan. Loans with government
guarantees  may be  originated  with fixed or  adjustable  rates;  however,  the
Company usually originates these loans with adjustable rate terms.  Amortization
terms for such loans are  commensurate  with the  business  purpose and expected
life of the collateral.  Real estate secured loans are usually offered for terms
up to 25 years.  SBA/FmHA  guaranteed  loans are originated on fully  amortizing
terms without a shorter  maturity date and balloon  payment  requirement.  As of
March 31,  1997,  SBA  guaranteed  loans  amount  to $  910,782  or 0.81% of the
Company's total loan portfolio.

      Income from Lending  Activities.  Fees are earned in connection  with loan
commitments and  originations,  loan  modifications,  late payments,  changes of
property  ownership and for  miscellaneous  services  related to its loans.  The
Company also  receives  fees for  servicing  loans sold to others.  At March 31,
1997,  the Company was  servicing  $8.4 million of loans of others.  Income from
these activities  varies from period to period with the volume and type of loans
originated,  sold and  purchased,  which in turn is  dependent  upon  prevailing
mortgage  interest  rates  and  their  effect  on the  demand  for  loans in the
Company's market area.

      Loan fees typically are charged at the time of loan origination and may be
a flat fee or a percentage of the amount of the loan.  Under current  accounting
standards  such fees cannot  typically be  recognized as income and are deferred
and taken into income over the contractual life of the loan, using a level yield
method.  If a loan is prepaid or  refinanced,  all remaining  deferred fees with
respect to such loan are taken into income at that time.

      Non-performing  Loans and Real Estate Owned. When a borrower fails to make
a required  payment on a loan,  the  Company  attempts to collect the payment by
contacting the borrower. If a payment on a loan has not been received by the end
of a grace period (usually 15 days from the payment due dated), notices are sent
at that time,  with  follow-up  contacts  made  thereafter.  In most cases,  the
delinquencies are cured promptly.  If the delinquency exceeds 90 days and is not
cured through  normal  collection  procedures,  the Company will  institute more


                                       58





formal measures to remedy the default, including the commencement of foreclosure
proceedings.  The Company will attempt to negotiate with the delinquent borrower
to establish a satisfactory payment schedule.

      If foreclosure  is completed,  the property is sold at a public auction in
which the Company may participate as a bidder.  If the Company is the successful
bidder,  the acquired  real estate  property is then  included in the  Company's
"real estate  owned"  account until it is sold.  The Company is permitted  under
federal  regulations  to  finance  sales  of real  estate  owned  by  "loans  to
facilitate",  which may involve  more  favorable  interest  rates and terms than
generally would be granted under normal underwriting guidelines. As of March 31,
1997, the Company had no loans to facilitate.

      Loans  are  placed  on  non-accrual   status  when,  in  the  judgment  of
management,   the  probability  of  collection  of  interest  is  deemed  to  be
insufficient  to warrant further  accrual.  When a loan is placed on non-accrual
status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is deducted from interest income.
As a matter of  policy,  interest  is not  accrued  on loans past due 90 days or
more.

      Real estate  acquired as a result of  foreclosure  or by  deed-in-lieu  of
foreclosure  is classified as real estate owned until it is sold.  When property
is  acquired,  it is recorded  at the lower of cost or fair market  value at the
date of acquisition,  less estimated selling costs and any write-down  resulting
therefrom is charged to the allowance for losses on loans.

      On March 31, 1997, the Company reached agreement with a borrower to accept
a  deed-in-lieu  of  foreclosure,  which  resulted in a  substandard  loan being
transferred  to real  estate  owned at its net book value of $2.3  million.  The
property consists of 44 unsold condominium units, which have been, and currently
are being rented.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the units,  which
are part of a 60 unit condominium  complex in northeast Florida,  and will begin
marketing the units in the second quarter of 1997.  Until such time as the units
are sold, the majority of the units will be rented,  with one or two held vacant
for sale, in order to generate income from the property. The Company has engaged
a local management  company and are preparing the individual units for sale. The
Company plans to sell the units individually, but will consider bulk sale. As of
the date of this  Prospectus  the  Company  had ____ sales and _____ units under
contract. Based on current market conditions, the Company expects to recover its
investment. The rental income on the property is currently generating net income
to the Company of $ $20,000 per month, which will change as the units are sold.












                                       59





      The  following  table  sets  forth  for the  Company  certain  information
regarding  non-accrual  loans  and real  estate  owned,  including  in-substance
foreclosures,  the ratio as such loans and real estate  owned to total assets as
of the date  indicated,  and certain  other  related  information.  There was no
troubled debt  restructuring  or accruing loans more than 90 days  delinquent at
any of the dates presented.



                                                As of March 31,                  As of December 31,
                                                ---------------   -----------------------------------------------
                                                       1997       1996      1995       1994       1993       1992
                                                ---------------   -----------------------------------------------
                                                                       (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                             
Non-accrual loans:
     Commercial                                      $  548     $  548     $2,457     $1,435     $2,058     $1,195
     Residential                                        997        323        800      1,029        704        748
     Residential Construction                          --         --         --         --          333       --
           Total mortgage loans                       1,545        871      3,257      2,464      3,095      1,943
    Commercial loans                                     47         47       --          240       --           64
    Consumer loans                                       30         73         69         77         30         53
     In-substance foreclosures                         --         --          --       3,592        108        298
                                                     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
          Total non-accrual loans                    $1,622     $  991     $3,326     $6,373     $3,233     $2,358
                                                     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======
          Total non-accrual loans to total loans       1.43%      0.88%      2.95%      5.73%      3.39%      1.93%
                                                     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======
          Total non-accrual loans to total assets      1.16%      0.71%      2.37%      4.14%      2.20%      1.69%
                                                     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======
          Total allowance for loss to total
               non-accrual loans                      73.53%    154.69%     61.95%     30.99%     57.22%     54.77%
                                                     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======
Real estate owned:
       Total real estate owned                       $3,612     $1,508     $3,293     $2,891     $  565     $  594
                                                     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======
       Total non-accrual loans and real estate
                owned to total assets                  3.74%      1.79%      4.71%      6.02%      2.59%      2.34%
                                                     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======     ======



                                       60





         If the  non-accrual  loans at March  31,  1997,  had  been  current  in
accordance  with their  original  terms for the entire year (or from the date of
origination if originated during such period), the total interest income on such
loans for the  period  ended  March  31,  1997,  would  have  been  increased
approximately $49,000.

         The $997,000 of non-accruing  single-family residential permanent loans
at March 31, 1997,  consists of 19 loans,  which have an average loan balance of
approximately   $52,000.   No  loan  exceeds  $134,000.   The  Company  had  one
non-accruing  land  acquisition and  development  loan at March 31, 1997, in the
amount of $547,930.

         At March 31,  1997,  the  Company had $3.6  million in REO  acquired by
foreclosure (or deed in lieu) consisting of six single family properties with an
average of balance of $42,739,  two vacant land properties zoned commercial with
an average balance of $393,229,  one acquisition and development project with an
average balance of $184,500,  one 44-unit  condominium project with a balance of
$2,350,000 and one developed building lot with a balance of $35,000.

Asset Classification

         The OTS has adopted  various  regulations  regarding  problem assets of
savings  institutions.  The  regulations  require that each insured  institution
review and classify its assets on a regular  basis.  In addition,  in connection
with  examinations  of insured  institutions,  OTS examiners  have  authority to
identify  problem  assets and, if  appropriate,  require them to be  classified.
There are three  classifications for problem assets:  substandard,  doubtful and
loss.   Substandard   assets  have  one  or  more  defined  weaknesses  and  are
characterized  by the distinct  possibility  that the insured  institution  will
sustain some loss if the  deficiencies  are not corrected.  Doubtful assets have
the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the
weaknesses  make  collection  or  liquidation  in full on the basis of currently
existing  facts,  conditions  and  values  questionable,  and  there  is a  high
possibility of loss. An asset classified as loss is considered uncollectible and
of such little  value that  continuance  as an asset of the  institution  is not
warranted.  If an asset or portion  thereof is classified  as loss,  the insured
institution  establishes specific allowances for loan losses for the full amount
of the portion of the asset classified as loss. All or a portion of general loan
loss  allowances   established  to  cover  possible  losses  related  to  assets
classified   substandard   or  doubtful  may  be  included  in   determining  an
institution's  regulatory capital,  while specific valuation allowances for loan
losses  generally  do not  qualify as  regulatory  capital.  Assets  that do not
currently  expose  the  insured   institution  to  sufficient  risk  to  warrant
classification in one of the  aforementioned  categories but possess  weaknesses
are classified as special mention and monitored by the Company.

         At March 31, 1997, the Company had $7.5 million in loans  classified as
Substandard, $513,885 classified as Doubtful, and $47,000 as Loss.

Allowance for Losses on Loans

         The  allowance for loan losses is  established  through a provision for
loan losses charged against income. Loans are charged against the allowance when
management  believes that the  collectibility of the principal is unlikely.  The


                                       61





allowance is an estimated  amount that  management  believes will be adequate to
absorb losses  inherent in the loan portfolio and  commitments to extend credit,
based  on  evaluations  of  its   collectibility.   The  evaluations  take  into
consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio,
overall portfolio quality,  specific problem loans and commitments,  and current
and anticipated  economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability pay.
While  management  uses the best  information  available to recognize  losses on
loans,  future  additions to the allowance may be necessary  based on changes in
economic conditions.

         In  accordance  with SFAS No.  114,  as  amended by SFAS No.  118,  the
Company  records  impairment  in the  value  of its loan as an  addition  to the
allowance for loan losses. Any changes in the value of impaired loans due to the
passage of time or  revisions  in  estimates  are  reported  as  adjustments  to
provision  expense  in  the  same  manner  in  which  impairment  initially  was
recognized.  Adoption of SFAS No. 114, as amended by SFAS No. 118, had no impact
on the level of the overall  allowance for loan losses or on operating  results,
and did not affect the Company's  policies regarding  write-offs,  recoveries or
income recognition.

         Although   management  believes  that  it  uses  the  best  information
available to determine the allowance,  unforeseen market conditions could result
in adjustments and net earnings could be significantly affected if circumstances
differ   substantially   from  the   assumptions   used  in  making   the  final
determination.  Future additions to the Company's allowance for loan losses will
be the result of periodic loan,  property and collateral reviews and thus cannot
be  predicted  in advance.  In  addition,  federal  regulatory  agencies,  as an
integral  part of the  examination  process,  periodically  review the Company's
allowance  for loan losses.  Such  agencies may require the Company to recognize
additions to the allowance  level based upon their  judgment of the  information
available  to them at the time of their  examination.  At March  31,  1997,  the
Company had a total allowance for loan losses of $1.2 million representing 1.05%
of total loans. See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.





                          [Table Follows On Next Page]

                                       62





         The  following  table sets forth  information  regarding  the Company's
allowance for loan losses during the periods indicated.



                                                       Three Months
                                                     Ended March 31,                     Year Ended December 31,
                                               -----------------------------    ------------------------------------------
                                            1997         1996          1996       1995       1994        1993       1992
                                          --------     ---------     --------   --------    --------   --------    ------
                                                                                                 (Dollars In thousands)
                                                                                                   
Allowance at beginning of year          $   1,533    $   2,061    $   2,061   $   1,975   $   1,850   $   1,292   $     359
Charge offs:
     Commercial                              --             71          390         440         400        --          --
     Residential loans                        340            6          794         267           4          27          37
     Residential construction                --           --           --          --          --          --          --
     Consumer loans                          --             39           39        --             5           5        --
                                        ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
          Total loans charged off             340          116        1,223         707         409          32          37
Recoveries                                      3            3          267          13           3        --          --
                                        ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
     Net charge-offs                          337          113          956         694         406          32          37
Provision for loan losses charged to
     operating expenses                        (3)         (18)         280         779         531         590         140
Transfer from allowance for real
     estate owned                            --           --            149        --          --          --          --
General reserves acquired as part of
     loan package purchases                  --           --           --          --          --          --           830
                                        ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Allowance at end of year                $   1,193    $   1,930    $   1,533   $   2,061   $   1,975   $   1,850   $   1,292
                                        =========    =========    =========   =========   =========   =========   =========

Ratio of net charge-offs to average
     loans outstanding                       0.30%        0.10%        0.85%       0.61%       0.37%       0.03%       0.03%
Ratio of allowance to period-end
     total loans, net                        1.05%        1.73%        1.36%       1.83%       1.78%       1.94%       1.06%
Period-end total loans, net             $ 113,315    $ 111,800    $ 112,547   $ 112,906   $ 111,183   $  95,374   $ 122,476
                                        =========    =========    =========   =========   =========   =========   =========
Average loans outstanding, net          $ 113,289    $ 112,492    $ 112,288   $ 115,608   $ 108,771   $ 109,063   $ 124,107
                                        =========    =========    =========   =========   =========   =========   =========





                                       63





                 The  following  table  represents   information  regarding  the
Company's total allowance for losses,  as well as the allocation of such amounts
to the various categories of loans.





                                  At March 31,                              At  December 31,
                                ---------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1997            1996           1995          1994              1993             1992
                                     ----            ----           ----          ----              ----             ----
                                         % of            %  of           %  of         %  of            % of             % of
                                        Loans to        Loans to        Loans to      Loans to         Loans to         Loans to
                                         Total           Total           Total         Total            Total             Total
                                Amount   Loans   Amount  Loans  Amount   Loans Amount  Loans    Amount  Loans    Amount   Loans
                                ------   -----   ------  -----  ------   ------------  -----    ------  -----    ------   -----
                                                                     (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                        
Residential loans               $  421    86.8%   $ 283   88.3% $  415   86.1% $  421   83.6%   $  983   72.6%   $1,076   76.7%
Commercial
 real estate loans
 (Including multi-family loans)    452    11.4%     946    9.8   1,073   11.4   1,318   13.1       772   21.0       178   23.3
Non-mortgage loans                 320     1.8%     304    1.9     573    2.5     236    3.3        95    6.4        38  --
                                ------   -----   ------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----    ------  -----    ------  ----- 
Total allowance for loan losses $1,193   100.0%  $1,533  100.0% $2,061  100.0% $1,975  100.0%   $1,850  100.0%   $1,292  100.0%
                                ======   =====   ======  =====  ======  =====  ======  =====    ======  =====    ======  ===== 




                                       64





Investment Activities

         The Company's  investment in  obligations  of United States  government
agencies  consist of dual indexed  bonds issued by the FHLB.  At March 31, 1997,
the bonds had a market  value of $14.9  million and gross  unrealized  losses of
$1.2 million.  The FHLB bonds have a par value of $16.1 million and pay interest
based on the  difference  between two indices.  The bonds pay interest at the 10
year  constant  maturity  treasury  rate less the three month or six month LIBOR
rate plus a contractual  amount ranging from 2.3% to 4.0%. The Company purchased
the FHLB bonds to offset some of its risk related to its portfolio of adjustable
rate mortgages.  Accordingly,  the bonds subject the Company to a certain degree
of market risk as the indices change with prevailing  market interest rates. The
yields on the dual indexed bonds  generally move in an inverse  relationship  to
the  movement  in yields on the ARMs and as a  result,  offset  some of the risk
related to the movement of interest rates in the loan portfolio.  However,  when
the yield curve is flat, the bonds will generally have yields that are below the
yields on bonds  that  mature or  reprice  in three or six  months,  unless  the
general  level of rates is very low in which case the margin on the bonds  would
reduce or  mitigate  the  effects of a flat yield  curve.  If the yield curve is
inverted,  the bonds will generally  have below market yields.  The Company does
not currently have any investments in hedges to offset the market risk for these
securities.  The effective  rates earned for the portfolio of dual indexed bonds
for 1994,  1995, and 1996 were 7.01%,  5.51%,  and 3.98%,  respectively.  Market
values  for  all  securities  were  calculated  using  published  prices  or the
equivalent at March 31, 1997.

         Based on OTS Thrift Bulletin 65 - Structured  Notes, and other releases
from the OTS, it is the opinion of management that the OTS would prefer that the
savings  institutions  they  regulate  not hold  structured  notes.  The OTS has
directed the Company not to purchase  any  additional  dual  indexed  bonds (see
"BUSINESS - Supervision"), although they continue to be a permissible investment
for savings institutions.

         At December 31, 1996,  1995,  and 1994,  the Company had $7.0  million,
$7.0  million  and $22.8  million  (par  value),  respectively,  in  investments
securities  pledged  to the  FHLB as  collateral  under  its  short-term  credit
agreement with the Company.  On November 30, 1995, the Company  reclassified its
entire  portfolio  of FHLB  bonds  from the  held to  maturity  category  to the
available  for sale  category,  in  accordance  with the guidance  issued by the
Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB),  which  permitted  the one-time
opportunity to reassess the designations of all securities  between November 15,
1995,  and  December  31,  1995.  The  transfer  resulted  in an increase in the
unrealized loss on investment  securities available for sale, net (of the effect
of income taxes) account, a component of stockholders'  equity, to $1,291,699 at
November 30,1995.  In December 1995, the Company sold $7,250,000,  par value, of
the FHLB bonds  maturing in 2003, at a gross loss of $942,500,  which  decreased
the  unrealized  loss on investment  securities  available for sale, net (of the
effect of income taxes) account in stockholder's  equity to $780,937 at December
31, 1995. On April 1, 1996, the Company transferred  $7,000,000 par value of the
FHLB bonds  maturing in 2003 from the available for sale to the held to maturity
category.  During  November,  1996, the Company sold $1,000,000 par value of the
available for sale FHLB bonds that mature in 1998 at a gross loss of $12,344.


                                       65





         The Company must maintain minimum liquidity levels specified by the OTS
which  vary from  time to time.  The  Company  complies  with  such  requirement
primarily  by  maintaining  a  significant  amount of funds in  interest-bearing
deposits at the FHLB of Atlanta and with the qualifying  unpledged  bonds in the
investment   portfolio  that  have   maturities  of  five  years  or  less.  See
"MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS  -  Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources."  Liquidity  may  increase or
decrease  depending upon the yields  available on investment  opportunities  and
upon  management's  judgment  as to the  attractiveness  of such  yields and its
expectation  of the level of yields and its  expectation  of the level of yields
that will be available in the future.  The Company also has an investment in the
common  stock  of the  FHLB of  Atlanta  in  order  to  satisfy  its  membership
requirement.




                            [Table Follows This Page]

                                       66





         The  following  table  sets  forth  the  composition  of the  Company's
investments  portfolio  (including  investments  held for  sale) as of the dates
indicated.






                                            At March 31,                          At December 31,
                                              1997                 1996                1995                     1994
                                        -----------------   ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Carrying     % of   Carrying     % of   Carrying       % of     Carrying         % of
                                          Value     Total    Value      Total    Value        Total      Value          Total
                                          -----     -----    -----      -----    -----        -----      -----          -----
                                                (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                                   
Short-term investments:
     Interest-bearing deposits           $ 2,762    14.3%   $ 4,837      22.9%  $    51         0.3%     $ 6,861         20.7%
Debt Securities                             --       --         --        --        --         --           --

     FHLB notes                           15,080    78.3     15.048      71.2    15,918        89.2       24,257         73.2
                                         -------   -----    -------     -----   -------        ----      -------         ---- 
     Orange County tax
        certificates                           1                  6                  19          .1           44          0.1

     Mortgage backed
        securities
     ARM mutual fund Equity securities:
     FHLB stock                            1,428     7.4      1,253       5.9     1,853                    1,975          6.0
                                         -------   -----    -------       ---   -------         ---      -------          --- 
Total . . . . . . .                      $19,096   100.0%   $21,144       100%  $ 1,784         100%     $33,137          100%
                                         =======   =====    =======      ====   =======        ====      =======         ==== 





                                       67





         Investment  Maturities.  The table below sets forth the amortized cost,
fair value, yield and maturity distribution of the Company's investments in debt
securities by type as of March 31, 1995.



                                                    Held to Maturity                       Available for Sale
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Amortized    Fair  Period-End Amortized  Fair     Period -End
                            Cost     Value    Yield      Cost     Value       Yield
                            ----     -----    -----      ----     -----       -----
                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                     
U.S.Government Agencies
   Within 1 year           $ --      $ --      $--      $ --      $ --          --   
   1 to 5 years              --        --       --       9,100     8,774       3.64%

   5 to 10 years            6,306     6,094        4.87   --        --          --
                                                        ------    ------       ----
   More than 10 years        --        --       --        --        --          --
                           ------    ------    -----    ------    ------       ----
     Total                 $6,306    $6,094        4.87 $9,100    $8,774       3.64%
                                     ======    =====    ======    ======       ====



Sources of Funds

         General.  Deposits are the Company's primary source of funds for use in
lending and for other general business  purposes.  In addition to deposits,  the
Company  obtains funds from normal loan  amortization  and  prepayments and from
operations.  Contractual loan payments are a relatively  stable source of funds,
while  deposit  inflows and  outflows  and loan  prepayments  are  significantly
influenced by general market interest rates and economic conditions.  Borrowings
are  also  used on a  short-term  basis  to  compensate  for  seasonal  or other
reductions in normal  sources of funds.  Borrowings may also be used on a longer
term basis to support  expanded lending or investment  activities.  At March 31,
1997, the Company had $22.3 million in FHLB advances  outstanding  which are due
in one year or less.

         Deposits.  The Company has a number of different  programs  designed to
attract  both  short-term  and  long-term  deposits  of the  general  public  by
providing an assortment of accounts and rates.  These programs include statement
savings  accounts,  NOW accounts,  MMDAs and  certificates of deposit  currently
ranging in terms from 91 days to 120 months.

         Deposits are obtained from  residents in the Company's  primary  market
area  and to a much  lesser  extent,  nationwide  via a  computer  network.  The
principal  methods used to attract "in market" deposit accounts include offering
a wide  variety of  services  and  accounts,  competitive  interest  rates and a
convenient  office  location,  including  access to  automated  teller  machines
("ATMs").  The Company  currently does not operate ATM's, but issues cards which
have access to the Honor(R) and other shared ATM networks. The Company generally
does not utilize  brokered  deposits.  The Company  previously  relied on the CD
Network  to  generate  certificates  of deposit  of less than  $100,000.  The CD
Network allows the Company to  electronically  display the rates it is paying on
certificates  of deposit to  investors.  Company  personnel  deal  directly with
investors  who telephone or write for  information  concerning  certificates  of
deposit.  As the  Company  continues  to  evolve  into a  traditional  financial
institution,  it has focused its  attention to  generating  deposits  within the
local  market  area  and has  significantly  reduced  its  dependency  on the CD
Network.  As of March 31, 1997,  deposits  totaled  $103.7 million of which $2.8
million or 2.9% were obtained through the CD Network.

                                       68







         The  following  table  shows the  distribution  of, and  certain  other
information relating to, the Bank's deposits by type as of the dates indicated.
                                            At March 31,                          At December 31,
                                            ------------     ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                1997                1996               1995               1994
                                                ----                ----               ----               ----
                                                     % of                % of              % of                 % of
                                          Amounts  Deposits   Amounts  Deposits  Amounts  Deposits Amounts    Deposits
                                          -------  --------   -------  --------  -------  ----------------    --------
                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                           
Commercial checking accounts
Savings accounts                         $ 170,762     .2%    $    59     .1%     $ 209    0.2%  $     257        0.3%
MMDA's                                     612,477     .6       1,364    1.3      2,158    2.0       4,234        4.2
Now accounts                             7,172,954    6.9       7,429    7.0      6,601    6.1       9,247        9.1
                          Subtotal       1,355,076    1.3         654     .6        675    0.6         857        0.8
                                         9,311,269    9.0       9,506    9.0      9,643    8.9      14,595       14.4
 Certificates of deposit:
     1.00% to 3.99%                        463,973     .4         499     .5      1,219    1.1       5,431        5.5
     4.00% to 4.99%                      2,549,837    2.5       3,077    2.9      2,171    2.0      29,421       29.0
     5.00% to 5.99%                     76,284,827   73.6      78,123   73.5     54,847   50.2      29,165       28.7
     6.00% to 7.99%                     15,116,241   14.6      14,910   14.0     41,311   37.8      22,859       22.5
     8.00% to 9.99%                         -          -          -       -        -       -            46         -
                                    --------------  ------   --------  -----  ---------  -----   ---------      ----- 
     Total Certificates of Deposit      94,414,878   91.0      96,609   91.0     99,548   91.1      86,922       85.6
                                    --------------  ------   --------  -----  ---------  -----   ---------      ----- 
     Total Deposits                 $  103,726,147  100.00%  $106,115  100.0% $ 109,191  100.0%  $ 101,517      100.0%
                                    ==============  ======   ========  =====  =========  =====   =========      ===== 

         The  following  table shows the average  amount of and the average rate
paid on each of the following categories during the periods indicated.
                                             At March 31,                       At December 31,
                                           -----------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1997               1996              1995                 1994
                                                 ----               ----              ----                 ----
                                           Average   Average  Average  Average  Average  Average   Average      Average
                                           Balance    Rate    Balance   Rate    Balance   Rate     Balance       Rate
                                           -------    ----    -------   ----    -------   ----     -------       ----
                                                       (Dollars in thousands)
Commercial checking accounts
 - non-interest
bearing MMDA's and NOW                     $ 8,484    3.72%  $  7,722   3.44%   $ 7,587   3.55%    $ 8,629       3.11%
Statement savings accounts                   1,377    2.61      1,641   2.62      2,975   3.09       6,227       3.40
Certificates of deposit                     94,614    5.49     97,042   5.62     99,716   5.88      77,333       4.30
                                          --------    ----   --------   ----  ---------   ----     -------       ---- 

         Total Deposits                   $104,475    5.31%  $106,405   5.41% $ 110,278   5.63%    $92,189       4.12%
                                          ========    ====   ========   ====  =========   ====     =======       ==== 


                                       69





         The Company's large denomination  ($100,000 and over) deposits included
in certificate accounts mature as follows:

                                    At March 31, 1997
                                    -----------------
                                  Amount       % of Total
                                  ------       ----------
                                  (Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less               $ 5,562       30.4%
Over three months to six  months     3,365       18.4
Over six months to twelve months     5,117       28.0
Over twelve months                   4,242       23.2
                                   -------      -----

                                   $18,286      100.0%
                                   =======      =====


         The  variety  of  deposit  accounts  now  offered  by the  Company  has
increased  the  its  ability  to  retain  deposits  and  has  allowed  it  to be
competitive  in obtaining  new funds,  although the threat of  disintermediation
(the  flow of funds  away  from  savings  institutions  into  direct  investment
vehicles such as government and corporate  securities) still exists. Newer types
of accounts,  however,  have been more costly than  traditional  accounts during
periods of high interest  rates.  The ability to attract and retain deposits and
related cost of funds have been, and will continue to be, significantly affected
by market conditions.

         Management   regularly   reviews   rates   offered  by  other   savings
institutions  in its  market  area and will  adjust  the  rates it  offers to be
competitive with such  institutions.  The Company has generally had to price its
deposit products competively to attract deposits.  The $18.7 million decrease in
1993 resulted from the sale of the Company's  Amelia Island  branch.  During the
year ended December 31, 1996, the Company's deposits decreased $3.1 million.



         The following table sets forth the net deposit flows during the periods
indicate.



               Three Months
                                           Ended March 31,         Years Ended December 31,
                                           ---------------        --------------------------
                                           1997       1996        1996       1995       1994
                                           ---------------        --------------------------

                           (Dollars in thousands)
Net increase (decrease) before interest
                                                                          
  credited                                $(1,509)   $  (604)   $   523    $10,619   $23,902
Less:
  Interested credited                         884        896      3,599      2,945     1,113
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------   -------
Net deposit increase (decrease)           $(2,393)   $(1,500)   $(3,076)   $ 7,674   $22,789
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======   =======




                                       70





         Borrowings.  The Company is permitted to obtain  advances from the FHLB
of Atlanta upon the security of the capital stock of the FHLB of Atlanta it owns
and certain of its home mortgage loans and other assets (principally, securities
which are  obligations  of, or  guaranteed  by, the U.S.  government or agencies
thereof);  provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met.
Such advances may be made pursuant to several  different credit  programs.  Each
credit program has its own interest rate and range of  maturities,  and the FHLB
of Atlanta prescribes the acceptable uses to which the advances pursuant to each
program  may be  made,  as well as  limitations  on the  size of such  advances.
Depending  on  the  program,  such  limitations  are  based  either  on a  fixed
percentage of the Company's  regulatory capital, or its liability for shares and
deposits or on the FHLB's assessment of the Company's creditworthiness. The FHLB
is required to review its credit  limitations  and standards at least once every
six  months.  Prepayment  of FHLB of Atlanta  advances  would  incur  prepayment
penalties.  At March 31,  1997,  the  Company  had $27.3  million in  borrowings
outstanding.



                       [Analysis Table Follows This Page]

                                       71





      The  following  is an  analysis of the  advances  from the FHLB during the
periods indicated:


Amounts outstanding at March 31, 1997:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maturity Date  Rate     Amount        Type
- -------------  ----- -----------   ---------
12/31/97       6.85% $ 4,750,000   Variable Rate
06/28/97       6.01    5,000,000   Fixed Rate
09/16/97       6.01    5,000,000   Fixed Rate
10/16/97       5.86    5,000,000   Fixed Rate
03/04/98       6.02    2,500,000   Fixed Rate
09/15/98       6.12    5,000,000   Fixed Rate
               ----    ---------

Total         6.15%  $27,250,000
              ====    ==========


      Variable rate advances reprice daily and may be repaid at any time without
penalty.  Fixed rate  advances  incur a  prepayment  penalty if repaid  prior to
maturity, and the interest rate is fixed for the term of the advance.





Amounts outstanding at:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996                                                          1995
- ------------------------------------------------------        -------------------------------------------------------
Month-end              Rate               Amount              Month-end             Rate                Amount
- ---------              ----               ------              ---------             ----                ------
                                                                                              
01/31/96               6.12%               $20,500,000        01/31/95              6.21%            $33,400,000
02/28/96               5.81                 19,300,000        02/28/95              6.27              34,400,000
03/31/96               5.77                 22,300,000        03/31/95              6.29              33,400,000
04/30/96               5.77                 23,300,000        04/30/95              6.34              30,100,000
05/31/96               5.74                 24,700,000        05/31/95              6.36              28,100,000
06/30/96               5.80                 25,500,000        06/30/95              6.43              28,600,000
07/31/96               5.93                 22,800,000        07/31/95              6.33              30,600,000
08/31/96               5.78                 24,100,000        08/31/95              6.36              27,700,000
09/30/96               6.05                 25,000,000        09/30/95              6.37              31,100,000
10/31/96               5.98                 24,200,000        10/31/95              6.19              29,700,000
11/30/96               6.01                 23,800,000        11/30/95              6.23              28,600,000
12/31/96               6.18                 24,800,000        12/31/95              5.93              21,000,000



         During the  twelve-month  periods ended December 31, 1996, and December
31, 1995, average advances  outstanding  totaled $23.4 million and $29.7 million
at an average rate of 5.91% and 6.28%, respectively.

         Advances from the FHLB are  collateralized  by loans,  securities,  and
FHLB stock that totaled  approximately  $34.6  million,  $6.3 million,  and $1.3
million, respectively, at December 31, 1996.



                                       72





Federal Trust Subsidiaries

         At March 31, 1997,  Federal  Trust had no  subsidiaries  other than the
Bank. The total equity  investment in the Bank at March 31, 1997 was $6,591,045.
During the first half of 1996, Federal Trust operated two non-bank subsidiaries,
Federal Trust  Properties  Corp.  ("Properties  Corp.") and 1270 Leasing Company
("1270 LC").  Properties Corp. is a Florida  corporation  which was organized in
December 1994.  Properties Corp.  initially owned two-office buildings in Amelia
Island,  Florida, which were sold in December 1995, and a residential site owned
in Augusta,  Georgia, which was sold in February 1996. Properties Corp. was sold
in July 1996 for  $425,354,  consisting  of $60,000 in cash, a note for $60,000,
which was paid on August 8, 1996,  and four notes  totalling  $305,354.  Federal
Trust had $421,698 invested in Federal Trust Properties Corporation ("Properties
Corp.")  at the  time  of the  sale.  The  employment  agreement  of the  former
President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Trust and certain other related
expenses were assumed by Properties Corp. as part of the sale.

         1270 LC was a Florida corporation organized in May 1994. 1270 LC leased
3,096  feet of  office  space in  Winter  Park for  Federal  Trust.  1270 LC was
dissolved when Federal Trust relocated its corporate  headquarters to the Bank's
premises.

Bank Subsidiaries

         Current  OTS  regulations  permit a thrift  to  invest  up to 3% of its
assets in service  corporations,  provided any  investment  in excess of 2% must
serve primarily  community,  inner city or community  development  purposes.  In
addition,  a thrift can invest up to 20% of its net worth in conforming loans to
service  corporations if net worth is equal to the minimum net worth requirement
of the thrift and  scheduled  items do not exceed 2.5% of specified  assets.  At
December 31, 1996, the Bank had one  subsidiary,  FTB Financial  Services,  Inc.
which commenced  operations in 1996. FTB Financial Services,  Inc. is engaged in
the  business of selling  non-FDIC  insured  annuities.  The  operations  of FTB
Financial Services, Inc. to date have been minimal.

Employees

         As of March 31, 1997, Federal Trust had no salaried employees. The Bank
had  26  full-time  employees.  Management  considers  its  relations  with  its
employees to be excellent.  The employees are not  represented by any collective
bargaining group.

         The  Company  currently  maintains  a  comprehensive  employee  benefit
program  providing,  among other  benefits,  hospitalization  and major  medical
insurance,   long-term  disability  insurance,  life  insurance,  and  education
assistance.  In  addition,  on April 1, 1997,  the Company  began  offering  its
employees a 401k Plan. Such employee benefits are considered by management to be
generally  competitive with employee  benefits provided by other major employers
in the Company's market area.


                                       73





Legal Proceedings

         There are no material pending legal  proceedings to which Federal Trust
or the Bank or any  other  subsidiary  of the Bank is a party or to which any of
their property is subject.


                           REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

General

         The banking  industry is highly  regulated  with  numerous  federal and
state  laws and  regulations  governing  its  activities.  As a saving  and loan
holding company,  Federal Trust is subject to examination and the regulations of
the OTS as provided under the Home Owners Loan Act, as amended  ("HOLA").  While
Federal  Trust is a  reporting  company  and files its Form 10-Qs and Form 10-Ks
with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  ("SEC"),  it is currently  not a
registered  company for  purposes of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934 ("34
Act").  As a Florida  Corporation,  Federal Trust is also subject to the Florida
Business  Corporations Act ("Act") and the regulation of the Florida  Department
of State under its authority to administer and implement the Act.

         The Bank is a federally-chartered savings bank and its deposit accounts
are  insured  by the  Savings  Association  Insurance  Fund  ("SAIF")  which  is
administered  by the FDIC. The Bank is subject to examination  and regulation by
the OTS and the FDIC.

         Federal  Trust and the Bank are  required to file  reports with the OTS
and the FDIC concerning their activities and financial  conditions,  in addition
to obtaining  regulatory  approvals prior to entering into certain  transactions
such as mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions.

Regulation of the Company

         Restrictions on the Acquisition of Federal Trust.  Section 1467a of the
HOLA provides that no holding  company,  "directly or  indirectly"  or acting in
concert  with one or more  persons,  or  through  one or more  subsidiaries,  or
through one or more  transactions,  may acquire  "control" of an insured savings
institution at any time without the prior approval of the OTS. In addition,  any
holding  company that acquires such control  becomes a "savings and loan holding
company" subject to registration,  examination and regulation under HOLA and the
regulations promulgated  thereunder.  "Control" in this context means ownership,
control of, or holding proxies  representing  more than 25% of the voting shares
of, an insured institution, the power to control in any manner the election of a
majority  of the  directors  of such  institution  or the  power to  exercise  a
controlling influence over the management or policies of the institution.

         The OTS also has established certain rebuttable control determinations.
An acquiror  must file for approval of control with the OTS or file to rebut the


                                       74





presumptions before surpassing a rebuttable control level of ownership. To rebut
the presumption,  the acquiror must file a submission with the OTS setting forth
the  reasons  for  rebuttal.  The  submission  must be filed  when the  acquiror
acquires  10% or more of any class of voting stock of the savings bank and again
when the  acquiror  acquires  more than 25% of any class of voting  stock of the
savings bank and they have any of the control  factors  enumerated in 12 C.F.R.,
Section 574.4(c) which include but are not limited to: (i) the acquiror would be
one of the two  largest  shareholders  of any  class of voting  stock;  (ii) the
acquiror and/or the acquiror's  representative or nominees would constitute more
than one member of the savings bank's board of directors; and (iii) the acquiror
or nominee or management official of the acquiror would serve as the chairman of
the board of directors,  chairman of the executive  committee,  chief  executive
officer,  chief operating officer,  chief financial  officer,  or in any similar
policy making authority in the savings bank.

         A  rebuttable  presumption  of  concerted  action will occur but is not
limited  to these  situations:  (1) a person  will be  presumed  to be acting in
concert with members of the person's immediate family (which includes a person's
spouse,  father,  mother,  children,  brothers,  sisters and grandchildren;  the
father,  mother,  brother and sisters of the person's spouse;  and the spouse of
the  person's  child,  brother or sister);  (2)  persons  will be presumed to be
acting in concert  with each other  where:  (i) both own stock in a savings bank
and both are also management officials,  controlling shareholders,  partners, or
trustees of another company; or (ii) one person provides credit to another or is
instrumental in obtaining  financing for another person to purchase stock of the
savings bank; and (3) a person will be presumed to be acting in concert with any
trust for which such person or company serves as a trustee.

         Under the FDI Act, a depository  institution of a holding company,  can
be held liable for any loss incurred by, or  reasonably  expected to be incurred
by the  FDIC  in  connection  with  (i) the  default  of a  commonly  controlled
FDIC-insured  depository institution or (ii) 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 or
a receiver and "in danger of default" is defined  generally as the  existence of
certain  conditions  indicating that a default is likely to occur in the absence
of regulatory assistance.

         Payment of Dividends. Federal Trust is a legal business entity separate
and  distinct  from the  Bank.  To date,  the  principal  source of cash flow of
Federal  Trust,  including cash flow to pay cash  dividends,  has been dividends
from the Bank. There are statutory and regulatory  limitations on the payment of
dividends by the Bank. In general,  the ability of the Bank to pay a dividend to
Federal Trust is governed by the OTS's capital distribution regulation.  The OTS
regulation establishes three tiers of savings institutions based primarily on an
institution's  capital  level.  A savings  institution  that  exceeds  all fully
phased-in   capital   requirements   before  and  after  the  proposed   capital
distribution  ("Tier 1 association") and has not been advised by the OTS that it
is in need of more than normal supervision could, after prior notice but without
the approval of the OTS, make capital  distribution during a calendar year equal
to the greater of: (i) 100% of its net income to date during the calendar  year,
plus the amount that would reduce by one-half its "surplus  capital  ratio" (the
excess capital over its fully phased-in  capital  requirements) at the beginning

                                       75





of the calendar  year, or (ii) 75% of the savings  institution's  net income for
the previous four quarters.  Any additional capital  distributions require prior
regulatory approval. Because the Bank is currently operating under an OTS Order,
the Bank is  considered  a Tier 2  association  and is  required  to obtain  OTS
approval  before it can make a capital  distribution to the holding  company.  A
Tier 2 association may make capital  distributions of between 25% and 75% of its
net income over the most recent four-quarter period, depending on its risk-based
capital level. The OTS can prohibit a proposed capital distribution by a savings
institution,  which would  otherwise be permitted by the  regulation  if the OTS
determines  that  such  distribution  would  constitute  an  unsafe  or  unsound
practice. The Bank did not make a capital distribution to Federal Trust in 1995,
1996, or in the first quarter of 1997.

         According  to Federal  Trust's  Order,  Federal  Trust  cannot  request
dividends from the Bank without written  permission from the OTS. It is unlikely
that the Bank will be  permitted  to pay a dividend  to Federal  Trust while the
Orders are in effect.

Regulation of the Bank

         Bills are  introduced  from time to time in the United States  Congress
with  respect  to  the  regulation  of  financial   institutions.   Legislation,
particularly the Financial  Institution Reform,  Recovery and Enforcement Act of
1989 ("FIRREA") and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of
1991 ("FDICIA"),  broadened the regulatory powers of the federal bank regulatory
agencies and restructured the nation's banking system.

         Prompt  Corrective  Action.  The FDICIA  required  the federal  banking
regulatory agencies to set certain capital and other criteria which would define
the category under which a particular financial institution would be classified.
The FDICIA imposes  progressively  more  restrictive  constraints on operations,
management,  and  capital  distributions  depending  on the  category in which a
financial institution is classified.  Among other things, the regulations define
the  relevant   capital  measures  for  the  five  capital   categories.   (well
capitalized,  adequately  capitalized,  undercapitalized,   significantly  under
capitalized and critically under  capitalized).  A savings institution is deemed
to be "well  capitalized"  if it has a total  risk-based  capital  ratio  (total
capital to risk-weighted  assets) of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital
ratio (Tier 1 capital to  risk-weighted  assets) of 6% or greater,  and a Tier 1
leverage  capital  ratio  (Tier 1 capital  to  adjusted  total  assets) of 5% or
greater,  and is not subject to a  regulatory  order,  agreement or directive to
meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.  The OTS has
also established minimum tangible and minimum leverage capital  requirements for
savings institutions. These requirements provide for a minimum ratio of tangible
capital of not less than 1.5% of the savings institutions adjusted total assets.
Tangible  capital is defined as core capital  minus any  "intangible  assets (as
defined by the  regulation).  The  minimum  leverage  capital (as defined by the
regulation) ratio established by the regulation is 3% of adjusted total assets.

         A savings  institution is deemed to be "adequately  capitalized"  if it
has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater,  and (generally) a Tier 1
leverage  capital ratio of 4% or greater,  and the institution does not meet the


                                       76





definition of a "well capitalized" institution.  A savings institution is deemed
to be  "critically  undercapitalized"  if it has a ratio of tangible  equity (as
defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%. In
addition,  the OTS is authorized to downgrade a savings  institution  to a lower
capital category than the savings  institution's  capital ratios would otherwise
indicate,  based upon  safety  and  soundness  considerations  (such as when the
institution has received a less than satisfactory  examination rating for any of
the equivalent CAMELS rating categories). Both the risk-based capital guidelines
and the leverage ratio are minimum  requirements,  applicable  only to top-rated
savings  institutions.  Institutions  operating  at or  near  these  levels  are
expected to have well-diversified risk, excellent asset quality, high liquidity,
good earnings and in general, have to be considered strong banking organizations
and  rated  composite  1 under  the  CAMEL  rating  system  adopted  by the OTS.
Institutions  with lower  ratings and  institutions  with high levels of risk or
experiencing  or anticipating  significant  growth would be expected to maintain
ratios 100 to 200 basis points above the stated minimums.  A savings institution
cannot make a capital distribution such as cash dividends, redemptions and other
purchases of stock,  or pay management fees to any person having control of that
institution,   if  after   doing   so,   the   savings   institution   would  be
undercapitalized.

         Capital  Requirements.  Both OTS and FDIC have promulgated  regulations
setting forth capital requirements  applicable to depository  institutions.  The
OTS capital  regulations  require  savings  institutions  to meet three  capital
standards:  a 1.5%  tangible  capital  ratio  (defined  as the ratio of tangible
capital to adjusted total  assets),  a 3% leverage (core capital) ratio (defined
as the ratio of core  capital to adjusted  total  assets ) and an 8%  risk-based
capital   standard  as  defined  below.   Core  capital  is  defined  as  common
stockholder's  equity  (including  retained  earnings),   certain  noncumulative
perpetual  preferred  stock and related  surplus,  minority  interests in equity
accounts of consolidated  subsidiaries,  certain  goodwill and certain  mortgage
servicing rights less certain intangible assets,  mortgage servicing rights less
certain  intangible  assets,   mortgage  servicing  rights  and  investments  in
nonincludable  subsidiaries.  Tangible  capital is defined in the same manner as
core capital,  except that all intangible  assets  (excluding  certain  mortgage
servicing  rights)  must be deducted.  Adjusted  total assets is defined as GAAP
total assets,  minus intangible  assets (except those included in core capital).
The OTS  regulations  also  require  that in  calculating  the  leverage  ratio,
tangible and risk-based  capital  standards,  savings  institutions  must deduct
investments in and loans to  subsidiaries  engaged in activities not permissible
for a national bank.

         The OTS risk-based capital standard for savings  institutions  requires
that total capital  (comprised of core capital and supplementary  capital) be at
least 8% of  risk-weighted  assets.  In determining  risk-weighted  assets,  all
assets,  including  certain  off-balance  sheet  assets,  are  multiplied  by  a
risk-weight  of 0% to 100%, as assigned by the OTS capital  regulation  based on
the risks OTS believes are inherent in the type of asset. Generally, zero weight
is assigned to risk-free  assets,  such as cash and  unconditionally  guaranteed
United States government securities. A weight of 20% is assigned to, among other
things, certain obligations of United States government-sponsored agencies (such
as the FNMA and the FHLMC) and certain high quality mortgage-related securities.
A weight of 50% is  assigned to  qualifying  mortgage  loans and  certain  other
mortgaged-related Securities,  repossessed assets and assets that are 90 days or
more past due. The components of core capital are equivalent to those  discussed


                                       77





above.  The  components  of  supplementary  capital  include  permanent  capital
instruments (such as cumulative perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible
subordinated debt and perpetual subordinated debt), maturing capital instruments
(such as mandatory convertible subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred
stock) and the allowance for loan and lease losses. Allowance for loan and lease
losses  includable in supplementary  capital is limited to a maximum of 1.25% of
risk-weighted   assets.   Overall,   the  amount  of  capital   counted   toward
supplementary capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital.

         On August 31, 1995,  the OTS issued an interim rule  providing that the
amount  of  risk-based  capital  that may be  required  to be  maintained  by an
institution for recourse assets cannot be greater than the total of the recourse
liability. The interim rule provides that whenever the calculation of risk-based
assets  (including  assets sold with recourse)  would result in a capital charge
greater than the  institution's  maximum recourse  liability on the assets sold,
instead of including the assets sold in the savings institution's  risk-weighted
assets,  the  institution  may  increase its  risk-based  capital by its maximum
recourse liability.  In addition,  qualified savings institutions may include in
their  risk-weighted  assets  for the  purpose of  capital  standards  and other
capital  measure,  only the  amount  of  retained  recourse  of  small  business
obligation transfers  multiplied by the appropriate risk weight percentage.  The
interim rule sets reserve  requirements  and aggregate  limits for recourse held
under the modified treatment. Only well-capitalized  institutions and adequately
capitalized  institutions  with  OTS  permission  may use this  reduced  capital
treatment.

         On August 16,  1996,  the OTS and the other  federal  banking  agencies
jointly proposed to revise their respective risk-based capital rules relating to
treatment of certain  collateralized  transactions.  These types of transactions
generally include claims held by banks (such as loans and repurchase agreements)
that are  collateralized  by cash or securities  issued by the U.S.  Treasury or
U.S.  Government  agencies.  If  adopted,  the  proposal  would  permit  certain
partially  collateralized claims to qualify for the 0% risk category. To qualify
for the 0% risk  category,  the  portion of the claim that will be  continuously
collateralized  must be specified either in terms of dollar amount or percentage
of the claim. For  off-balance-sheet  derivative  contracts,  the collateralized
portion of the transaction  could be specified by dollar amount or percentage of
the current or potential future exposure.

         The OTS has  incorporated  an  interest-rate  component  as part of the
calculation of a savings institution's  regulatory capital. Savings institutions
with "above normal"  interest-rate risk exposure are subject to a deduction from
total capital for purposes of calculating their risk-based capital requirements.
A savings institution's interest-rate risk is measured by the decline in the net
portfolio value of its assets (i.e. the difference between incoming and outgoing
discounted cash flows from assets,  liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts)
that would result from a  hypothetical  200 basis point  increase or decrease in
market  interest  rates (except when the  three-month  Treasury bond  equivalent
yield  falls  below 4%,  then the  decrease  will be equal to  one-half  of that
Treasury  rate)  divided  by  the  estimated   economic  value  of  the  savings
institution's  assets,  as calculated in accordance with guidelines set forth by
the OTS.  A savings  institution  whose  measured  interest-rate  risk  exposure
exceeds 2% must  deduct an  interest-rate  component  in  calculating  its total
capital under the risk-based  capital rule. The interest-rate  risk component is


                                       78





an amount equal to one-half of the difference between the savings  institution's
measured  interest-rate  risk and 2%, multiplied by the estimated economic value
of the savings  institution's  assets.  That dollar  amount is deducted from the
savings   institution's  total  capital  in  calculating   compliance  with  its
risk-based  capital  requirement.  The  interest  rate-risk  rule  includes,  an
assessment  of  exposure  to  declines  in  the  economic  value  of  a  savings
institution's capital due to changes in interest rates. Under the rule, there is
a  three-quarter  lag between the reporting date of an  institution's  financial
data and the effective date for the new capital  requirement based on that data.
Each quarter,  the OTS  calculates a savings  institution's  interest-rate  risk
exposure and advised the savings  institution of any interest-rate  risk capital
component resulting from greater than "normal" exposure.  The rule also provides
that  the  Director  of the OTS may  waive  or  defer  a  savings  institution's
interest-rate  risk  component on a case by case basis.  The OTS,  however,  has
post-pponed  the effective  date of the  interest-rate  component as part of the
calculation of a savings institutions risk-based capital requirement.

         As of March 31, 1997, the Bank's interest-rate risk exposure, according
to OTS calculations, would have been above the threshold requiring an additional
capital component.

         The  FDICIA  also  required  that the OTS (and  other  federal  banking
agencies) revise the risk- based capital  standards with appropriate  transition
rules  to  take  into  account  concentration  of  credit  risks  and  risks  of
nontraditional  activities. The regulations explicitly identify concentration of
credit  risk and  other  risks  from  nontraditional  activities,  as well as an
institution's  ability to manage these risks, as important  factors in assessing
an institution's  overall capital  adequacy.  These regulations do not, however,
contain any specific mathematical formulas or capital requirements.

         At March 31, 1997, the Bank met each of its capital  requirements.  The
following  table sets forth the  regulatory  capital  calculations  at March 31,
1997:



                                    Tangible                    Core                   Risk-Based
                                    --------                    ----                   ----------
                                                       (Dollars in thousands)
                                          Percent                   Percent
                                            of                          of                    Weighted
                              Amount      Assets        Amount       Assets       Amount       Assets
                              ------      ------        ------       ------       ------       ------

                                                                                
Regulatory Capital           $ 6,820       4.90%       $ 6,820        4.90%      $ 7,683       10.27%
Requirement                    2,092       1.50          4,184        3.00         5,986        8.00
                               -----       ----          -----        ----         -----        ----
Excess                       $ 4,728       3.40%       $ 2,636        1.90%      $ 1,697        2.27%
                               =====       ====          =====        ====         =====        ====


         Standards  for  Safety and  Soundness.  The  FDICIA,  as amended by the
Reigle Community  Development and Regulatory  Improvement Act of 1994,  requires
each federal banking agency to prescribe for all insured depository institutions
and their holding companies standards relating to internal controls, information
systems and audit systems,  loan documentation,  credit  underwriting,  interest
rate risk exposure,  asset growth, and compensation,  fees and benefits and such
other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate.  The
OTS and the other federal banking agencies adopted a rule establishing deadlines
for the agencies to submit and review safety and soundness  compliance plans and


                                       79





Interagency  Guidelines  Establishing  Standards for Safety and  Soundness.  The
guidelines  require  savings  institutions  to maintain  internal  controls  and
information  systems and internal  audit  systems that are  appropriate  for the
size,  nature  and scope of the  institution's  business.  The  guidelines  also
establish certain basic standards for loan documentation,  credit  underwriting,
interest  rate-risk  exposure,  and asset growth. The guidelines further provide
that savings  institutions  should maintain safeguards to prevent the payment of
compensation,  fees  and  benefits  that are  excessive  or that  could  lead to
material  financial loss, and that they should take into account factors such as
compensation practices at comparable institutions.  In October 1996, the federal
banking agencies jointly adopted asset quality and earning standards to be added
to the Interagency Guidelines.

         If the OTS determines  that a savings  institution is not in compliance
with the safety and  soundness  guidelines,  it may require the  institution  to
submit an acceptable plan to achieve  compliance with the guidelines.  A savings
institution  is  required  to submit an  acceptable  compliance  plan to the OTS
within 30 days after receipt of a request for such a plan.  Failure to submit or
implement a compliance plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions.

         Insurance of Deposit  Accounts.  The FDIC is the  administrator for the
SAIF and the BIF,  independently  setting insurance  premiums for each Fund. The
Bank's  deposit  accounts are insured by the SAIF. The FDI Act required the FDIC
to  increase  the  reserves  of the SAIF  and the BIF to 1.25% of total  insured
deposits.  The Deposit  Insurance  Funds Act of 1996  ("Deposit  Act")  required
depository  institutions  to pay a  one-time  special  assessment  of 65.7 basis
points on SAIF-insured  deposits held at March 31, 1995 in order to recapitalize
the SAIF to the same level as the BIF. The Bank's pre-tax special assessment was
$716,498. The FDIC applies a risk-based assessment system for insured depository
institutions  that  takes  into  account  the risks  attributable  to  different
categories and concentrations of assets and liabilities.  In accordance with its
rule,  the  FDIC  assigns  a  financial  institution  to  one of  three  capital
categories based on the institution's financial information, as of the reporting
period  ending  seven  months  before  the   assessment   period.   A  financial
institution's  assessment  rate depends on the capital  category and supervisory
category to which it is assigned. There are nine assessment risk classifications
(i.e.,  combinations  of capital  groups  and  supervisory  subgroups)  to which
different  assessment  rates are applied.  Until September 30, 1996,  assessment
rates ranged from 23 basis points on deposits for a financial institution in the
highest category (i.e..  well-capitalized  and financially sound with only a few
minor  weaknesses)  to 31 basis  points on deposits  for an  institution  in the
lowest category (i.e.,  undercapitalized and posing a substantial probability of
loss to the SAIF or the BIF, unless effective  corrective action is taken).  The
Bank's assessment for 1995 and 1996 was 29 basis points on deposits.

         The FDIC in early  December,  1996 adopted a rule that reduced  regular
semi-annual SAIF assessments from the current range of 0.23% - 0.31% of deposits
to a  range  of 0% -  0.27%  of  deposits.  The new  rates  for  SAIF-assessable
institutions  became  effective on January 1, 1997. From October 1, 1996 through
December 31, 1996,  SAIF-assessable  institutions were assessed at rates ranging
from 0.18% to 0.27% of deposits, which represents the amount the FDIC calculated
as necessary to cover the interest due for that period on outstanding  Financing
Corporation  ("FICO")  Bonds  discussed  below.  Effective  October 1, 1996, the


                                       80





Bank's SAIF  insurance  premiums  were  reduced from $0.29 per $100 to $ .17 per
$100 of insured  deposits in January,  1997. The FDIC has notified the Bank that
its assessment  will remain at $.17 oer $100 of insured  deposits for the second
half of 1997.

         The Deposit Act also reduced the burden on SAIF-insured institutions in
paying bonds (the "FICO Bonds")  issued by the FICO,  the entity created in 1987
to finance  the  recapitalization  of the  Federal  Savings  and Loan  Insurance
Corporation,  the SAIF's predecessor insurance fund. Prior to the Deposit Act, a
substantial  amount of the SAIF assessment  revenue was used to pay the interest
due on the FICO Bonds.  Beginning with the semi-annual period after December 31,
1996,  interest  due on FICO Bonds will be covered by  assessments  against both
SAIF and BIF insured  institutions.  Between  January 1, 1997 and  December  31,
1999,  BIF-assessable  deposits  will  be  assessed  at a  rate  of  20%  of the
assessment rate applicable to SAIF-assessable deposits. After December 31, 1999,
FICO assessments are to be shared on a pro rata basis.

         The  Deposit Act also  provides  for the merger of the SAIF and the BIF
into one  "Deposit  Insurance  Fund" on January 1, 1999,  provided  there are no
state or federally chartered  FDIC-insured savings associations existing on that
date.  If the SAIF and the BIF are not  merged,  the Deposit  Act  provides  for
creation of a SAIF Special  Reserve if the reserve ratio of the SAIF exceeds the
designated reserve ratio. The amount by which the SAIF reserve ratio exceeds the
designated  reserve ratio will be deposited into the SAIF Special Reserve.  Like
the DIF  Special  Reserve,  the SAIF  Special  Reserve  would be  available  for
emergency  purposes  if the  reserve  ratio of the SAIF is less  than 50% of the
designated  reserve  ratio and the FDIC  expects the reserve  ratio to remain at
less than 50% of the designated reserve ratio for each of the next four calendar
quarters.  Under the FDIA,  insurance of deposits may be  terminated by the FDIC
upon a finding  that the  savings  institution  has engaged in unsafe or unsound
practices,  is in  such  an  unsafe  or  unsound  condition  so  as  to  warrant
discontinuation  of operations or has violated any  applicable  law  regulation,
rule,  order or condition  imposed by the FDIC or the OTS.  Management  does not
know of any practice,  condition or violation  that might lead to termination of
deposit  insurance.  At March  31,  1997,  the Bank  exceeded  all of the  fully
phased-in capital requirements.

         Brokered  Deposits.  The  FDIC has  adopted  regulations  under  FDICIA
governing  the  acceptance  or  retention  of  brokered  deposits.  Under  these
regulations,  a depository institution cannot accept, rollover or renew brokered
deposits unless (i) it is well capitalized or (ii) it is adequately  capitalized
and  receives a waiver  from the FDIC.  A  depository  institution  that  cannot
receive brokered deposits also cannot offer "pass-through"  insurance on certain
employee  benefit  accounts.  Whether or not it has obtained  such a waiver,  an
adequately  capitalized  depository  institution may not pay an interest rate on
any deposits in excess of 75 basis points over certain  prevailing  market rates
specified  by  regulation.  There  are  no  such  restrictions  on a  depository
institution  that is well  capitalized.  As of March 31,  1997,  the Bank had no
brokered deposits.

         Loans to One Borrower. Under the HOLA, savings institutions are subject
to the same  limits  on loans to one  borrower  as  national  banks.  Generally,
savings  institutions  may lend to a single or related  group of borrowers on an


                                       81





unsecured basis an amount equal to 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus. An
additional  amount may be lent, equal to 10% of unimpaired  capital and surplus,
if such loan is secured by  readily-marketable  collateral,  which is defined to
include  certain  securities  and bullion,  but generally  does not include real
estate.  The calculation of capital  includes the bank's total Tier 1 and Tier 2
capital,  plus the balance of the bank's allowance for loan and lease losses not
included in the total Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. At March 31, 1997, the Bank had
two loans which exceeded the loans to one borrower limit, totaling $3,152,199.

         Qualified  Thrift  Lender  Test  ("QTL").  The  HOLA  requires  savings
institutions to meet a QTL test. The QTL test, requires savings  institutions to
maintain at least 65% of its "portfolio assets" (total assets less (i) specified
liquid assets up to 20% of total assets;  (ii) intangibles,  including goodwill;
and (iii) the value of property  used to conduct  business) in qualified  thrift
investments,  primarily residential mortgages and related investments (including
certain  mortgage-backed and mortgage-related  securities) on a monthly basis in
nine out of every 12 months.

         A savings institution that fails to become or remain a qualified thrift
lender  must  convert to a bank  charter  or be  subject  to  certain  operating
restrictions. A savings institution that fails to meet the QTL test and does not
convert to a bank charter will be prohibited from: (i) making any new investment
or engaging in activities that would not be permissible for national banks; (ii)
establishing any new branch offices where a national bank located in the savings
institution's  home state would not be able to establish a branch office;  (iii)
obtaining new advances from any FHLB;  and (iv) the payment of dividends  except
as limited to the statutory and regulatory dividend  restrictions  applicable to
national banks. Also, beginning three years after the savings institution ceases
to be a qualified  thrift lender,  the savings  institution  would be prohibited
from retaining any investment or engaging in any activity not  permissible for a
national  bank and would be  required to repay any  outstanding  advances to any
FHLB. A savings  institution  may  requalify as a qualified  thrift lender if it
thereafter complies with the QTL test.

         As of March 31,  1997,  the Bank  exceed  the  65.0% QTL  requirements,
maintaining 84.2% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments.

         Interstate  Branching.  Federally  chartered  savings  institutions are
allowed to branch  nationwide  to the extent  allowed by federal  statute.  This
ability permits savings institutions with interstate networks to diversify their
loan portfolios and lines of business.  The OTS authority preempts any state law
purporting to regulate branching by federal savings institutions. Prior approval
of the OTS is  required  for a  savings  institution  to  branch  interstate  or
intrastate.  To obtain  supervisory  clearance  for  branching,  an  applicant's
regulatory capital must meet or exceed the minimum  requirements  established by
law and by the OTS regulations. In addition, the savings institution must have a
satisfactory  record  under the  Community  Reinvestment  Act. The Bank does not
conduct  interstate  branching  operations  and  does  not  plan to do so in the
foreseeable future.

         The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994
("Interstate  Act") eliminated many existing  restrictions on interstate banking
by  authorizing  interstate  acquisitions  of  banks by bank  holding  companies


                                       82





without geographic limitations.  Under the Interstate Act, existing restrictions
on interstate  acquisitions of banks by bank holding  companies were repealed on
September 29, 1995, so that bank holding  companies  located in Florida are able
to acquire any  Florida-based  bank,  subject to certain deposit  percentage and
other  restrictions.  The legislation  also provides that,  unless an individual
state elects before hand either (i) to accelerate  the effective date or (ii) to
prohibit  out-of-state  banks  from  operating  interstate  branches  within its
territory,  on or after June 1, 1997,  adequately  capitalized  and managed bank
holding  companies  will  be  able  to  consolidate.  De  novo  branching  by an
out-of-state  bank would be permitted  only if it is expressly  permitted by the
laws of the  host  state.  The  authority  of a bank to  establish  and  operate
branches  within  a state  will  continue  to be  subject  to  applicable  state
branching  laws. In 1996,  the Florida  Legislature  adopted  legislation  which
permits interstate branching effective June 1, 1997.

         OTS Assessments. Savings institutions are required by OTS regulation to
pay  assessments  to the OTS to fund  the  operations  of the OTS.  The  general
assessment,  to be paid on a  semiannually  basis,  is computed upon the savings
institution's total assets, including consolidated subsidiaries,  as reported in
the  institution's  latest  quarterly  thrift  financial  report.  The Bank paid
$66,255 in OTS assessments for the year ended December 31, 1996.

         Community Reinvestment.  The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 ("CRA")
and the  implementing  regulations  of the  Federal  Reserve  and the  FDIC  are
intended to encourage regulated  financial  institutions to help meet the credit
needs of their local community or communities, including low and moderate income
neighborhoods,  consistent  with the safe and sound  operation of such financial
institutions.  The  CRA  and  such  regulations  provide  that  the  appropriate
regulatory authority will access the records of regulated financial institutions
in satisfying  their  continuing  and  affirmative  obligations to help meet the
credit needs of their local communities as part of their regulatory  examination
of the financial  institution.  The results of such examinations are made public
and are taken into  account  upon the filing of any  application  to establish a
domestic  branch or to merge or to acquire the assets or assume the  liabilities
of a financial  institution.  In the case of a bank or savings and loan  holding
company, the CRA performance recorded of the financial  institutions involved in
the  transaction are reviewed in connection with the filing of an application to
acquire  ownership or control of shares or assets of a financial  institution or
to  merge  with  any  other  bank  or  savings  and  loan  holding  company.  An
unsatisfactory record can substantially delay or block the transaction. The Bank
received a "Satisfactory" CRA Rating in its last CRA Examination.

         On May 4, 1995, the OTS and the other federal banking  agencies adopted
new, uniform CRA regulations that provide guidance to financial  institutions on
their CRA  obligations  and the  methods  by which  those  obligations  would be
assessed and enforced.  The regulations  establish three tests applicable to the
Bank:  (i) a lending test to evaluate  direct  lending in  low-income  areas and
indirect lending to groups that specialize in community lending;  (ii) a service
test to evaluate an institution's  delivery of services to such areas; and (iii)
an  investment  test  to  evaluate  an  institution's   investment  in  programs
beneficial to such areas.  The new CRA regulations  became  effective on July 1,
1995,  but  reporting  requirements  are not  effective  until  January 1, 1997.
Evaluation under the regulations is not mandatory until July 1, 1997. Management


                                       83





believes  that the current  operations  and  policies of the Bank  substantially
comply  with  the  new  regulations  and,  therefore,  no  material  changes  to
operations or policies are expected.

  Federal Home Loan Bank System

         The Bank is a member of the  Federal  Home Loan  Bank  ("FHLB")  System
which consists of 12 regional FHLBs. The FHLB provides a central credit facility
primarily for member institutions. As a member of the FHLB-Atlanta,  the Bank is
required to acquire  and hold shares of capital  stock in that FHLB in an amount
at least equal to 1% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential
mortgage loans and similar  obligations at the beginning of each year, or 1/20th
of its advances  (borrowings) from the FHLB-Atlanta,  whichever is greater.  The
Bank is in compliance  with this  requirement.  FHLB advances must be secured by
specified  types of  collateral  and may be  obtained  only for the  purpose  of
providing funds for residential housing finance.

         The FHLBs are required to provide funds for the resolution of insolvent
savings  institutions and to contribute funds for affordable  housing  programs.
These  requirements  could reduce the amount of dividends  that the FHLBs pay to
their  members  and could also  result in the FHLBs  imposing  a higher  rate of
interest on advances to members. For the year ended December 31, 1996, dividends
paid by the FHLB-Atlanta to the Company  amounted to $129,246.  Should dividends
be  reduced,  or interest  on FHLB  advances  increased,  the  consolidated  net
interest income might also be reduced for the Company. Furthermore, there can be
no  assurance at the value of the  FHLB-Atlanta  stock held by the Bank will not
decrease as a result of any new legislation.

  Federal Reserve System

         The  Federal  Reserve  regulations  require  savings   institutions  to
maintain   non-interest-earning  reserves  against  their  transaction  accounts
(primarily NOW and regular checking  accounts).  The Federal Reserve regulations
generally  require  that  reserves of 3% must be  maintained  against  aggregate
transaction accounts of $52.0 million less (subject to adjustment by the Federal
Reserve),  and an initial  reserve of $1,560,000 plus 10% (subject to adjustment
by the Federal  Reserve  between 11 3/4% and 16 1/4%)  against  that  portion of
total transaction  accounts in excess of $52 million.  The first $4.3 million of
otherwise  reversible  balances  (subject to adjustments by the Federal Reserve)
are exempted from the reserve  requirements.  The Bank is in compliance with the
foregoing requirements. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements
imposed by the  Federal  Reserve may be used to satisfy  liquidity  requirements
imposed by the OTS. Because required  reserves must be maintained in the form of
either  vault cash,  a  non-interest-bearing  account at a Federal  Reserve or a
pass-through  account  as  defined by the  Federal  Reserve,  the effect of this
reserve  requirement is to reduce the Company's  interest-earning  assets.  FHLB
System members are also authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve  "discount
window",  however,  Federal Reserve regulations require  institutions to exhaust
all FHLB sources before borrowing from a Federal Reserve.



                                       84






                                    TAXATION
Federal

         Federal Trust files a consolidated calendar tax year federal income tax
return on behalf of itself and its  subsidiaries.  In previous  years,  the Bank
reported its income and  expenses  using the cash method of  accounting  and the
other companies used the accrual  method.  During 1993, the Bank was required to
switch to the accrual method of accounting  inasmuch as its average annual gross
receipts for the prior three tax years exceeded $5.0 million.

         Savings  institutions  are generally  taxed in the same manner as other
corporations.   Unlike   other   corporations,   however,   qualifying   savings
institutions such as the Bank that meet certain  definitional  tests relating to
the nature of their  supervision,  income,  assets and business  operations  are
allowed  to  establish  a  reserve  for bad debts  and are  permitted  to deduct
additions to that reserve on "qualifying real property loans".

         Until 1996,  savings  institutions that met certain  definitional tests
and  other  conditions  prescribed  by the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986 (the
"Code") relating  primarily to the composition of their assets and the nature of
their  business  activities,  were,  within  certain  limitations,  permitted to
establish and deduct additions to reserves for bad debts in amounts in excess of
those which would otherwise be allowable on the basis of actual loss experience.
A qualifying savings institution could elect annually to compute the addition to
its bad debt  reserve for  qualifying  real  property  loans  (generally,  loans
secured by  interests in improved  real  property)  using mote  favorable of the
following  methods:  (i)  a  method  based  on  the  institution's  actual  loss
experience  (the  "experience  method")  or (ii) a method  based on a  specified
percentage of an institution's taxable income (the "percentage of taxable income
method") and not be bound by the election in any  subsequent  year. The addition
to the reserve for  non-qualifying  loans was required to be computed  under the
experience  method and reduced by the current year's addition to the reserve for
losses on non-qualifying  loans,  unless that addition also was determined under
the experience  method.  The aggregate of the additions to each reserve for each
year was the Bank's annual bad debt deduction for years preceding 1996. The Bank
utilized  either the  percentage  of taxable  income  method and the  experience
method in computing the tax-deductible addition to its bad debt reserves.

         If the percentage of the Bank's specified qualifying assets (generally,
loans  secured by  residential  real estate or deposits,  banker's  acceptances,
educational  loans,  cash,  government  obligations and certain  certificates of
deposit) were to fall below 60% of total assets,  the Bank would not be eligible
to claim further bad debt reserve deductions and would recapture into income all
previously  accumulated  bad debt  reserves.  At December 31,  1996,  the Bank's
qualifying assets were in excess of 60% of total assets.

         The Small  Business Job  Protection Act of 1996 repealed the percentage
of taxable  income  method of accounting  for bad debts for tax years  beginning


                                       85





after 1995. The Bank switched solely to the experience method to compute its bad
debt deduction in 1996 and future years.  The Bank is required to recapture into
taxable  income the  portion of its bad debt  reserves  that exceed its bad debt
reserves  calculated  under the  experience  method  from the Bank's  inception.
Accordingly,  the Bank will have to recapture  approximately $70,000 of bad debt
reserves as a result of this change in the law.

         The recapture amount resulting from the change in method of account for
bad debt reserves generally will be taken into the Bank's taxable income ratably
(on a straight  line basis)  over a six-year  period.  If a savings  institution
meets a residential  loan  requirement for a tax year beginning in 1996 or 1997,
the  recapture  of the  reserves  will be  suspended  for that tax  year.  Thus,
recapture can potentially be deferred for up to two years.

         To the extent that (i) the Bank's reserve for losses on qualifying real
property  loans  exceeds  the  amount  that would  have been  allowed  under the
experience method and (ii) the Bank makes distributions to its stockholders that
are considered to result in withdrawals from that excess bad debt reserve,  then
the amounts withdrawn will be included in the Bank's taxable income.  The amount
considered  to be  withdrawn  by a  distribution  will  be  the  amount  of  the
distribution  plus  the  amount  necessary  to pay the tax with  respect  to the
withdrawal. Dividends paid out of the Bank's current or accumulated earnings and
profits as  calculated  for federal  income tax purposes,  however,  will not be
considered  to  result  in  withdrawals  from  the  Bank's  bad  debt  reserves.
Distributions  in excess of the Bank's  current  and  accumulated  earnings  and
profits,  distributions in redemption of stock, and  distributions in partial or
complete  liquidation  of the Bank will be considered  to result in  withdrawals
from  the  Bank's  bad  debt   reserves.   Because  the  Bank  made  no  capital
distributions  to Federal  Trust during the year, it has no excess loss reserves
that could be subject to these provisions.

         Depending  on the  composition  of its items of income and  expense,  a
savings  institution  may be subject to the  alternative  minimum tax. A savings
institution must pay an alternative  minimum tax equal to the amount (if any) by
which 20% of  alternative  minimum  taxable  income  ("AMTI"),  as reduced by an
exemption  varying with AMTI,  exceeds the regular tax due. AMTI equals  regular
taxable  income  increased by certain tax  preferences,  including  depreciation
deductions  in excess of that  allowable for  alternative  minimum tax purposes,
tax-exempt  interest on most private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986,
(reduced by any related interest  expense  disallowed for regular tax purposes),
the amount of the bad debt reserve  deduction claimed in excess of the deduction
based on the  experience  method  and,  75% of the  excess of  adjusted  current
earnings over AMTI.  The  alternative  minimum tax applicable to tax years after
1986  is   significantly   broader  in  scope  than  the  old  minimum  tax  and
substantially  increases the likelihood that savings  institutions  will have to
pay  alternative  minimum tax. The Bank's  federal income tax returns have never
been examined by the Internal Revenue Service.





                                       86





State

         The State of Florida imposes a corporate  income/franchise tax on banks
and savings  institutions  which  subjects  the Florida  taxable  income of such
institutions to a 5.5% tax (or, if greater,  an alternative minimum tax equal to
3.3%  of  alternative  minimum  taxable  income).   Florida  taxable  income  is
substantially  similar to federal  taxable  income less  $5,000,  except that it
includes  interest  income on obligations of any state or political  subdivision
thereof  which is not otherwise  exempt under  Florida  laws,  and net operating
losses   cannot  be  carried   back  to  prior   taxable   years.   The  Florida
income/franchise  tax may be  reduced  by a credit  equal to the  lesser  of (i)
intangible  tax paid or (ii) 65% of the sum of the  franchise tax due before the
credit and the emergency excise tax due. The Florida franchise tax is deductible
in determining federal tax income.

                                                    MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

         The Boards of Directors of Federal Trust and the Bank currently consist
of five directors,  James V.  Suskiewich,  Aubrey H. Wright,  Jr., Dr. Samuel C.
Certo,  George W. Foster and Kenneth W. Hill.  The Board of Directors of Federal
Trust  are  elected  for a  one-year  term or until  there  successors  are duly
elected, while the Bank's Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with
the members of each class serving three-year terms.

         The following table sets forth information  regarding the directors and
executive officers of Federal Trust and the Bank.



                                        Year Term As
     Name                   Age         Director will Expire                    Position(s)
     ----                   ---         --------------------                    -----------

                                                                                                   
James V. Suskiewich         49          1998(1)/2000(2)           Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
                                                                  Executive Officer of Federal Trust; Chairman of
                                                                  Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                                  the Bank

Aubrey H. Wright, Jr.       50          1998(1)/1998(2)           Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
                                                                  Director of Federal Trust and the Bank; 

George W. Foster            67          1998(1)/2000(2)           Director of Federal Trust and the Bank

Dr. Samuel C. Certo         49          1998(1)/1999(2)           Director of Federal Trust and the Bank

Kenneth W. Hill             63          1998(1)/1999(2)           Director of Federal Trust and the Bank

Louis E. Laubscher          54          (3)                       Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the
                                                                  Bank
(Footnotes on following page)


                                       87





- -------------------

(1)  Year term of director will expire at Federal Trust.
(2)  Year term of director will expire at the Bank.
(3)   Not a director.

- -------------------


     James V.  Suskiewich  has been  Chairman of the Board,  President and Chief
Executive  Officer of Federal  Trust since July 23, 1996,  and the President and
Chief Executive  Officer of the Bank since January 1993. Mr Suskiewich was named
Chairman of the Board of the Bank in May 1996.  Prior to joining  the Bank,  Mr.
Suskiewich,  from 1988 to 1993, was the President and Chief Executive Officer of
First Federal Savings Bank of the Glades.  Mr.  Suskiewich who currently resides
in Apopka, Florida, has over 25 years of banking experience.

     Aubrey H. Wright,  Jr. is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
for Federal  Trust and the Bank.  Mr. Wright joined the Bank in June 1993 as the
Chief Financial Officer and was appointed the Chief Financial Officer of Federal
Trust in April 1994.  From 1991 to 1993,  Mr.  Wright was the  President,  Chief
Executive Officer and a Director of Essex Savings Bank, F.S.B., West Palm Beach,
Florida.  Mr. Wright, who resides in Winter Park, Florida,  has over 30 years of
banking experience.

     George W. Foster is a Director of Federal  Trust and the Bank.  Mr.  Foster
retired from the Bank as a Vice  President  in 1994.  Mr.  Foster  served as the
Chairman of the Board of the Bank from January 1993 to May 1996.  From  December
1990 to January 1993, Mr. Foster was the President and Chief  Executive  Officer
of the Bank.  Mr. Foster has served as the President of Barnett Bank of Seminole
County,  President of the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce and past President
of the American  Safe  Deposit  Association.  Mr.  Foster has been a resident of
Longwood, Florida since 1963.

     Dr. Samuel C. Certo is a Director of Federal Trust and the Bank.  Dr. Certo
was first  elected as a Director of the Bank on January 26, 1996.  Dr. Certo had
served as an advisory director of the Bank since 1993. He is the former Dean and
is  currently a  Professor  of  Management  at the  Crummer  Graduate  School of
Business at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.  Dr. Certo also serves as a
business  consultant  and is an  author  of  several  management  and  strategic
management books. Dr. Certo resides in Longwood, Florida.

     Kenneth  W. Hill is a  Director  of Federal  Trust and the Bank.  Mr.  Hill
became a  director  of the Bank on  January  26,  1996.  He was  formerly a Vice
President and Trust Officer for SunBank,  N.A. from 1983 through 1995. Mr. Hill,
who is now retired, has been a resident of central Florida since 1957.


                                       88





     Louis E.  Laubscher is a Vice  President and Chief  Lending  Officer of the
Bank and oversees the Bank's Lending  Department.  Mr. Laubscher joined the Bank
in February 1995 as a Vice  President and was promoted to Chief Lending  Officer
in January 1996. From 1992 as a Vice President in charge of Problem Assets,  Mr.
Laubscher was a director, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for
First Family Bank, fsb, Eustis,  Florida. From 1975 to 1992, Mr. Laubscher was a
Senior Vice President and Manager of the Loans and Investments  Division for The
First, F.A., Orlando, Florida. The First F.A. was acquired by Great Western Bank
of Florida in a Resolution  Trust  Corporation  assisted  transaction in October
1991.  Mr.  Laubscher has over 20 years of  experience  in Senior  Management of
financial  institutions  and holds an MBA from the  University  of California at
Berkeley. Mr. Laubscher has been a resident of Winter Park, Florida since 1971.

                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Executive Compensation

     The  following  table sets forth,  for the fiscal years ended  December 31,
1996,  1995,  and 1994, the total  compensation  paid to or accrued by the Chief
Executive  Officer  and  each of the  four  most  highly  compensated  executive
officers of Federal Trust and its  subsidiaries,  whose  aggregate  salaries and
bonuses exceeded $100,000 per year.



                                                         Annual Compensation(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Name and Principal                                          Bonus       Other Annual
              Position                           Year     Salary(3)(4)    Options     Compensation (5)
              ---------------------------        ----     ------------    -------     ----------------    

                                                                                
                      James T. Bell,             1996    $  33,033    $    -           $ 25,290
                CEO and President(2)             1995      151,508          -            27,279
                                                 1994      182,327         5,563         21,879

                James V. Suskiewich,             1996      137,409        11,000         14,161
                   CEO and President             1995      118,223        16,000         13,169
                      of the Bank(4)             1994      105,729         5,000         13,822


(1)    Includes all compensation in the year earned whether received or deferred
       at the election of the executive.

(2)    Mr. Bell  resigned his position as Chairman of the Board,  President  and
       Chief  Executive  Officer on June 12,  1996.  Mr.  Bell did not receive a
       bonus in 1996 and his Annual Compensation for fiscal years ended December
       31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, were paid by Federal Trust. Mr. Bell was granted
       stock  options to  acquire  107,674  shares of common  stock at $6.40 per
       share  pursuant  to the 1993  Stock  Option  Plan for  Directors  ("Stock
       Plan").  The Stock  Options were  canceled  when the Board  rescinded the
       Stock Plan on March 7, 1997.

                                       89





(3)    Includes  CEO.  There  were no other  executives  whose  salary and bonus
       exceeded $ 100,000 per year.

(4)    Mr. Suskiewich was appointed  Chairman of the Board,  President and Chief
       Executive  Officer of Federal Trust on July 26, 1996. His compensation is
       paid by the Bank.

(5)    Amount includes disability insurance, health and life insurance premiums,
       use of automobile and Country Club dues.

Options and Long-Term Compensation

       Employee Stock  Ownership  Plan. In 1990, the Company adopted an Employee
Stock  Ownership  Plan  ("ESOP")  which  provides  that the  Company  can make a
contribution  to a trust  fund  for the  purpose  of  purchasing  shares  of the
Company's  common  stock on behalf of the  participants.  The  Company  pays the
entire  cost of the ESOP and all  salaried  employees  of the  Company  who have
completed  six  months of  service  are  eligible  to  participate.  The ESOP is
qualified  under Section  497(e)(7) of the Internal  Revenue  Code,  under which
subsidiaries may act as participating employees. In addition, the ESOP meets all
applicable  requirements  of the Tax  Replacement  Act of 1986 and is  qualified
under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code.

       All full-time  salaried  employees of Federal Trust and its  subsidiaries
are participants in the ESOP.  Executive officers of the Company are eligible to
participate  in the ESOP,  but directors  are not eligible  unless they are also
full-time  salaried  employees.  A participant's  interest in the ESOP is vested
after  five years of service  and there is no  vesting  prior to that  period of
time. Two current  employees had vested  interest in the ESOP as of December 31,
1996. Mr. Suskiewich is not vested in the ESOP.

       The ESOP contributions are determined  annually by the Board of Directors
of the Company,  taking into consideration the prevailing financial  conditions,
the  Company's  fiscal  requirements  and other factors  deemed  relevant by the
Board. The Company,  generally,  may make contributions to the ESOP of up to 15%
of total  compensation  paid to employees  during the year.  Each  participant's
contribution equals the proportion that each such participant's compensation for
the year bears to the total  compensation of all  participants for such year. In
1996, the Company contributed $38,000 to the ESOP.

       Stock Option Plan for  Directors.  On May 5, 1993, the Board of Directors
of the Company  approved a Stock Option Plan for Directors  ("Stock Plan").  The
Stock Plan provided that a maximum of 176,968 shares of common stock (the "Stock
Options")  would be made  available  to  directors  and former  directors of the
Company. Stock options were issued on May 6, 1993, to 13 individuals who were at
that time directors or were former  directors of the Company.  The Stock Options
were for a term of ten years  from the date of grant.  The  Stock  Options  were
issued  at an  exercise  price  of $6.40  per  share  determined  at the time of


                                       90





issuance to be the fair market value of the underlying  common stock on the date
the Stock  Option  was  granted.  The  options  held by an active  director  are
canceled  immediately if such director is removed for "cause," as defined in the
Stock Plan.

       On March 7, 1997,  the Board of Directors of Federal Trust  rescinded the
Stock Plan and the underlying Stock Options were canceled. At the time the Stock
Plan was rescinded,  none of the Stock Options had been  exercised.  The Company
issued no Stock Options or stock appreciation  rights as compensation during the
period January 1, 1996, through March 31, 1997.

       Salary Continuation Plan. In January, 1997, the Board of Directors of the
Bank adopted a Salary Continuation Plan ("Plan") for the Bank's senior executive
officers, James V. Suskiewich and Aubrey H. Wright, Jr., subject to the approval
of the OTS. The Plan is designed to provide the senior  executive  with a salary
continuation  retirement  benefit  based  on 60% of his  final  salary.  The OTS
approved  the Plan on  April 4,  1997.  The  Plan is a  non-qualified  executive
benefit plan wherein the Bank has agreed to pay the senior executives additional
benefits  at  retirement  (age 65), in return for their  continued  satisfactory
performance.  In order to implement  the Plan,  the Bank  entered into  separate
written salary Continuation  Agreements  ("Agreements") with James V. Suskiewich
and  Aubrey  H.  Wright,  Jr.  The  Agreements  are  identical  except  for  the
contractual annual benefit and the total benefit. Under the Plan and Agreements,
Mr.  Suskiewich  will receive an annual benefit of $65,000 per year with a total
death  benefit of $400,000,  and Mr.  Wright will  receive an annual  benefit of
$25,000 per year with a total death  benefit of  $200,000.  The  duration of the
retirement benefits for both individuals are 17 years. Early retirement benefits
under the Agreements vest on a gradual basis,  30% at the end of the third year,
and 10% each year thereafter.  Should the senior  executive become disabled,  he
will vest 100% in the accrued balance. In the event of a change of control,  the
senior executive will become fully vested under the Plan.

       The Plan is backed by separate  life  insurance  policies  which the Bank
purchased  to offset the Bank's  contractual  obligation  to pay  pre-retirement
death  benefits and to recover the Bank's cost of providing  such  benefits upon
the death of the  senior  executives.  The  senior  executives  are the  insured
persons  under  the  respective  policies,  while  the  Bank  is the  owner  and
beneficiary. The senior executive has no claim on the insurance policy, its cash
value, or the proceeds thereof.

Stock Options for Stock Sales

In  connection  with the 1993  Private  Placement  Offering  and the 199_ Public
Offering,  Federal Trust issued stock  options to certain sales  representatives
for their  commitment  to sell common  stock in the  respective  offerings.  The
options  have a strike  price of $10.00 per share and will expire on October 26,
1999.  Based  upon the terms of the stock  options,  the strike  price  would be
adjusted to $5.54 per share if the Offering reaches the Total Maximum.  At March
31, 1997 none of the stock options for 58,453 shares had been exercised.




                                       91





Director Compensation

       Effective July 1, 1996,  Federal Trust temporarily  suspended the payment
on all Board and Committee  fees.  Prior to that time,  each director of Federal
Trust  received  a fee of $500 for each  meeting  of the  Board  which he or she
attended, plus $750 per quarter, $250 for each Compliance Committee meeting, and
no fee for any other standing  committee of which he or she is a member or which
he or she attended. Directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection
with  attendance  at  meetings  of the  Board  of  Directors  and  all  standing
committees.  Federal  Trust does not intend to resume paying Board and Committee
for the  remainder of 1997.  The Bank's  Board of  Directors,  however,  receive
director's compensation.  Each Bank director receives a quarterly director's fee
of $750, $500 per Board meeting, and $250 for each Committee meeting he attends.

Employment Contracts

       Federal  Trust  and  the  Bank  have  jointly   entered  into  employment
agreements with two of their executive officers, James V. Suskiewich,  President
and Chief Executive Officer,  and Aubrey H. Wright, Chief Financial Officer. The
employment  agreements  became  effective  September  1,  1995.  The  employment
agreements with Messrs.  Suskiewich and Wright are substantially the same except
as noted herein.

       Each of the  individuals  is  entitled  to  receive a base  salary,  plus
reimbursement of reasonable  business expenses.  Mr. Suskiewich is entitled to a
discretionary  performance  bonus  payable  annually  for  the  duration  of the
Agreement.  For the year ended  December 31,  1996,  Mr.  Suskiewich  received a
performance  bonus of  $20,000.  Mr.  Wright is also  considered  for any annual
performance bonus program developed by the Bank or the Corporation. For the year
ended December 31, 1996, Mr. Wright received a performance bonus of $7,500.  The
base salary and any bonus is paid by the Bank. Messrs. Suskiewich and Wright may
participate  in all  employee  benefits,  stock  option  plans,  pension  plans,
insurance plans and other fringe benefits  commensurate with his position. On or
before  September 15 each,  the Board of Directors  shall review the  employment
agreements and the employees' performance and vote whether to extend the term of
the employment  agreements for an additional  year. The decision to extend these
agreements is within the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

         The  employment  agreements  provide  for  termination  by the Bank for
"cause", as defined in the employment  agreement.  In the event the Bank chooses
to terminate Messrs.  Suskiewich and Wright's  employment for reasons other than
for cause, they (or in the event of death, their respective beneficiaries) would
be entitled to a severance  payment equal to the total annual  compensation  for
the remainder of the term of the employment agreement.  In the event of a change
of control of Federal Trust or the Bank,  Mr.  Suskiewich  will be entitled to a
special  incentive  bonus  equal to two  times  his  annual  salary,  times  the
price/book  value ratio at which  Federal  Trust or the Bank is acquired.  If he
accepts  employment with the acquirer,  he will be entitled to 50 percent of the
special  incentive  bonus.  The  special  incentive  bonus is  payable by either
Federal  Trust or the Bank. In the event of a change of control of Federal Trust


                                       92





or the Bank, Mr. Wright will be entitled to a special  incentive  bonus equal to
his annual  salary  then in effect,  times the  price/book  value ratio at which
Federal  Trust  or the  Bank is  acquired.  If he  accepts  employment  with the
acquiror or the Bank,  he shall  receive a special  incentive  bonus equal to 50
percent of his annual salary then in effect, times the price/book value ratio at
which Federal Trust or the Bank is acquired.

         The Agreement permits Messrs.  Suskiewich and Wright to terminate their
employment  voluntarily.  In the  event  of  voluntary  termination,  except  as
previously  described herein,  all rights and benefits under the contracts shall
immediately terminate upon the effective dates of termination.

                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

Indebtedness of Management

         In 1994 the Board of  Directors  of Federal  Trust and the Bank amended
their respective loan policies with regard to loans to directors,  and officers,
but permits  loans to  employees.  The current  policy is generally  not to make
loans to directors,  officers and employees.  Any loans that are made,  however,
will  require  approval  of a majority  of the  disinterested  directors  of the
Company  making the loan.  The Bank is also subject to the provisions of Section
22(h) of the Federal  Reserve Act. Any credit extended by the Bank to directors,
executive   officers  and,  to  the  extent   otherwise   permitted,   principal
shareholders,  or any affiliates  thereof must be: (i) on substantially the same
terms, including interest rates and collateral,  as those prevailing at the time
for comparable  transactions by the Bank with non-affiliated  parties;  and (ii)
not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other  unfavorable
features.

         As of December 31,  1996,  neither  Federal  Trust nor the Bank had any
loans outstanding to directors or executive  officers.  The Bank,  however,  did
have  $737,472 in commercial  loans to Morrone,  Smoker and Grill,  Inc.,  whose
President  Jack L. Morrone is the  brother-in-law  of James T. Bell,  the former
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Trust. Mr. Morrone is
considered to be an "affiliate," as that term is defined by SEC regulations. The
largest outstanding balance during 1996 was $737,128.  As of March 31, 1997, the
balance on the loan was $478,128.

Transactions With Certain Related Persons

         Effective  January 1, 1990,  John Martin Bell, a major  shareholder and
former  director  of Federal  Trust,  and the wife of James T. Bell,  the former
Chairman of the Board of Federal Trust, as lessor, and Federal Trust, as lessee,
entered into a triple net lease ("Lease"),  pursuant to which the Company leased
from Mrs. Bell 3,953 square feet of office space located at 1211 Orange  Avenue,
Winter  Park,  Florida  (the  "Premises").  The term of the Lease was two years.
Effective  January 1, 1991,  the Lease was  amended  to  increase  the term from
December 31, 1991, to December 31, 2000.  The square  footage  leased by Federal
Trust  increased to 11,393 square feet. On November 11, 1991,  Federal Trust and
Mrs.  Bell  terminated  the Lease and  executed a new triple net lease (the "New
Lease"),  pursuant to which  Federal  Trust has leased 13,305 square feet in the
Premises.  The term of the New Lease runs until December 31, 2000. The New Lease


                                       93





will  automatically  be extended for two  consecutive  periods of ten years each
unless  Federal Trust elects to terminate  the New Lease  pursuant to the notice
provisions  in the New Lease  prior to  expiration  of  ten-year  lease  period.
Effective  June 6, 1994,  the New Lease was modified to decrease the annual rent
for the years 1993 and 1994 to $216,984 and  $223,552,  respectively.  Effective
June 1, 1995,  the New Lease was modified to increase the amount of space leased
to 13,305 square feet.  The rent for 1996 through the end of New Lease term will
be the preceding  year's rent increased by the Consumer Price Index  Escalation;
provided,  however,  that in no event shall rent increase be less than 3 percent
or more than 6 percent. Federal Trust believes the terms of this transaction are
no  less  favorable  to  Federal  Trust  than   transactions   obtainable   from
unaffiliated parties.


                      BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

         The following table indicates certain information regarding the current
beneficial  ownership of Common  Stock by each of the  Company's  directors  and
executive officers,  and all of the directors and executive officers as a group,
along with their anticipated purchases in the Offering.



                           Amount Owned             % of        Amount Owned        % of Ownership             % of Ownership
         Name              At March 31, 1997     Ownership    After the Offering   Based on Total Min.       Based on Total Max.
         ----              -----------------    ----------    ------------------   ------------------        -------------------
                                                                                                     
James V. Suskiewich             33,844(1)          1.51%         58,844(1)                1.80  %                1.24 %
Aubrey H. Wright                   100               (2)         25,100                    (2)                    (2)
George W. Foster                 1,343               (2)          1,343                    (2)                    (2)
Dr. Samuel C. Certo                (3)               (2)         25,000                    (2)                    (2)
Kenneth W. Hill                    (3)               (2)         25,000                    (2)                    (2)
Louis E. Laubscher              10,000               (2)         10,000                    (2)                    (2)

All Directors, Former
Directors and Executive
 Officers as a Group
(6 persons)                     45,287             2.02%        145,287                   4.48  %                3.07 %
- ---                             ======             ======       =======                   =======                =====



- --------------------------


(1)      Includes  25,391 shares held as trustee  under the Company's  ESOP with
         respect to which Mr.  Suskiewich  exercises  sole voting and investment
         power.
(2)      Amount is less than 1 %.
(3)      Currently owns no stock.







                                       94





                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

         Federal Trust has  authorized  5,000,000  shares of Common  Stock,  par
value $0.01 per share.  As of March 31, 1997,  2,239,928  shares of Common Stock
were issued and outstanding  and 16,577 shares were held as Treasury Stock.  The
Articles of  Incorporation  of Federal Trust ("Federal  Trust  Articles") do not
authorize the issuance of preferred stock.

         Each share of Federal Trust Common Stock has the same  relative  rights
and is identical in all respects  with every other share of Federal Trust Common
stock.  The holders of Common Stock possess  exclusive  voting rights in Federal
Trust, and are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters
submitted to a vote of holders of Federal Trust Common Stock.

         The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to dividends  when, as and
if declared by the Board of Directors in their  discretion  out of funds legally
available  therefore.  As a holding  Company,  the principal source of funds for
Federal Trust is capital  distributions  from the Bank,  the payment of which is
subject  to  certain  legal  restrictions.   See  "BUSINESS  -  Supervision  and
Regulation."

         All outstanding  shares of Common Stock,  and the shares offered hereby
(upon payment  therefore)  are fully paid and  nonassessable.  Holders of Common
Stock have no conversion,  preemptive or other rights to subscribe for any other
shares or securities,  or any conversion  rights, and there are no redemption or
sinking fund  provisions  with respect to such shares.  Holders of Common Stock,
however,  are being given Subscription  Rights in the Offering.  In the event of
liquidation,  the holders of Common  Stock are  entitled to receive pro rata any
assets distributable to shareholders in respect of shares held by them.


                DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE ARTICLES
                           AND BYLAWS OF FEDERAL TRUST

         The following summaries of certain provisions of Federal Trust Articles
and Bylaws  ("Federal  Trust  Bylaws")  do not  purport to be  complete  and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to such  instruments,  each of which is
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the  Registration  Statement of which
this Prospectus is a part. See "AVAILABLE INFORMATION".

         Certain  provisions of Federal Trust  Articles and Federal Trust Bylaws
may have the  effect of  preventing,  discouraging  or  delaying  any  change in
control  of  Federal  Trust.  The  Board  of  Directors  has the  power to issue
additional  shares of  Common  Stock  which may help  delay or deter a change in
control by increasing the number of shares needed to gain control. The following
provisions in Federal Trust Articles and Federal Trust Bylaws also may deter any
change in control of Federal Trust.



                                       95





Removal of Directors

         Any  director,  or the entire Board of  Directors,  may be removed from
office  at any time,  with or  without  cause,  by the  affirmative  vote of the
holders   of  at  least  a  majority   of  the  voting   power  of  all  of  the
then-outstanding  shares of capital  stock of  Federal  Trust  entitled  to vote
generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class.

         Special  meetings  of the  Stockholders  may be called  only by (i) the
Board of Directors  pursuant to a  resolution  duly adopted by a majority of the
total number of directors  then  authorized  whether or not any  vacancies  then
exist  in  previously  authorized  directorships  (the  Board  of  Directors  as
comprised  of all  directorships  authorized  at a given  time  being  the "Full
Board"), or (ii) by Shareholders who hold not less than ten percent (10%) of all
of the votes  entitled to be cast on any issue  proposed to be considered at the
proposed  special  meeting by their  signing,  dating and  delivering to Federal
Trust's  Secretary one or more written  demands for the meeting  describing  the
purpose or purposes for which it is to be held.  The Federal Trust Articles also
provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by the shareholders of
Federal  Trust may be taken only at an annual or special  meeting and  prohibits
shareholder action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

Amendment of Articles and Bylaws

         Amendments to Federal Trust  Articles or Bylaws must be approved by the
affirmative  vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the
then  outstanding  shares of the Common Stock  entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Noncumulative Voting for Directors

         Federal  Trust  Articles  do not  provide  Shareholders  the  right  to
cumulate their votes for the election of directors. Accordingly, holders of more
than 50% of the shares voting to elect  directors may elect all of the directors
and, in such event,  the holders of the remaining  shares (less than 50%) voting
would not be able to elect any board members.

Indemnification

         The Florida Act authorizes Florida corporations to indemnify any person
who was or is a party to any  proceeding  (other  than an  action  by, or in the
right  of,  the  corporation)  by  reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at
the request of the  corporation as a director,  officer,  employee,  or agent of
another  corporation or other entity,  against liability  incurred in connection
with such proceeding,  including any appeal thereof,  if he or she acted in good
faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the  corporation  and, with respect to any criminal action
or  proceeding,  had no  reasonable  cause to  believe  his or her  conduct  was
unlawful.  In  the  case  of  an  action  by  or  on  behalf  of a  corporation,
indemnification  may  not be  made  if the  person  seeking  indemnification  is


                                       96





adjudged  liable,  unless the court in which such action was brought  determines
such  person  is  fairly  and  reasonably  entitled  to   indemnification.   The
indemnification  provisions  of the  Florida Act  require  indemnification  if a
director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of
any action,  suit or  proceeding to which he or she was a party by reason of the
fact that he or she is or was a  director  or officer  of the  corporation.  The
indemnification authorized under Florida law is not exclusive and is in addition
to any other  rights  granted to officers  and  directors  under the articles of
incorporation or bylaws of the corporation or any agreement between officers and
directors and the corporation. A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance
or furnish similar  protection on behalf of any officer or director  against any
liability  asserted against the director or officer and incurred by the director
or officer in such  capacity,  or arising  out of the  status,  as an officer or
director,  whether or not the corporation  would have the power to indemnify him
or her against such liability under the Florida Act.

         Federal Trust's Articles provide for the  indemnification  of directors
and  executive  officers  to the  maximum  extent  permitted  by Florida  law as
authorized  by the  Board  of  Directors  and for the  advancement  of  expenses
incurred in connection  with the defense of any action,  suit or proceeding that
the director or  executive  officer was a party to by reason of the fact that he
or she is or was a director of Federal Trust upon the receipt of an  undertaking
to repay such amount,  unless it is ultimately  determined that such director is
not entitled to indemnification.


                                  THE OFFERING

The Rights Offering

         Federal  Trust is offering up to  2,701,619  shares of its Common Stock
(the "Total  Maximum"),  on a priority basis to Shareholders as of the March 26,
1997,  Record  Date,  pursuant  to  non-transferable  Subscription  Rights.  The
Subscription Right entitles each Shareholder to purchase one additional share of
Common  Stock for each whole  share of Common  Stock  held on the  Record  Date.
Shareholders are entitled to subscribe for all, or any portion of, the shares of
Common  Stock   underlying  their   Subscription   Rights.   See   "Subscription
Limitation".

The Community Offering and Syndicated Community Offering

         Immediately  following the Rights  Offering,  Federal Trust is offering
shares of Common Stock in a Community  Offering to members of the general public
whom a copy of the Prospectus is delivered. In addition, following completion of
the Rights  Offering such shares will be offered by Federal Trust to the general
public in a  Syndicated  Community  Offering to be managed by KBW. The shares of
Common  Stock  offered for sale in the  Community  Offering  and the  Syndicated
Community  are subject to the right of Federal  Trust to accept or reject orders
received in the Community  Offering and the Syndicated  Community  Offering,  in
whole or in part, and the other  limitations  described herein. If the number of
shares of Common Stock not  subscribed  for through the Rights  Offering are not
sufficient  to satisfy all orders  received from  participants  in the Community
Offering, such excess shares will be allocated pro rata among such persons based


                                       97





on the  aggregate  number of shares  ordered in the  Community  Offering and the
Syndicated Community Offering. If a proration of such excess shares results in a
person  receiving  fewer shares than the person  subscribed for in the Community
Offering,  then any excess funds paid by such person as the  Subscription  Price
for shares not issued will be returned  without interest or deduction as soon as
practical following the Offering Expiration Date. There can be no assurance that
any shares of Common Stock will be  available  to persons  desiring to subscribe
for Common Stock in the Community Offering. To subscribe for Common Stock in the
Community Offering properly,  the appropriate  section of the Order Form must be
completed,  and  payment  in full of the  aggregate  Subscription  Price for all
shares of Common Stock subscribed for must accompany the Order Form.

Financial Advisor

         Federal Trust has entered into  agreements  with Carrthers & Co. and RP
Financial,  whereby  Carruthers  & Co.  and RP  Financial  are to  serve  as the
Company's financial advisors in connection with the Offering. In connection with
their  respective  engagements,  Carruthers & Co. and RP Financial have assisted
management  and  Board  in  its  evaluation  of  various  capital  transactions,
including  equity and debt securities,  which would raise sufficient  capital to
support the  Company's  growth  objective.  RP Financial is providing  advice to
management  and the Board of Directors  regarding the terms of the Offering.  RP
Financial  has prepared a written  opinion that the  Subscription  Price and the
terms of the Offering are fair from a financial  point of view to Federal  Trust
and its current  shareholders.  Neither  Carruthers & Co. nor RP Financial  have
been  retained to solicit the sale or purchase of the Common Stock being offered
in this Offering.  Furthermore,  neither  Carruthers & Co. nor RP Financial have
had any prior financial transactions with the Company or are affiliated with the
Company in any manner. See "DETERMINATION OF SUBSCRIPTION PRICE".

Marketing Arrangements

         Federal Trust has engaged KBW as its "Sales  Agent" in connection  with
the Offering pursuant to a Sales Agency Agreement executed between Federal Trust
and  KBW  (the  "Agency  Agreement").  KBW was  chosen  because  of its  general
experience in the financial  services  industry and because of its experience in
transactions involving shareholder rights offerings and community offerings.

         KBW has provided advice to Federal Trust regarding the structure of the
Offering,  as well as with respect to marketing the shares of Common Stock to be
issued in the Offering.  KBW will use its best efforts to solicit  subscriptions
and purchase orders for shares of Common Stock in the Offering.

         KBW  has  not   prepared   any   report  or  opinion   constituting   a
recommendation  or advice to Federal  Trust or its  shareholders,  nor have they
prepared an opinion as to the fairness of the Subscription Price or the terms of
the Offering to Federal Trust or its Shareholders.  KBW expresses no opinion and
makes no  recommendation  to holders of  Subscription  Rights as to whether such
Holders should exercise their Subscription Rights. KBW also expresses no opinion


                                       98





as to the  prices  at which  shares to be  distributed  in  connection  with the
Offering  may  trade if and  when  they  are  issued  or any  future  time.  See
"DETERMINATION OF SUBSCRIPTION PRICE."

         As compensation for its services,  Federal Trust has agreed to pay KBW:
(i) an  advisory  fee of  $25,000  (which has  previously  been paid and will be
credited  against the marketing fees paid to KBW); (ii) a marketing fee equal to
2.0% of the aggregate  Subscription Price of the Common Stock sold in the Rights
Offering,  excluding shares  subscribed for or purchased by the Bank's officers,
directors,  or  employees,  and (iii) a marketing  fee of 7.0% of the  aggregate
Subscription  Price of the Common Stock sold in the  Community  Offering and the
Syndicated  Community Offering,  excluding shares subscribed for or purchased by
the Bank's officers,  directors or employees.  KBW will pass on to such selected
broker-dealers who participate in the Syndicated Community Offering an amount of
stock sold at a comparable price per share in a similar market environment. Fees
with respect to purchases  affected with the assistance of broker-dealers  other
than KBW will be transmitted by KBW to such  broker-dealer.  In connection  with
its engagement of KBW, Federal Trust has agreed to indemnify KBW against certain
liabilities  arising out of its engagement or, in the event  indemnification  is
unavailable,  to contribute payments that KBW may be required to make in respect
thereof.

Expiration Date of the Offering

         The Rights  Offering will expire at 5:00 p.m.,  Eastern Time, on August
29, 1997 (the "Rights  Offering  Expiration  Date").  After the Rights  Offering
Expiration Date, unexercised  Subscription Rights will be null and void. Federal
Trust will not be obligated to honor any Order Form received by the Escrow Agent
after the Rights Offering Expiration Date, regardless of when the documents were
sent.

         The Community Offering and Syndicated Offering will expire on September
30,  1997,  unless  extended at the sole  discretion  the Board of  Directors of
Federal  Trust to a date  not  later  than  November  15,  1997  (the  "Offering
Expiration Date").

Conditions to Consummation of the Offering

         The  Offering  will not be  consummated  and all  funds  received  with
subscriptions  by the  Company's  Escrow  Agent will be promptly  returned  with
interest if the Total  Minimum  (1,000,000  shares of Common  Stock) is not sold
through the Offering.

Procedure for Subscribing for Common Stock

         Current  Stockholders who desire to exercise their Subscription Rights,
as well as persons who desire to  participate  in the  Community  Offering  must
deliver to the Escrow Agent , on or prior to the Rights Offering Expiration Date
or the Offering Expiration Date, whichever the case may be, a properly completed
and executed Order Form with any required signatures  guaranteed,  together with
payment  in full of the  aggregate  Subscription  Price for the shares of Common


                                       99





Stock subscribed for in the Offering.  Such payment in full must be by (a) check
or bank draft drawn upon a U.S.  bank or postal,  telegraphic  or express  money
order  payable to the  Independent  Bankers  Bank of Florida  ("IBBF") as Escrow
Agent for Federal Trust, or (b) wire transfer of funds to the account maintained
by the Escrow Agent for such purpose at IBBF. The aggregate  Subscription  Price
will be deemed to have been received by the Escrow Agent only upon (i) clearance
of any  non-certified  check,  (ii) receipt by the Escrow Agent of any certified
check or bank draft  drawn upon a U.S.  bank or of any  postal,  telegraphic  or
express  money  order,  or (iii)  receipt of good  funds in the  Escrow  Agent's
account  designated above. If paying by a non-certified  personal check,  please
note that the funds paid thereby may take at least five  business days to clear.
Accordingly,  persons who wish to pay the aggregate  Subscription Price by means
of a  non-certified  personal  check are urged to make payment  sufficiently  in
advance to the Rights  Offering  Expiration  Date to ensure that such payment is
received  and clears by such date and are urged to consider  payment by means of
certified or cashier's  check,  money order or wire transfer of funds. All funds
received  shall be held by the Escrow  Agent and  invested at the  direction  of
Federal Trust in short-term  certificates of deposit,  short-term obligations of
the United  States,  any state or agency  thereof,  or money market mutual funds
investing in the foregoing instruments.  The account in which such funds will be
held may not be  insured  by the FDIC.  Earnings  on such  funds  (which are not
expected to be material)  will be retained by Federal  Trust.  The Total Minumum
(shares) must be sold in order to break escrow.  If the Total Minimum Shares are
not sold,  the funds held in the Escrow  Account will be returned with interest.
If the Total Minimum shares are sold and the Offering is closed,  any earning on
such funds pending  disposition of the Subscription Funds, the Escrow Agent will
invest  collected  Subscription  Funds, in $1,000  increments above a maintained
balance of $50,000, in overnight  repurchase  agreements  collateralized at 102%
with  obligations  of the United  States  Treasury or United  States  Government
Agencies.  These repurchase agreement  transactions will earn interest at a rate
of 35 basis points below the daily Overnight Fed Funds Sold rate.

         The  address  to which the Order Form and  payment of the  Subscription
Price should be delivered is:

               Independent Bankers' Bank of Florida
               Attention: James H. McKillop, III, Senior Vice President
               109 East Church Street
               Orlando, Florida 32801

         Payment may be made by wire  transfer as described  above.  Persons who
make payments by such method must be sure to deliver to the Escrow Agent,  prior
to the  Expiration  Date, a properly  executed and completed  Order Form.  Order
Forms may be delivered  to the Escrow  Agent as described  above or by telecopy.
The Escrow  Agent's  telephone  number is (407)  423-2002.  The  Escrow  Agent's
telecopy number is (407)  481-8637.  The contact person is Senior Vice President
James McKillop, III.

         If  the  aggregate   Subscription   Price  paid  by  a  Shareholder  is
insufficient  to  purchase  the  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  that the


                                       100





Shareholder  indicates are being  subscribed  for, or if a Shareholder  does not
specify  the  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock to be  purchased,  or if the
Aggregate  Subscription Price paid by a Shareholder exceeds the amount necessary
to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock for which the  Shareholder  has
indicated an intention to subscribe, then the Shareholder will be deemed to have
exercised first, the Subscription  Right (if not already  exercised) and second,
to have  purchased  shares of  Common  Stock to the full  extent of the  payment
tendered  (subject only to reduction to the extent  necessary to comply with any
regulatory  limitation or conditions imposes by Federal Trust in connection with
the Community Offerings). See "Subscription Limitation."

         If the Aggregate  Subscription Price paid by a person purchasing shares
in the Community  Offering is  insufficient  to purchase the number of shares of
Common  Stock that the person  indicates  are being  subscribed  for, or if such
Community  Offering  participant  does not specify the number of share of Common
Stock subscribed for, or if the aggregate Subscription Price paid by a Community
Offering  participant  exceeds the amount  necessary  to purchase  the number of
shares  of  Common  Stock  for which  the  Community  Offering  participant  has
subscribed,  then the  Community  Offering  participant  will be  deemed to have
subscribed  for the number of shares of Common  Stock which may be  purchased by
the full extent of the payment  tendered  (subject  only to  reduction to comply
with regulatory  limitations or conditions of the Offering).  See  "Subscription
Limitation".

         With  respect to Order Forms  submitted  by  Shareholders,  unless such
Order Form (i) provides that the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to
the  exercise  of  Subscription  Rights are to  delivered  to the holder of such
Subscription  Rights  or  (ii)  is  submitted  for the  account  of an  Eligible
Institution, as defined, signatures on such Order Forms must be guaranteed by an
Eligible  Institution.  An "Eligible  Institution"  for this purpose is a member
firm of a registered  national  securities  exchange or a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc. ("NASD"), or a commercial bank or trust
company having an office or correspondent in the United States.

         Holders who hold shares of Common Stock for the account of others, such
as  brokers,  trustees  or  depositories  for  securities,   should  notify  the
respective  beneficial  owners of such shares as soon as  possible to  ascertain
such beneficial  owners'  intentions and to obtain  instructions with respect to
Subscription Rights. If such a beneficial owner so instructs,  the record holder
of such  Subscription  Right should submit  payment to the Escrow Agent with the
proper  documentation.  In  addition.  beneficial  owners of Common  Stock  held
through such a nominee  holder should  contact the holder and request the holder
to effect transactions in accordance with the beneficial owner's instructions.

         The  instructions  accompanying the Order Form should be read carefully
and  followed in detail.  Order Forms  should be sent with payment to the Escrow
Agent. Do not send Order Forms to Federal Trust.

         The method of  delivery  of Order  Forms and  payment of the  aggregate
Subscription  Price to the  Escrow  Agent  will be at the  election  and risk of
Shareholders  and Community  Offering  participants,  but if sent by mail, it is
recommended  that such  Order  Form and  payments  be sent by  registered  mail,
properly insured,  with return receipt requested and that a sufficient number of


                                       101





days be allowed to ensure  delivery to the Escrow Agent and clearance of payment
prior to the Rights Offering  Expiration Date or the Offering  Expiration  Date,
whichever the case may be.  Because  uncertified  personal  checks may take five
business days to clear,  you are strongly  urged to pay, or arrange for payment,
by means of certified or cashier's check, money order or wire transfer of funds.

         All questions concerning the timeliness, validity, form and eligibility
of  Order  Forms  received  or any  exercise  of  Subscription  Rights  will  be
determined by Federal  Trust,  whose  determinations  will be final and binding.
Federal Trust in its sole  discretion may waive any defect or  irregularity,  or
permit a defect  or  irregularity  to be  corrected  within  such time as it may
determine,  or reject the  purported  subscriptions  for shares of Common Stock.
Order  Forms  will not be deemed to have been  received  or  accepted  until all
irregularities  have been  waived or cured  within  such time as  Federal  Trust
determine in its sole  discretion.  Neither  Federal  Trust nor the Escrow Agent
will be under any duty to give  notification  of any defect or  irregularity  in
connection with the submission of Order Forms or incur any liability for failure
to give such notification.

         Subscriptions  for the Common  Stock  which are  received by the Escrow
Agent from  Shareholders  exercising  Subscription  Rights or from person in the
Community Offering may not be revoked.

         Investors  who  desire  to  purchase  shares  of  Common  Stock  in the
Syndicated   Community   Offering  are  advised  that  any   broker-dealer   who
participates in such Syndicated  Community  Offering will be required either (i)
upon receipt of an executed  Order Form or direction to execute an Order Form on
behalf of an investor, to forward the aggregate Subscription Price to the Escrow
Agent on or before  twelve  noon,  prevailing  time,  of the  business  day next
following  such receipt or execution,  or (ii) upon receipt of  confirmation  by
such broker-dealer of an investor's interest in purchasing shares, and following
an  acknowledgment  by such  broker-dealer to such investor on the next business
day next  following  receipt  of  confirmation,  to debit  the  account  of such
investor on the fifth business day next following receipt of confirmation and to
forward the aggregate Subscription Price to the Escrow Agent on or before twelve
noon, prevailing time, of the business day next following such debiting.

         Certain directors and executive  officers of Federal Trust and the Bank
will assist the Company in the Offering by, among other things, participating in
shareholder  and  community   informational  meetings  regarding  the  Offering,
generally  being  available to answer  questions of  potential  subscribers  and
soliciting orders in the Rights Offering and Community  Offering.  The directors
and executive officers are not registered as securities brokers or dealers under
the federal or  applicable  state  securities  laws,  nor are these  individuals
affiliated with any broker or dealer. Because none of the directors or executive
officers are in the business of either  effecting  securities  transactions  for
others or buying and  selling  securities  for their own  account,  they are not
required to register as brokers or dealers under the federal securities laws. In
addition,  the proposed  activities of such directors and executive officers are
exempted from registration  pursuant to a specific  safe-harbor  provision under
Rule  3a4-1  under the  Exchange  Act.  Substantially  similar  exemptions  from
registration are available under applicable state securities laws.

                                       102





The Rights Offering

         Shareholders,  defined  herein as the holders of shares of Common Stock
at the close of business as of the March 26, 1997 Record Date  ("Shareholders"),
are being provided, on a priority basis, non transferable subscription rights to
purchase  at the  Subscription  Price one share of Common  Stock for each  whole
share of Common  Stock  owned on the  Record  Date (the  "Subscription  Right").
Shareholders  are entitled to  subscribe  for all, or any portion of (subject to
the minimum  subscription  requirement),  the shares of Common Stock  underlying
their Subscription Rights,  provided the aggregate number of shares owned by any
Shareholder,  individually  or together  with  associates  or persons  acting in
concert with such Shareholder, at the conclusion of the Offering does not exceed
9.99%.

Subscription Limitation

         Federal  Trust will not be  required  to issue  shares of Common  Stock
pursuant to the  Offering  to any person  who, in the opinion of Federal  Trust,
would be  required  to obtain  prior  clearance  or  approval  from any  federal
regulatory authority to own or control such shares. The minimum number of shares
of Common  Stock any  person  may  purchase  in the  Community  Offering  or the
Syndicated  Community  Offering is 500 shares and the maximum  amount any person
may purchase  (individually,  or together with  associates or persons  acting in
concert with such person) in the Community Offering or the Syndicated  Community
Offering is 5% of the total number of shares sold in the Offering.  In addition,
no person shall be allowed to purchase (individually or together with associates
or persons  acting in concert  with such  person)  shares of Common Stock in the
Rights Offering or the Community Offering of the Syndicated  Offering which when
aggregated  would exceed 9.99% of the total number of shares  outstanding at the
conclusion of the Offering.

         Under OTS regulations a rebuttable presumption of concerted action will
occur but is not limited to these  situations:  (1) a person will be presumed to
be acting in concert with the members of the person's  immediate  family  (which
includes a person's spouse,  father,  mother,  children,  brothers,  sisters and
grandchildren;  the father,  mother, brother and sisters of the person's spouse;
and the spouse of the person's  child,  brother or sister);  (2) persons will be
presumed to be acting in concert with each other where:  (i) both own stock in a
savings bank and both are also management officials,  controlling  shareholders,
partners,  or trustees of another company; or (ii) one person provides credit to
another or is instrumental in obtaining financing for another person to purchase
stock of the  savings  bank;  and (3) a person  will be presumed to be acting in
concert with any trust for which such person or company serves as a trustee.

Blue Sky Consideration

         The  securities  in this  Offering  will be registered in the following
states: California,  Colorado,  Delaware,  Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
New Jersey,  New York,  North Dakota,  Ohio,  Pennsylvania  and Texas. The total
maximum number of shares being offered in the states of Illinois, Texas and Ohio


                                       103





is 500,000 in each state.  The total  maximum  number of shares being offered in
Indiana is 250,000.  The total  maximum  number of shares  being  offered in the
state of Michigan is 50,000.

         The securities in this Offering will not be registered in the following
states: Alabama,  Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho,
Iowa,  Louisiana,  Maine,  Maryland,  Massachusetts,  Minnesota,  Missouri,  New
Hampshire,  New  Mexico,  Okalhoma,  South  Carolina,  Tennessee,  Virginia  and
Washington.  In these states,  the Offering  will be limited  solely to existing
Shareholders of Federal Trust under their Subscription Right, or will be offered
pursuant to other available exemptions from registration provided under the Blue
Sky Laws of those states.

Issuance of Common Stock

         Provided that all  conditions  necessary to consummate the Offering are
satisfied,  including  the sale in the Offering of the Total  Minimum  number of
shares of  Common  Stock,  certificates  representing  shares  of  Common  Stock
purchased  pursuant to the Offering  will be delivered to  purchasers as soon as
practical  after the  Offering  Expiration  Date and after  all  prorations  and
adjustments contemplated by the Rights Offering and Community Offering have been
effected. No fractional shares will be issued in the Offering

Subscription Price

         The Subscription  Price is $2.00 in cash, per share of the Common Stock
subscribed for in the Offering. See"DETERMINATION OF SUBSCRIPTION PRICE".

Foreign and Certain Other Stockholders

         Order  Forms will not be mailed to  Shareholders  whose  addresses  are
outside the United States or who have an APO or FPO address, but will be held by
the Escrow Agent for their account. To exercise their Subscription  Rights, such
Shareholder must notify the Escrow Agent prior to the Rights Offering Expiration
Date.

Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations

         For federal  income tax purposes,  receipt of the  Subscription  Rights
should be  treated  as a  non-taxable  distribution  with  respect to the Common
Stock. A Current Stockholder will have a zero basis in the Subscription  Rights,
unless:  (i) either the  Shareholder  elects  under  Section 307 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended  ("Code"),  to allocate a portion of his or her
basis in his or her existing Common Stock to the  Subscription  Rights (based on
their  relative fair market value) or the fair market value of the  Subscription
Rights at the time of  distribution  equals or  exceeds  15% of the fair  market
value of the Common Stock at that time,  in which case the  allocation  of basis
(based upon relative fair market values) is required;  and (ii) the  Shareholder
exercises such Subscription Rights.


                                       104





         Upon exercise of Subscription  Rights,  Shareholder  will not recognize
gain or loss.  The basis of each share of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of
a Subscription Right will equal the sum of the Subscription Price and the basis,
if any, in the Subscription Right exercised.  The holding period for such Common
Stock will begin on the date the Subscription Rights are exercised. No loss will
be recognized by a Shareholder who receives Subscription Rights and allows those
Subscription Rights to lapse.

         Because of the individual nature of tax consequences,  Shareholders are
advised to consult their tax advisors  with respect to these and other  federal,
state  and  local  tax   consequences  of  the   distribution  and  exercise  of
Subscription Rights.

Intention of Directors and Executive Officers

         Directors and  executive  officers of the Company as a group (6 person)
have  indicated  to the  Company  that  they  intend to  subscribe  for , in the
aggregate,  100,000  shares  of  Common  Stock,   either  through   exercise  of
Subscription  Rights or in the  Community  Offering.  These  intentions  are not
commitments and could change based upon individual  circumstances.  Assuming the
full exercise  indicated by the directors and executive officers of the Company,
such persons would be deemed to  beneficially  own 4.48% and 3.07% of the Common
Stock assumed to be outstanding  on a pro forma basis  following the Offering at
the Total Minimum and the Total Maximum, respectively.

Right to Amend or Terminate the Offering

         Federal  Trust  expressly  reserves  the  right to amend  the terms and
conditions  of the Offering  whether the terms and  conditions  are more or less
favorable to Shareholders and Community Offering participants. In the event of a
material  change  to  the  terms  of  the  Offering,  the  Company  will  file a
post-effective amendment to its Registration Statement, of which this Prospectus
is a part, and resolicit  subscribers  to the extent  required by the Securities
and Exchange  Commission  ("Commission").  Federal Trust expressly  reserves the
right,  at any time prior to delivery of shares of Common Stock offered  hereby,
to terminate  the Offering if the Offering is prohibited by law or regulation or
the Board of Directors  concludes,  in its judgment,  that it is not in the best
interests of Federal Trust to complete the Offering under the circumstances. The
Offering  would be terminated by Federal Trust by giving oral or written  notice
thereof to the Escrow Agent and KBW and making a public announcement thereof. If
the Offering is so terminated, all funds received from shareholders or Community
Offering participants will be promptly refunded, with interest.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

         The Bank  currently  serves as  transfer  agent for the  Common  Stock.
Following  the Offering,  Federal Trust intends to contract with an  independent
transfer agent and registrar company to handle the stock transfers, stock record
keeping, and mailing of proxy materials for Federal Trust.



                                       105





                         SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

         Upon  completion  of the Offering,  Federal  Trust will have  3,239,928
shares of Common Stock  outstanding  assuming the sale of the Total  Minimum and
4,941,547,  assuming the sale of the Total Maximum shares (including the sale of
the Allotment shares). Of these shares, ______ shares of Common Stock, including
the  ______  shares  sold in this  offering  (along  with  16,577  shares of the
Allotment if exercised in full), will be freely tradeable without restriction or
further registration under the Securities Act. In addition, _____ shares held by
"affiliates"  of the Company  "defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act as a
person who directly or indirectly through the use of one or
 more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with
the Company) will be eligible for sale either without restriction or pursuant to
Rule 144.

         The Company  and its  executive  officers  and  directors,  and certain
officers of Federal Trust  (holding,  in the aggregate,  ______ shares of Common
Stock  assuming all of the Reserved  Shares are  purchased by such persons) have
agreed that,  for a period of 180 days after the  consummation  of the Offering,
they will not offer,  sell, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of
any  shares of Common  Stock  held by them or  securities  held by them that are
convertible into or exchangeable  for such stock, now or in the future,  without
the prior written consent of KBW.  Thereafter,  such shares will be eligible for
sale in the public market,  subject to the volume and other  limitations on sale
imposed by Rule 144, or unless otherwise registered under the Securities Act.

         In  general,  under  Rule 144, a person  (or  person  whose  shares are
aggregated) who has beneficially  owned shares for at least one year,  including
"affiliates"  of the  Company,  would be entitled to sell within any three month
period  that  number of shares that does not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of the
number of shares of Common Stock then  outstanding,  or (ii) the average  weekly
trading volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding such
sale.  Sales  pursuant  to Rule  144  are  subject  to  certain  manner  of sale
provisions,   notice   requirements  and  the  availability  of  current  public
information about the Company. A person (or persons whose shares are aggregated)
who is not deemed to have been an  affiliate  of the  Company at any time during
the 90 days preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed
to be sold for at least two years,  would be entitled to sell such shares  under
Rule 144(k) without regard to the requirements described above.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         Certain legal matters,  including,  among other things, the validity of
the shares of Common  Stock  offered  hereby,  have been  passed upon by Igler &
Dougherty,  P.A.,  counsel to the Company.  Certain legal matters will be passed
upon for KBW by Breyer & Aguggia, Washington, D.C.






                                       106





                                     EXPERTS

         The consolidated  financial  statements of the Company set forth herein
as of December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and for each of the years in the three year
period  ended  December  31,  1996,   have  been  included  herein  and  in  the
Registration  Statement  in  reliance  upon the report of KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP
appearing  elsewhere  herein,  and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.

                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         Federal  Trust is  subject  to the  informational  requirements  of the
Exchange Act, and in accordance  therewith files reports,  proxy  statements and
other information with the Commission.  Such reports, proxy statements and other
information  can be  inspected  and  copied at the public  reference  facilities
maintained by the Commission at Judiciary  Plaza,  450 Fifth Street,  N.W., Room
1024,  Washington,  D.C.  20549 and at the  following  regional  offices  of the
Commission:  7 World Trade Center,  Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and 500
West  Madison  Street,  Suite  1400,  Chicago,  Illinois  60621.  Copies of such
material also can be obtained from the Commission's  Public Reference Section at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549 at prescribed
rates  and  from  the   Commission's   home  page  on  the  World  Wide  Web  at
http://www.sec.gov.

         This Prospectus  constitutes  part of a Registration  Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 33- _______) filed by Federal Trust with the Commission  under the
Securities  Act. This Prospectus  omits certain of the information  contained in
the  Registration  Statement in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission.  Reference is hereby made to the Registration  Statement and related
exhibits for further  information  with respect to Federal  Trust and the Common
Stock. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are
not  necessarily  complete and, in each instance,  where a copy of such document
has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise has been
filed with the  Commission,  reference  is made to the copy so filed.  Each such
statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.















                                       107






                                      F-35
                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




                                                                                                                   
Report of Independent Public Accountants........................................................................      F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 1997 (unaudited) and
     December 31, 1996 and 1995.................................................................................      F-3

Consolidated  Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 1997
     and 1996 (unaudited) and for the years ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...........................................................................      F-4

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the three months ended March
     31, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited) and for the years
     ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.....................................................................      F-5

Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 1997
     and 1996 (unaudited) and for the years ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...........................................................................      F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................................................................      F-8




                                      F-1






                    Report of Independent Public Accountants


                                      F-2





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets



                                                                              March 31,                December 31,
                                 Assets                                         1997             1996              1995
                                  -----                                         ----             ----              ----
                                                                             (Unaudited)
                                                                                                               
Cash                                                                     $       373,297           628,648        1,618,607
Interest-bearing deposits                                                      2,762,055         4,837,114           51,154
Investment securities available for sale                                       8,773,703         8,763,641       15,918,376
Investment securities held to maturity                                         6,307,745         6,290,610           19,093
Loans, less allowance for loan losses                                        113,214,544       112,547,266      112,905,740
Accrued interest receivable on loans                                             829,431           833,458          824,330
Accrued interest receivable on investment securities                             105,460           196,171          179,874
Accounts receivable                                                             -                  143,048        -
Note receivable                                                                  305,354           305,354        -
Loan sale proceeds receivable                                                   -               -                    37,765
Office facilities and equipment, net                                             887,140           917,572        1,291,974
Real estate owned                                                                                3,612,392        1,508,166
3,293,108
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost                                          1,427,500         1,253,200        1,853,200
Prepaid expenses and other assets                                                313,905           228,113          358,465
Deferred income taxes                                                          1,082,724         1,129,696          964,499
Income tax refund receivable                                                    -                 -               1,073,253
                                                                              ----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                         $   139,995,250       139,582,057      140,389,438
                                                                         ===============       ===========      ===========
                 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                    -------------------------------
Liabilities:
     Deposits                                                            $   103,745,499       106,119,006      109,203,123
     Official checks                                                             508,329           646,235          695,332
     Federal Home Loan Bank advances                                          27,250,000        24,800,000       21,000,000
     Debentures                                                                          -      -                   420,000
     Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance                       680,621           347,774          330,504
     Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                      483,879           504,414          680,353
                                                                              ----------        ----------       ----------
                  Total liabilities                                          132,668,328       132,417,429      132,329,312
                                                                              ----------        ----------       ----------
Stockholders' equity:
     Common stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,256,505 shares
         issued and outstanding at March 31,
         1997 and December 31, 1996 and 1995                                      22,565            22,565           22,565
     Additional paid-in capital                                               11,143,659        11,143,659       11,143,659
     Accumulated deficit                                                      (3,125,315)       (3,226,204)      (2,249,701)
     Treasury stock (16,577 shares of common stock, at cost,
         at March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 and 1995)                       (76,525)          (76,525)         (76,525)
     Unrealized loss on investment securities, net                              (203,936)         (210,224)        (779,872)
     Unrealized loss on investment securities transferred from
         available for sale to held to maturity, net                            (433,526)         (488,643)        -
                                                                              ----------        ----------       ----------
                  Total stockholders' equity                                   7,326,922         7,164,628        8,060,126

Commitments and contingencies
                                                                              ----------        ----------       ----------
                  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity             $   139,995,250       139,582,057      140,389,438
                                                                         ===============       ===========      ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                      F-3






                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      Consolidated Statements of Operations


                                                         Three months ended                        Years ended
                                                              March 31,                           December 31,
                                                          -----------------             ----------------------
                                                         1997           1996           1996            1995         1994
                                                         ----           ----           ----            ----         ----
                                                             (Unaudited)
                                                                                                         
Interest income:
    Loans                                            $ 2,335,042       2,353,343      9,039,426      9,001,646    7,731,077
    Investment securities                                167,450         152,424        675,279      1,289,085    1,753,625
    Interest-bearing deposits and other                   47,567          52,055        222,255        318,656      361,971
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Total interest income                        2,550,059       2,557,822      9,936,960     10,609,387    9,846,673
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
Interest expense:
    Deposit accounts                                   1,384,785       1,519,970      5,760,390      6,213,679    3,802,350
    FHLB advances, notes payable
       and other borrowings                              338,741         296,904      1,277,492      1,812,655    1,978,219
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Total interest expense                       1,723,526       1,816,874      7,037,882      8,026,334    5,780,569
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Net interest income                            826,533         740,948      2,899,078      2,583,053    4,066,104

Provision for loan losses                                 (3,000)        (18,356)       279,596        779,415      531,483
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Net interest income after provision
              for loan losses                            829,533         759,304      2,619,482      1,803,638    3,534,621
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
Other income:
    Fees and service charges                              25,835          26,301        163,010        187,782      193,866
    Rent income                                           13,673           5,544       -                88,171        2,351
    Gain of sale of loans                                  9,821         101,105        182,045        150,664      263,707
    Gain on sale of other real estate, net                39,998          35,291         48,574         43,056     -
    Other                                                 15,541          20,846         33,078         35,751       23,353
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Total other income                             104,868         189,087        426,707        505,424      483,277
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
Other expenses:
    Salary and employee benefits                         325,867         344,225      1,173,742      1,437,633    1,436,387
    Deposit insurance premiums                            61,952          80,390      1,017,902        307,487      207,939
    Occupancy and equipment                              131,813         169,471        594,703        713,086      585,087
    Legal and professional                                79,664         136,825        392,775        883,331      618,695
    Real estate owned expenses                            58,807          66,316        251,156        653,776      392,884
    General and administrative expenses                   60,490          49,493        172,430        296,872      353,676
    Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net               -               -               152,621       -            -
    Loss on sale of investment securities
       available for sale                               -               -                12,344        942,500        9,927
    Loss on sale of real estate                         -               -              -               122,222       46,287
    Loss on foreclosure of notes receivable             -               -              -              -             187,028
    Other                                                 38,619          96,245        468,819        433,684      400,161
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Total other expenses                           757,212         942,965      4,236,492      5,790,591    4,238,071
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Net income (loss) before income taxes          177,189           5,426     (1,190,303)    (3,481,529)    (220,173)

Income tax expense (benefit)                              76,300           1,953       (213,800)    (1,231,828)     (41,000)
                                                        --------        --------       --------      ---------     --------
          Net income (loss)                          $   100,889           3,473       (976,503)    (2,249,701)    (179,173)
                                                     ===========           =====       ========     ==========     ======== 
Earnings (loss) per share                            $      0.04            0.00          (.43)         (1.00)        (.08)
                                                     ===========            ====          ====          =====         ==== 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding          2,256,505       2,256,505      2,256,505      2,256,505    2,210,957
                                                       =========       =========      =========      =========    =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




                                      F-4




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity






                                                                                Retained                 Unrealized
                                                                Additional      earnings      Treasury     loss on         Total
                                                      Common     paid-in      (accumulated     stock,     investment   stockholders'
                                                      stock      capital        deficit)       at cost  securities, net    equity
                                                      -----      -------        --------       -------  ---------------    ------
                                                                                                             
Balances at December 31, 1993                     $    20,986   10,303,589       277,602       (76,525)         --      10,525,652

Net loss                                                 --           --        (179,173)         --            --        (179,173)
Dividends paid                                           --       (171,883)      (98,429)         --            --        (270,312)
Unrealized loss on
  investment securities
  available for sale, net                                --           --            --            --         (71,879)      (71,879)
Proceeds from sale of 157,935
  shares of common stock                                1,579    1,011,953          --            --            --       1,013,532
                                                  -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Balances at December 31, 1994                          22,565   11,143,659          --         (76,525)      (71,879)   11,017,820

Net loss                                                 --           --      (2,249,701)         --            --      (2,249,701)
Amortization of unrealized loss
  associated with investment
  securities held to maturity                            --           --            --            --          15,305        15,305
Unrealized loss on investment
  securities  available for sale, net                    --           --            --            --        (723,298)     (723,298)
                                                  -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Balances at December 31, 1995                          22,565   11,143,659    (2,249,701)      (76,525)     (779,872)    8,060,126

Net loss                                                 --           --        (976,503)         --            --        (976,503)
Unrealized loss associated with
  investment securities transferred from
  available for sale to held to maturity                 --           --            --            --        (553,923)     (553,923)
Amortization of unrealized loss on investment
  securities held to maturity                            --           --            --            --          65,280        65,280
Change in unrealized loss on investment
  securities available for sale, net                     --           --            --            --         569,648       569,648
                                                  -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Balances at December 31, 1996                          22,565   11,143,659    (3,226,204)      (76,525)     (698,867)    7,164,628

Net income (unaudited)                                   --           --         100,889          --            --         100,889
Amortization of unrealized loss on investment
  securities held to maturity (unaudited)                --           --            --            --          55,117        55,117
Change in unrealized loss on investment
  securities available for sale, net (unaudited)         --           --            --            --           6,288         6,288
                                                  -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Balances at March 31, 1997 (unaudited)            $    22,565   11,143,659    (3,125,315)      (76,525)     (637,462)    7,326,922
                                                  -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 




                                      F-5





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows



                                                                  Three months ended                   Years ended
                                                                      March 31,                        December 31,
                                                                  -----------------          -------------------------------
                                                                  1997         1996          1996         1995          1994
                                                                  ----         ----          ----         ----          ----
                                                                     (Unaudited)
                                                                                                              
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
    Net income (loss)                                       $   100,889         3,473      (976,503)   (2,249,701)     (179,173)
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
       cash flows from operations:
          Loss on sale of investment securities
              available for sale                                   --            --          12,344       942,500         9,927
          Provision for losses on loans and
              real estate owned                                  30,000          --         428,897     1,098,119       838,267
          Amortization of premium on purchased loans             90,890        60,013       241,747       428,853       427,201
          Deferred income taxes                                  76,300         1,953      (213,800)     (171,747)     (371,000)
          Depreciation of office facilities and equipment        39,878        50,271       159,564       179,416       210,872
          Gain on sale of loans                                  (9,821)     (101,105)     (182,045)     (150,664)     (263,707)
          Net amortization of fees and
              discounts on loans                                (17,072)      (56,484)      (89,405)      (84,930)        7,137
          Net (gain) loss on the sale of real estate owned      (39,998)      (35,291)      (48,574)       75,374        37,507
          Write-down on other real estate owned                  33,000        18,356       257,921          --            --
          Net amortization of premiums and
              accretion of discounts on
              investment securities                             (22,015)         --            --          14,574          --
          Net loss on disposal of office facilities
              and equipment                                        --            --         155,347           371          --
          Loss on foreclosure of notes receivable                  --            --            --            --         187,028
          Cash provided by (used in) changes in:
              Accrued interest receivable on loans                4,027       (47,332)       (9,128)     (159,546)      (45,625)
              Accrued interest receivable on
                 investment securities                           90,711        86,520       (16,297)      383,380        13,263
              Accounts receivable                                  --          37,765      (143,048)       19,787        48,312
              Loan sale proceeds receivable                        --            --          37,765     2,453,594    (2,491,359)
              Prepaid expenses and other assets                  57,257       (18,195)      130,352       (80,877)      179,753
              Income tax refund receivable                         --            --       1,073,253      (976,558)         --
              Official checks                                  (137,906)       52,489       (49,097)      221,388      (125,436)
              Accrued expenses and other liabilities            (16,641)       81,494      (175,939)      100,481      (203,293)
              Accrued interest on deposit accounts               15,458         3,785        (7,831)          947        (2,283)
              Income tax payable                                   --            --            --            --        (221,049)
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                    Net cash provided by (used in)
                        operating activities                    294,957       137,712       585,523     2,044,761    (1,943,658)
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
    Long-term loans originated or purchased, net of
       principal repayments                                  (3,755,509)   (2,802,737)   (7,394,909)   (9,330,970)  (23,430,621)
    Proceeds from sale of investment securities,
       available for sale                                          --            --         987,656     6,307,501    12,117,605
    Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned           219,772     1,272,767     1,014,345     3,139,470       461,554
    Proceeds from loans sold                                    699,248     4,084,252     7,942,943     2,855,234     4,620,485
    Capitalized costs on other real estate owned                   --            --         (27,504)     (154,961)         --
    Notes receivable originated, net of repayments                 --            --        (305,354)         --            --
    Proceeds from the sale of Federal Home
       Loan Bank stock                                         (174,300)         --         600,000       121,800       840,300
    Purchase of premises and equipment                           (9,446)       (4,147)      (21,353)      (36,951)     (314,621)
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                   --            --          80,844        26,967          --
    Maturities of investment securities held to maturity          4,880         8,324        12,826        24,968          --
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                    Net cash provided by (used in)
                        investing activities                 (3,015,355)    2,558,459     2,889,494     2,953,058    (5,705,298)
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------


                                   (Continued)


                                      F-6




                                        2

                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued





                                                            Three months ended                    Years ended
                                                                 March 31,                        December 31,
                                                          ---------------------           ------------------------------
                                                         1997              1996           1996        1995          1994
                                                         ----              ----           ----        ----          ----
                                                              (Unaudited)
                                                                                                       
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
    Deposit accounts:
       (Decrease) increase in certificate accounts      $(2,194,386)     (847,379)   (3,613,173)   12,625,716    19,936,747
       Net increase (decrease) in deposits                 (198,473)     (652,754)      536,887    (4,951,858)    2,852,143
    Proceeds from (repayment) of FHLB advances            2,450,000     1,300,000     3,800,000   (18,500,000)  (15,800,000)
    Net increase (decrease) in advance payments by
       borrowers for taxes and insurance                    332,847       234,451        17,270      (106,305)      210,203
    Repayment of debentures                                    --        (170,000)     (420,000)         --            --
    Issuance of capital stock, net of
     stock issuance costs                                      --            --            --            --       1,013,532
    Dividends paid on common stock                             --            --            --            --        (270,312)
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                    Net cash provided by (used in)
                        financing activities                389,988      (135,682)      320,984   (10,932,447)    7,942,313
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                    Net increase (decrease) in cash
                        and cash equivalents             (2,330,410)    2,560,489     3,796,001    (5,934,628)      293,357

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period          5,465,762     1,669,761     1,669,761     7,604,389     7,311,032
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period              $ 3,135,352     4,230,250     5,465,762     1,669,761     7,604,389
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Supplemental  disclosures of cash flow information:
    Cash paid during the period for:
       Interest                                         $   803,481       921,320     7,003,551     8,291,649     5,881,345
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
       Income taxes                                     $      --            --            --            --         685,417
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash transactions:
    Real estate acquired in settlement of loans         $ 2,350,000       306,143       860,613     3,780,216     2,629,056
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
    Market value adjustment - investment securities
       available for sale:
          Market value adjustment - investments         $  (326,297)   (1,311,609)     (336,359)   (1,181,624)     (107,647)
          Deferred income tax asset                        (122,361)     (450,496)     (126,135)     (401,752)      (35,768)
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
              Unrealized loss on
                 investment securities
                 available for sale, net                $  (203,936)     (861,113)     (210,224)     (779,872)      (71,879)
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
          Unrealized loss on investment securities
              transferred from available
              for sale to held to maturity              $  (693,642)         --        (715,657)         --            --
          Deferred income tax asset                        (260,116)         --        (227,014)         --            --
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
              Unrealized loss on investment securities
                 transferred from available
                 for sale to held to maturity           $  (433,526)         --        (488,643)         --            --
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
    Loans acquired in settlement of
     other real estate sold                             $      --            --      (1,300,066)         --            --
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-7




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(1)    Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

       (a)    Organization

              Federal Trust  Corporation  (the "Holding  Company"),  is the sole
              shareholder  of  Federal  Trust  Bank (the  "Bank").  The  Holding
              Company  operates as a unitary  savings and loan holding  company.
              The Holding Company's  business  activities  primarily include the
              operation of the Bank.

              During the current  year the Holding  Company  sold a  subsidiary,
              Federal Trust Properties Corp. ("FTPC"), a real estate holding and
              development  company  for book  value.  In  addition,  the Holding
              Company  dissolved  its other  subsidiary,  1270  Leasing  Company
              ("1270 LC"), a real estate leasing  entity.  The assets of 1270 LC
              were  transferred to the Bank or written-off.  Operations of these
              subsidiaries were not significant to the consolidated entity.

               The Bank was chartered as a federal stock savings bank.  The Bank
               provides a full  range of  banking  services  to  individual  and
               corporate customers.

       (b)    Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

              The consolidated  financial statements include the accounts of the
              Holding Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
              accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

              The accounting and reporting policies of Federal Trust Corporation
              and subsidiaries  (collectively  called the "Company")  conform to
              generally accepted accounting  principles and to general practices
              within the thrift  industry.  The  following  summarizes  the more
              significant of these policies and practices.

       (c)    Earnings Per Share

              Earnings per share is computed  using the weighted  average number
              of common shares  outstanding  during the period.  Stock  warrants
              issued are not included in the  calculation  of earnings per share
              as their effect is not dilutive.

       (d)    Cash and Cash Equivalents

              For  the  purposes  of  reporting   cash  flows,   cash  and  cash
              equivalents  includes  cash  and  interest-bearing  deposits  with
              maturities of three months or less.

       (e)    Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") Stock

               This asset is owned due to regulatory requirements and is carried
               at cost.  This  stock is  pledged as  collateral  to secure  FHLB
               advances.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-8




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       (f)    Investment  Securities Held to Maturity and Investment  Securities
              Available for Sale

              Certain  securities  are  reported at fair value  except for those
              securities  which the Company has the positive  intent and ability
              to hold to maturity. Investments to be held for indefinite periods
              of time and not intended to be held to maturity are  classified as
              available  for  sale and are  carried  at fair  value.  Unrealized
              holding gains and losses are included in stockholders'  equity net
              of the effect of income taxes.

              Securities  that management has the intent and the Company has the
              ability  at the time of  purchase  or  origination  to hold  until
              maturity are classified as investment securities held to maturity.
              Securities in this category are carried at amortized cost adjusted
              for accretion of discounts and  amortization of premiums using the
              level yield method over the estimated life of the securities. If a
              security has a decline in fair value below its amortized cost that
              is other than temporary, then the security will be written down to
              its  new  cost  basis  by  recording  a loss  in the  consolidated
              statements of operations.  Realized gains and losses on investment
              securities are computed using the specific identification method.

       (g)    Loans

              Loans  receivable that the Bank has the intent and ability to hold
              until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding  unpaid
              principal balance reduced by any charge-offs or specific valuation
              accounts, net of any deferred fees on originated loans.

              Loan origination  fees and certain direct loan  origination  costs
              are capitalized and recognized in income over the contractual life
              of the loans,  adjusted  for  estimated  prepayments  based on the
              Bank's historical prepayment  experience.  If the loan is prepaid,
              the   remaining   unamortized   fees  and  costs  are  charged  to
              operations. Amortization is ceased on nonaccrual loans.

              Commitment   fees  and  costs  relating  to  the  commitments  are
              recognized over the commitment period on a straight-line basis. If
              the  commitment is exercised  during the  commitment  period,  the
              remaining  unamortized  commitment  fee at the time of exercise is
              recognized over the life of the loan as an adjustment of yield.

              Loans are placed on  nonaccrual  status  when the loan  becomes 90
              days past due as to interest or principal, unless the loan is both
              well  secured and in the process of  collection,  or when the full
              timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. When
              a loan is placed on  nonaccrual  status,  the  accrued  and unpaid
              interest  receivable  is written off and the loan is accounted for
              on the cash or cost recovery method  thereafter  until  qualifying
              for return to accrual status.


                                                                     (Continued)


                                      F-9




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       (h)    Allowance for Loan Losses

              The allowance for loan losses is  established  through a provision
              for loan losses charged to expenses. Loans are charged against the
              allowance when management  believes that the collectibility of the
              principal is unlikely.  The allowance is an estimated  amount that
              management  believes will be adequate to absorb losses inherent in
              the loan  portfolio and  commitments  to extend  credit,  based on
              evaluations  of its  collectibility.  The  evaluations  take  into
              consideration  such factors as changes in the nature and volume of
              the portfolio,  overall portfolio quality,  specific problem loans
              and commitments,  and current and anticipated  economic conditions
              that may affect the borrower's  ability to pay.  While  management
              uses the best information  available to recognize losses on loans,
              future  additions  to the  allowance  may be  necessary  based  on
              changes in economic conditions.

              Regulatory  examiners may require the Bank to recognize  additions
              to the allowance  based upon their judgment about the  information
              available to them at the time of their examination.

       (i)    Mortgage Servicing Rights

              The Bank originates mortgage servicing rights by selling loans and
              retaining servicing rights. In May 1995, the Financial  Accounting
              Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of financial  Accounting
              Standards ("Statement") No. 122, Accounting for Mortgage Servicing
              Rights.  This Statement  provides  guidance for the recognition of
              mortgage servicing rights as an asset when a mortgage loan is sold
              and servicing rights are retained. The Bank adopted this standards
              effective  January 1, 1996.  The results of this  adoption  was to
              capitalize  approximately  $70,303 in  mortgage  servicing  rights
              related  to loans  originated  by the Bank in 1996.  The  carrying
              value of mortgage  servicing  rights is amortized over the life of
              the related loan portfolio.

       (j)    Real Estate Owned

              Real  estate  acquired  in the  settlement  of loans is  initially
              recorded  at the lower of cost  (principal  balance  of the former
              loan plus costs of obtaining  title and  possession)  or estimated
              fair  value at the date of  acquisition.  Subsequently,  such real
              estate acquired is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less
              estimated  costs  to  sell.  Costs  relating  to  development  and
              improvement  of  the  property  are  capitalized,   whereas  those
              relating to holding the property are charged to operations.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-10




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       (k)    Office Facilities and Equipment

              Office   facilities   and   equipment  are  stated  at  cost  less
              accumulated   depreciation  and   amortization.   Depreciation  is
              computed using the straight-line  method over the estimated useful
              lives of the related assets.  Leasehold improvements are stated at
              cost less  accumulated  amortization.  Amortization  of  leasehold
              improvements is computed using the  straight-line  method over the
              lesser of the estimated useful life or the respective lease terms.

       (l)    Income Taxes

              The  Holding  Company  and its  subsidiaries  file a  consolidated
              income tax return.  Income taxes are allocated  proportionately to
              the Holding Company and its subsidiaries as though separate income
              tax returns were filed.

              The  Company  accounts  for  income  taxes  under  the  asset  and
              liability   method.   Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are
              recognized  for  the  future  tax  consequences   attributable  to
              differences  between the financial  statement  carrying amounts of
              existing assets and  liabilities  and their  respective tax bases.
              Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
              rates  expected  to apply to taxable  income in the years in which
              those  temporary  differences  are  expected  to be  recovered  or
              settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and  liabilities  of a
              change in tax rates is  recognized  in income in the  period  that
              included the enactment date.

       (m)    Use of Estimates

              The  preparation  of  financial   statements  in  conformity  with
              generally accepted  accounting  principles  requires management to
              make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
              assets and  liabilities  and  disclosure of contingent  assets and
              liabilities  at the  date  of the  financial  statements  and  the
              reported  amount of revenues  and  expenses  during the  reporting
              period. The most significant  estimates made by management are the
              determination  of the adequacy of the  allowance  for loan losses,
              that  real  estate  owned is  stated  at the lower of cost or fair
              value, and the  recoverability  of the deferred tax asset.  Actual
              results could differ from these estimates.

       (n)    Effect of New Accounting Pronouncements

              In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 123, Accounting for
              Stock-Based  Compensation.  The Statement  provides that companies
              must  either  charge the value of stock  options  granted to their
              income statement or provide pro forma equivalent  information in a
              footnote  disclosure  and continue to account for the value of the
              stock options in  accordance  with APB Opinion No. 25. The Company
              adopted this standard  effective January 1, 1996 by accounting for
              employee stock-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25.



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-11




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






     (2)  Investment  Securities  Held to Maturity  and  Investments  Securities
Available for Sale

     The  amortized  cost and estimated  market values of investment  securities
held to maturity and  available for sale at March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996
and 1995 are as follows:

       Investment securities held to maturity:

                                                                                        Gross
                                                                     Amortized       unrealized           Estimated
                                                                       cost             loss            market value
                                                                       ----             ----             -----------
                                                                                                         
         March 31, 1997 (unaudited):
            Obligation of U.S. government agencies               $     6,306,358        (211,983)           6,094,375
            Other                                                          1,387        -                       1,387
                                                                       ---------        --------             --------
                                                                 $     6,307,745        (211,983)           6,095,762
                                                                       ---------        --------            ---------
         December 31, 1996:
            Obligation of U.S. government agencies               $     6,284,343         (17,155)           6,267,188
            Other                                                          6,267        -                       6,267
                                                                       ---------         -------             --------
                                                                 $     6,290,610         (17,155)           6,273,455
                                                                       ---------        --------            ---------
         December 31, 1995:
            Other                                                $        19,093       -                       19,093
                                                                       ---------        --------            ---------
       Investment securities available for sale:

                                                                                        Gross
                                                                     Amortized       unrealized           Estimated
                                                                       cost             loss            market value
                                                                       ----             ----             -----------
         March 31, 1997 (unaudited):
            Obligation of U.S. government agencies               $     9,100,000        (326,297)           8,773,703
                                                                       ---------        --------            ---------
         December 31, 1996:
            Obligations of U.S. government agencies              $     9,100,000        (336,359)           8,763,641
                                                                       ---------        --------            ---------
         December 31, 1995:
            Obligations of U.S. government agencies              $    17,100,000      (1,181,624)          15,918,376
                                                                 ===============      ==========           ==========



                                                                     (Continued)


                                      F-12




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       The amortized  cost and estimated  market value of investment  securities
       held to maturity and investment securities available for sale at December
       31, 1996 and March 31, 1997, by contractual maturity, are below. Expected
       maturities will differ from contractual  maturities because borrowers may
       have the  right to call or prepay  obligations  with or  without  call or
       prepayment penalties.



                                                                     March 31, 1997              December 31, 1996
                                                                 ----------------------          -----------------
                                                                                Estimated                       Estimated
                                                                 Amortized       market         Amortized        market
                                                                   cost           value           cost            value
                                                                   ----           ----            ----            ----
                                                                       (Unaudited)
                                                                                                          
           Investment securities held to maturity:
                Due in one year or less                       $      1,387          1,387            6,267          6,267
                Due after five years through ten years           6,306,358      6,094,375        6,284,343      6,267,188
                                                                  --------       --------         --------       --------
                                                              $  6,307,745      6,095,762        6,290,610      6,273,455
                                                              ============      =========        =========      =========
           Investment securities available for sale:
                Due after one year through five years         $  9,100,000      8,773,703        9,100,000      8,763,641
                                                              ============      =========        =========      =========


       Market values for all securities were calculated  using published  prices
       or the equivalent at the dates indicated.

       The  Company's  investment in  obligations  of U.S.  government  agencies
       consist of dual indexed  bonds issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank.  The
       bonds  have a par  value of  $16,100,000  and pay  interest  based on the
       difference  between two  indices.  The bonds pay  interest at the 10 year
       constant  maturity  treasury  rate less the 3 month or 6 month LIBOR rate
       plus a  contractual  amount  ranging  from  2.3%  to  4.0%.  The  Company
       purchased the bonds to partially offset its risk related to its portfolio
       of  adjustable  rate  mortgages  and as such  subjects  the  Company to a
       certain  degree of market  risk as the  indices  change  with  prevailing
       market interest rates.

       Proceeds  from sales of  investment  securities  available  for sale were
       $987,656,   $6,307,501   and   $12,117,605   in  1996,   1995  and  1994,
       respectively.  Gross  realized  losses on sales of investment  securities
       available for sale during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $12,344,  $942,500 and
       $9,927,  respectively.  There were no sales in the unaudited three months
       ended March 31, 1997 or 1996.

       In  November  1995,  the  Company   transferred   investment   securities
       classified  as held to maturity to  investment  securities  available for
       sale in accordance  with  guidelines  issued by the Financial  Accounting
       Standards Board which permitted such a one-time  election.  The amortized
       cost of the investment  securities  transferred  was  $24,350,000 and the
       estimated  market  value  was  $22,283,281  and the  unrealized  loss was
       $2,066,719.

       In March  1996,  the  Company  transferred  securities  in the  amount of
       $7,000,000  from the  available for sale category to the held to maturity
       category  resulting in an  unrealized  loss of $780,937  which remains in
       equity, net of amortization and income tax. Amortization is an adjustment
       to yield over the remaining term of the investments.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-13





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






(3)    Loans Receivable, Net

       A summary of loans receivable are as follows:

                                                                        March 31,                 December 31,
                                                                          1997              1996              1995
                                                                          ----              ----              ----
                                                                       (Unaudited)
                                                                                                          
         Mortgage loans:
              Permanent conventional:
                  Commercial                                      $       11,931,285       11,294,679        13,112,448
                  Residential                                             98,073,906       97,717,708        97,612,560
                  Residential construction conventional                    2,546,600        3,795,050         1,666,960
                                                                          ----------       ----------        ----------
                  Total mortgage loans                                   112,551,791      112,807,437       112,391,968

              Commercial loans                                             1,239,108        1,349,483         1,442,811
              Consumer loans                                                 152,795          154,445           180,194
              Lines of credit                                                710,902          686,072         1,258,501
                                                                          ----------       ----------        ----------
                  Total loans receivable                                 114,654,596      114,997,437       115,273,474

              Net premium on mortgage loans purchased                      1,202,264        1,154,942           986,918

              Deduct:
                  Unearned loan origination fees,
                      net of direct loan origination costs                    42,109          169,854           104,132
                  Undisbursed portion of loans in process                  1,407,473        1,902,256         1,189,952
                  Allowance for loan losses                                1,192,734        1,533,003         2,060,568
                                                                          ----------       ----------        ----------
                  Loans receivable, net                           $      113,214,544      112,547,266       112,905,740
                                                                  ==================      ===========       ===========



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-14





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       The  following  is a summary  of  information  regarding  nonaccrual  and
impaired loans:



                                                                        March 31,                 December 31,
                                                                          1997              1996              1995
                                                                          ----              ----              ----
                                                                       (Unaudited)

                                                                                                           
           Nonaccrual loans                                          $    1,622,027           991,000         3,326,600
                                                                     ==============           =======         =========
           Recorded investment in impaired loans                     $    1,369,892         4,078,174         6,122,356
                                                                     ==============         =========         =========
           Allowance for loan losses related to
                impaired loans                                       $      476,504           626,435         1,319,343
                                                                     ==============           =======         =========

                                                                         Interest            Average          Interest
                                                                          income            recorded           income
                                                                      not recognized       investment       recognized on
                                                                       on nonaccrual       in impaired        impaired
                                                                           loans              loans             loans
                                                                           -----              -----             -----
For             the unaudited three months ended March 31:
                    1997                                             $       49,486         3,384,957            46,153
                                                                     ==============         =========            ======
                    1996                                             $       89,708         5,899,251            69,938
                                                                     ==============         =========            ======
 For the years ended December 31:
                1996$                                                       181,000         5,071,872           259,263
                                                                     ==============         =========           =======
                1995$                                                       381,000         6,032,515           338,997
                                                                     ==============         =========           =======
                1994$                                                       616,000
                                                                     ==============         



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-15





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






       The activity in the allowance for loan losses is as follows:

                                                             Three months ended                   Years ended
                                                                  March 31,                       December 31,
                                                              ---------------           ----------------------
                                                             1997         1996         1996          1995         1994
                                                             ----         ----         ----          ----         ----
                                                                 (Unaudited)
                                                                                                       
         Balance at beginning of period                 $   1,533,003    2,060,568    2,060,568    1,974,950    1,850,000
         Charge-offs                                         (340,335)    (115,681)  (1,223,240)    (707,222)    (409,329)
         Provision for loan losses                             (3,000)     (18,356)     279,596      779,415      531,483
         Recoveries                                             3,066        3,283      266,778       13,425        2,796
         Transfer from allowance for real estate owned       -            -             149,301     -            -
                                                             --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
         Balance at end of period                       $   1,192,734    1,929,814    1,533,003    2,060,568    1,974,950
                                                             --------     --------     --------     --------     --------


       Loan  customers  of the  Bank  include  certain  executive  officers  and
       directors and their related  interests and associates.  All loans to this
       group were made in the ordinary  course of business at  prevailing  terms
       and conditions.

       There were no  outstanding  loans to executive  officers,  directors  and
affiliates at March 31, 1997 (unaudited) or December 31, 1995 and 1996.


(4)    Loan Servicing

       Mortgage loans  serviced for others are not included in the  accompanying
       consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of these loans
       were $8,387,656,  $7,915,631 and $1,301,078 at March 31, 1997 (unaudited)
       and December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Servicing fees earned were
       $6,520,  $3,308,  $22,086,  $22,026 and $52,144 for the  unaudited  three
       months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended December 31,
       1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


(5)    Mortgage Servicing Rights

       An analysis of the activity for originated  mortgage  servicing rights is
as follows:

               Balance, January 1, 1996             $   --
               Originations                           70,303
               Amortization                           (2,672)
                                                    --------
               Balance, December 31, 1996             67,631
               Originations (unaudited)                3,856
               Amortization (unaudited)               (2,211)
                                                    --------
               Balance, March 31, 1997 (unaudited)  $ 69,276
                                                    --------
                                                                     (Continued)


                                      F-16




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(6)    Office Facilities and Equipment

       Office   facilities   and  equipment   and  their   related   accumulated
depreciation and amortization are summarized as follows:



                                                           March 31,             December 31,                  Estimated
                                                             1997             1996           1995            useful lives
                                                             ----             ----           ----             ----------
                                                          (Unaudited)
                                                                                                         
           Leasehold improvements                     $     1,037,991       1,035,861       1,251,412         3-25 years
           Furniture and fixtures                             543,539         542,727         651,910          3-7 years
           Automobiles                                       -               -                 33,841           5 years
                                                             --------        --------        --------
                                                            1,581,530       1,578,588       1,937,163
           Less accumulated depreciation
                and amortization                              694,390         661,016         645,189
                                                             --------        --------        --------
                Office facilities and
                    equipment, net                    $       887,140         917,572       1,291,974
                                                      ===============         =======       =========




(7)    Deposits

       A summary of deposits follows:

                                                              Weighted                   Weighted                 Weighted
                                                               average                    average                  average
                                                  March 31,   interest    December 31,   interest   December 31,  interest
                                                    1997        rate          1996         rate         1995        rate
                                                    ----        ----          ----          ---         ----        ----
                                                        (Unaudited)
                                                                                                    
           Commercial checking accounts -
               noninterest-bearing             $     170,762       - %  $     58,994       -  %  $     209,637        -%
           NOW accounts                              612,477     1.77%       654,473      1.79%        674,556       .68%
           Money market deposit accounts           7,172,954     4.02%     7,428,630      4.02%      6,601,689      4.02%
           Statement savings accounts              1,355,076     2.59%     1,363,750      2.58%      2,157,600      2.60%
                                                  ----------     -----    ----------      -----     ----------      -----
                                                   9,311,269     3.59%     9,505,847      3.59%      9,643,482      3.42%
                                                  ----------     -----    ----------      -----     ----------      -----
           Certificate accounts by interest rates:
               1.00% - 3.99%                   $     463,973            $    499,355             $   1,219,498
               4.00% - 4.99%                       2,549,837               3,076,939                 2,170,725
               5.00% - 5.99%                      76,284,827              78,123,278                54,846,938
               6.00% - 7.99%                      15,116,241              14,909,692                41,310,738
                                                  ----------              ----------                ----------
                  Total certificate accounts      94,414,878     5.59%    96,609,264      5.56%     99,547,899      5.89%
                                                  ----------     -----    ----------      -----     ----------      -----
           Accrued interest                           19,352                   3,895                    11,742
                                                  ----------              ----------                ----------
                  Total deposits               $ 103,745,499     5.41%  $106,119,006      5.38%  $ 109,203,123      5.66%
                                               =============     ====   ============      ====   =============      ==== 


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-17





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






     The following  table presents,  by various  interest rate  categories,  the
amount of certificate accounts at December 31, 1996 maturing during the periods
       reflected below:

           Interest rate              1997            1998            1999          2000          2001            Total
           -----------                ----            ----            ----          ----          ----            -----
                                                                                                     
           1.00% - 3.99%        $       436,854          29,171        24,944          4,046        4,340          499,355
           4.00% - 4.99%              2,731,349         343,714         1,876           -           -            3,076,939
           5.00% - 5.99%             60,521,909       9,529,759     6,639,456        693,372      738,782       78,123,278
           6.00% - 6.99%              9,306,213       2,671,973     1,073,589        633,292      201,000       13,886,067
           7.00% - 7.99%                925,625          98,000      -               -            -              1,023,625
                                      ---------       ---------      --------       --------      -------        ---------
                                $    73,921,950      12,672,617     7,739,865      1,330,710      944,122       96,609,264
                                ===============      ==========     =========      =========      =======       ==========


       The Company's large denomination ($100,000 and over) deposits included in
certificate accounts mature as follows:




                                                 March 31, 1997            December 31, 1996         December 31, 1995
                                                  -------------            -----------------         -----------------
                                               Amount       % total       Amount      % total       Amount       % total
                                               -------      -------       -------     -------       -------      -------
                                                   (Unaudited)
                                                                                                  
         Three months or less              $   5,562,080     30.4%  $    3,952,908      21.5%  $   4,143,788      27.1%
         Over three months to six  months     3,365,049      18.4%       5,844,172      31.9%      4,038,318      26.4%
         Over six months to twelve months     5,116,733      28.0%       4,707,383      25.7%      4,648,096      30.4%
         Over twelve months                   4,241,949      23.2%       3,829,936      20.9%      2,446,328      16.1%
                                              ---------     ------       ---------     ------      ---------     ------
                                           $ 18,285,811     100.0%   $  18,334,399     100.0%   $ 15,276,530     100.0%
                                              ---------     ------       ---------     ------      ---------     ------




       Interest expense on deposits is as follows:

                                                             Three months ended                 Years ended
                                                                  March 31,                    December 31,
                                                              ---------------           -------------------
                                                             1997         1996         1996          1995         1994
                                                             ----         ----         ----          ----         ----
                                                                 (Unaudited)
                                                                                                       
         Interest on NOW and Super NOW accounts         $       2,727        1,654        9,510        5,624        6,876
         Interest on money market accounts                     75,007       61,447      256,130      254,271      260,832
         Interest on savings accounts                           8,783       12,195       43,335       91,557      211,787
         Interest on certificate accounts, net of penalties 1,298,268    1,444,674    5,451,415    5,862,227    3,322,855
                                                             --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                                        $   1,384,785    1,519,970    5,760,390    6,213,679    3,802,350
                                                             --------     --------     --------     --------     --------


                                                                     (Continued)


                                      F-18




                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




(8)    Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

       A summary  of  advances  from the  Federal  Home Loan Bank of  Atlanta at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:

                       Maturing in year   Interest rate
ending December 31,    (variable rates)   March 31, 1997
- -------------------    --------------     -----------
                                          (Unaudited)
     1997                 6.01          $10,000,000
     1997                 5.86            5,000,000
     1997                (6.85)           4,750,000
     1998                 6.02            2,500,000
     1998                 6.12            5,000,000
                                          -----------
                                        $27,250,000
                                        ===========


                       Maturing in year   Interest rate
ending December 31,    (variable rates)   December 31, 1996
- -------------------    --------------     -----------
     1997                 6.01          $10,000,000
     1997                 5.86            5,000,000
     1997                (6.95)           4,800,000
     1998                 6.12            5,000,000
                                          -----------
                                         $24,800,000
                                         ===========


                       Maturing in year   Interest rate
ending December 31,    (variable rates)   December 31, 1995
- -------------------    --------------     -----------
     1996                 5.83          $ 5,000,000
     1996                 5.76            7,000,000
     1996                (6.10)           4,000,000
     1998                 6.12            5,000,000
                                          -----------
                                        $21,000,000
                                        ===========


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-19





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       Pursuant  to  collateral  agreements  with the  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank
("FHLB"), advances are secured by the following:



                                                                       March 31,                  December 31,
                                                                         1997                1996             1995
                                                                         ----                ----             ----
                                                                      (Unaudited)
                                                                                                           
           FHLB stock                                             $       1,427,500         1,253,200         1,853,200
           Qualifying mortgage loans                                     40,065,005        34,588,904        35,277,703
           Investment securities:
                Amortized cost                                            6,306,358         6,284,373         7,000,000
                Market value                                              6,094,375         6,267,188         6,348,125
                                                                          ---------         ---------         ---------


(9)    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

       The  following  methods  and  assumptions  were  used by the  Company  in
estimating fair values of financial instruments as disclosed herein:

           Cash and Cash  Equivalents  - The  carrying  amount  of cash and cash
           equivalents  (demand  deposits  maintained  by the Company at various
           financial institutions) and interest bearing deposits represents fair
           value.

           Investment  Securities  Available for Sale and Held to Maturity - The
           Company's   investment   securities   available  for  sale  represent
           investments in Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") bonds.  The fair value
           of the FHLB bonds was based on quoted  market  prices.  The Company's
           investments held to maturity represent  investments in Orange County,
           Florida Tax  Certificates  and FHLB bonds.  The carrying value of tax
           certificates  approximates  the fair  value.  The fair  value of FHLB
           bonds was based on quoted market prices.

            Federal  Home Loan Bank  Stock - Fair  value  approximates  carrying
            value.

           Loans - For variable rate loans that reprice  frequently  and have no
           significant  change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying
           values.  Fair  values for  commercial  real  estate,  commercial  and
           consumer  loans other than variable  rate loans are  estimated  using
           discount cash flow analysis,  using interest  rates  currently  being
           offered for loans with similar  terms to borrowers of similar  credit
           quality. Fair values of impaired loans are estimated using discounted
           cash flow analysis or underlying collateral values, where applicable.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-20





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




           Deposits - The fair  values  disclosed  for demand  deposits  are, by
           definition,  equal to the amount  payable on demand at  December  31,
           1996  (that is their  carrying  amounts).  The  carrying  amounts  of
           variable rate,  fixed term money market accounts and  certificates of
           deposit (CDs)  approximate  their fair value at the  reporting  date.
           Fair values for fixed rate CDs are estimated  using a discounted cash
           flow  calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered
           on  certificates  to  a  schedule  of  aggregated   expected  monthly
           maturities on time deposits.

           Federal  Home Loan Bank  Advances - Fair  value of Federal  Home Loan
           Bank advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based
           on the  Company's  current  incremental  borrowing  rates for similar
           types of borrowing arrangements.

           Commitments - Fair values for  off-balance-sheet  lending commitments
           are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements,
           taking into account the  remaining  terms of the  agreements  and the
           counterparties' credit standing.

       The  estimated  fair values of the  Company's  financial  instruments  at
December 31, 1996 are as follows:



                                                             Carrying amount    Fair value
                                                             ---------------    ----------
                                                                              
Financial assets:
                 Cash and cash equivalents                   $  5,465,762       5,465,762
                 Investment securities available for sale       8,763,641       8,763,641
                 Investment securities held to maturity         6,290,610       6,273,455
                 Loans (carrying amount less allowance
                     for loan loss of $1,533,003)             112,547,266     112,879,373
                 Federal Home Loan Bank stock                   1,253,200       1,253,200

Financial liabilities:
                 Deposits:
                     Without stated maturities               $  9,505,847       9,505,847
                     With stated maturities                    96,609,264      96,869,394
                 Federal Home Loan Bank advances               24,800,000      24,784,484

 Commitments:
                 Letters of credit                           $       --           500,000
                 Loan commitments                                    --         2,959,941


       The carrying  amounts shown in the table are included in the consolidated
balance sheet under the indicated captions.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-21





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




(10)   Debentures and Common Stock Purchase Warrants

       During  1991,  the Company  issued  $420,000 of 10%  callable  debentures
       maturing in 1996. The debentures were issued in $1,000  denominations and
       were  unsecured.  Interest on the  debentures  is payable  annually.  The
       debentures were redeemed during 1996.

       One stock  purchase  warrant  was issued in  connection  with each $10 of
       debentures  purchased.  Each  warrant  entitled the  registered  owner to
       purchase  one and a quarter  shares of common stock at the greater of $10
       or the book value per share of common stock as  determined  in accordance
       with generally accepted accounting principles at the end of the Company's
       most recent  fiscal year end or, at any time prior to November  15, 1996.
       All warrants expired on November 15, 1996.


(11)   Income Taxes

       Income tax expense (benefit) consists of:



                                                      Three months ended                  Years ended
                                                           March 31,                     December 31,
                                                       ---------------           --------------------
                                                      1997         1996         1996         1995         1994
                                                      ----         ----         ----         ----         ----
                                                          (Unaudited)
                                                                                               
                  Current:
                      Federal                      $    -          -            -         (1,060,081)    294,000
                      State                             -          -            -           -             36,000
                                                       ------      -----       -------      --------     -------
                                                   $    -          -            -         (1,060,081)    330,000
                                                       ------      -----       -------      --------     -------
                  Deferred:
                      Federal                      $   65,000      1,953      (213,800)     (152,747)   (328,000)
                      State                            11,300      -            -            (19,000)    (43,000)
                                                       ------      -----       -------      --------     -------
                                                   $   76,300      1,953      (213,800)     (171,747)   (371,000)
                                                       ------      -----       -------      --------     -------
                  Total:
                      Federal                      $   65,000      1,953      (213,800)   (1,212,828)    (34,000)
                      State                            11,300      -            -            (19,000)     (7,000)
                                                       ------      -----       -------      --------     -------
                                                   $   76,300      1,953      (213,800)   (1,231,828)    (41,000)
                                                       ------      -----       -------      --------     -------



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-22





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       The tax effects of temporary  differences between the tax basis of assets
       and liabilities and their financial  reporting amounts which give rise to
       significant  portions  of  deferred  tax  assets and  liabilities  are as
       follows:



                                                                         March 31,                December 31,
                                                                           1997              1996             1995
                                                                           ----              ----             ----
                                                                        (Unaudited)
                                                                                                           
         Deferred tax assets:
              Allowance for loan losses                              $      407,837           411,600           642,000
              Unrealized loss on investment securities
                  available for sale                                        382,477           353,149           401,752
              Deferred loan fees                                              9,287            14,008            41,000
              AMT credit carryforward                                        44,294            44,294            44,294
              Other                                                           2,954             1,133          -
              Net operating loss carryforward                               750,208           782,467           251,684
                                                                           --------          --------          --------
                           Gross deferred tax asset                       1,597,057         1,606,651         1,380,730

                  Less valuation allowance                                 (442,093)         (432,526)         (179,231)
                                                                           --------          --------          --------
                                                                          1,154,964         1,174,125         1,201,499
                                                                           --------          --------          --------
         Deferred tax liabilities:
              FHLB stock dividend                                           (18,846)          (18,846)          (71,000)
              Amortization of discount on loans                            -                 -                  (70,000)
              Accrual to cash                                              -                 -                  (68,000)
              Depreciation                                                  (27,325)          (25,583)          (28,000)
              Mortgage servicing                                            (26,069)         -                 -
                                                                           --------          --------          --------
                                                                            (72,240)          (44,429)         (237,000)
                                                                           --------          --------          --------
                           Total                                     $    1,082,724         1,129,696           964,499
                                                                     ==============         =========           =======


       At December  31,  1996,  the Company has net  operating  loss  carryovers
       (NOLs) of  approximately  $2,055,954 for federal and $5,121,042 state tax
       purposes,  which expire  between 2009 and 2011. In addition,  the Company
       has  approximately  $44,000  in  alternative  minimum  tax  (AMT)  credit
       carryforwards.  A valuation  allowance has been established for those NOL
       and AMT carryovers that  management  believes are more likely than not to
       be  utilized  prior  to  their  expiration   through  future   profitable
       operations.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-23





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       The Company's effective tax rate on pretax (loss) income differs from the
statutory Federal income tax rate as follows:

                                               Three months ended March 31,
                                               ----------------------------
                                          1997         %        1996         %
                                          ----        --        ----        --
                                              (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)
Tax (benefit) provision at
    statutory rate                       $60,244       34.0%  $ 1,844      34.0%
Increase (decrease) in tax
    resulting from:
       Operating loss carryforward         6,000        3.4      --      --
       State income taxes net of
           federal income tax benefit      7,500        4.2      --      --
       Other                               2,556        1.5       109       2.0
                                           -----        ---       ---       ---
                                         $76,300       43.1%  $ 1,953      36.0%
                                         =======       ====   =======      ==== 



                                                                        Years ended December 31,
                                                 1996         %            1995           %            1994          %
                                                 ----        --            ----          --            ----         --
                                                                                                   
Tax (benefit) provision at
    statutory rate                       $  (404,703)      (34.0)%  $(1,183,720)      (34.0)%  $   (74,860)      (34.0)%
Increase (decrease) in tax
    resulting from:
       Officers life insurance                  --        --               --        --              7,000         3.2
       Loss on sale of subsidiary               --        --               --        --             65,000        29.5
       Operating loss carryforward           211,702        17.8           --        --               --        --
       State income taxes net of
           federal income tax benefit           --        --           (107,473)       (3.0)        (4,400)       (2.0)
       Graduated tax rates                      --        --               --        --             (9,000)       (4.1)
       Other                                 (20,799)       (1.7)        59,365         1.7        (24,740)      (11.2)
                                             -------        ----         ------         ---        -------       ----- 
                                         $  (213,800)      (17.9)%  $(1,231,828)      (35.3)%  $   (41,000)      (18.6)%
                                         ===========       =====    ===========       =====    ===========       =====  


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-24





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




(12)   Commitments

       Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases, at December 31,
1996 are as follows:

Year ending December 31,          Operating leases
- ------------------------          ----------------
          1997                     $  288,217
          1998                        288,217
          1999                        288,217
          2000                        288,217
          2001                         26,288
                                   ----------
Total minimum lease payments       $1,179,156
                                   ==========

       Rent  expense  amounted  to  $71,410,  $91,502,  $351,150,  $334,834  and
       $282,868,  for the  unaudited  three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996
       and the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.





(13)   Parent Company Financial Information

       The parent company financial information is as follows:

                                                                     Condensed Balance Sheets
                                                                      -----------------------
                                                                         March 31,                December 31,
                                                                           1997              1996             1995
                                                                           ----              ----             ----
                                                                        (Unaudited)
                                                                                                          
              Assets:
                  Cash, deposited with subsidiary                      $     68,263          115,099               242
                  Prepaid expenses and other assets                          73,227           79,303           315,186
                  Property, plant and equipment, net                        366,331          377,678           655,237
                  Note receivable                                           305,354          305,354          -
                  Investment in subsidiaries                              6,591,045        6,401,425         7,764,936
                                                                          ---------        ---------         ---------
                                                                       $  7,404,220        7,278,859         8,735,601
                                                                       ============        =========         =========
              Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
                  Due to subsidiaries                                  $   -                -                  103,000
                  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                      77,298          114,231           152,475
                  Capital debentures                                       -                -                  420,000
                  Stockholders' equity                                    7,326,922        7,164,628         8,060,126
                                                                          ---------        ---------         ---------
                                                                       $  7,404,220        7,278,859         8,735,601
                                                                       ============        =========         =========



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-25





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






                                                                      Condensed Statements of Operations
                                                                       -------------------------------
                                                       Three months ended                  Years ended
                                                            March 31,                     December 31,
                                                        ---------------           -----------------------------
                                                        1997        1996          1996        1995         1994
                                                        ----        ----          ----        ----         ----
                                                           (Unaudited)
                                                                                                  
           Revenues:
               Interest and dividend income         $    3,758        2,800       17,579        8,280        25,997
               Other income                             70,234       71,840      308,770      250,485       205,764
                                                       -------      -------      -------     --------      --------
                  Total income                          73,992       74,640      326,349      258,765       231,761
                                                       -------      -------      -------     --------      --------
           Expenses:
               Compensation                              2,701       44,463      114,985      230,279       279,680
               Occupancy                                81,663      115,187      442,483      420,285       329,159
               Other expense                            16,954       55,583      382,926      473,678       795,703
                                                       -------      -------      -------     --------      --------
                  Total expenses                       101,318      215,233      940,394    1,124,242     1,404,542
                                                       -------      -------      -------     --------      --------
                  Loss before income
                     from subsidiaries                 (27,326)    (140,593)    (614,045)    (865,477)   (1,172,781)

                  (Loss) income from subsidiaries      204,515      146,020     (362,458)  (1,597,758)      586,029
                                                       -------      -------      -------     --------      --------
                  Net loss before income taxes         177,189        5,427     (976,503)  (2,463,235)     (586,752)

           Income tax (benefit) expense                 76,300        1,954     -            (213,534)     (407,579)
                                                       -------      -------      -------     --------      --------
                  Net income (loss)                 $  100,889        3,473     (976,503)  (2,249,701)     (179,173)
                                                    ==========        =====     ========   ==========      ======== 



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-26





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





                                                                      Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
                                                                       --------------------------------
                                                            Three months ended                  Years ended
                                                                 March 31,                     December 31,
                                                            ----------------            -------------------
                                                           1997           1996        1996        1995          1994
                                                           ----           ----        ----        ----          ----
                                                                (Unaudited)
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                                                                                       
   Net loss                                                $  100,889        3,473     (976,503)  (2,249,701)    (179,173)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
      provided by (used in) operating activities:
          Loss on foreclosure of notes receivable                --           --           --           --        187,028
          Loss on disposal of premises and equipment             --           --        154,327          371         --
          Depreciation                                         11,347       18,316       59,800       74,672       56,706
          Equity in undistributed loss (earnings)
             of subsidiaries                                 (128,215)     (91,480)     362,458    1,597,758     (586,029)
          Cash provided by (used in) changes in:
             Prepaid expenses and other assets                  6,076      (25,877)     235,883      (95,498)     (25,919)
             Investment in subsidiaries                          --           --      1,082,058         --           --
             Due to subsidiaries                                 --        288,759     (103,000)    (284,800)      17,800
             Due from subsidiary                                 --           --           --           --        675,884
             Accounts payable and accrued expenses            (36,933)      (6,457)     (38,244)     152,475       (3,721)
                                                           ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                Net cash provided by (used in) by
                    operating activities                      (46,836)     186,734      776,779     (804,723)     142,576
                                                           ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
   Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
      Notes receivable originated, net of repayments             --           --       (305,354)        --           --
      Purchase of property and equipment                         --           --         (4,759)        --       (227,306)
      Proceeds from sale of property and equipment               --           --         68,191       13,353         --
                                                           ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                Net cash provided by (used in)
                    investing activities                         --           --       (241,922)      13,353     (227,306)
                                                           ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
   Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:
      Proceeds from sale of stock, net of issuance costs         --           --           --           --      1,013,532
      Dividends paid                                             --           --           --           --       (270,312)
      Repayment of debentures                                    --       (170,000)    (420,000)        --           --
                                                           ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                Net cash (used in) provided by
                    financing activities                         --       (170,000)    (420,000)        --        743,220
                                                           ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                Net increase (decrease) in cash and
                    cash equivalents                          (46,836)      16,734      114,857     (791,370)     658,490

   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year             115,099          242          242      791,612      133,122
                                                           ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
   Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                $   68,263       16,976      115,099          242      791,612
                                                           ==========       ======      =======          ===      =======



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-27





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






                                                                Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
                                                                 -------------------------------------------
                                                            Three months ended                  Years ended
                                                                 March 31,                     December 31,
                                                            -----------------           -------------------
                                                           1997           1996        1996         1995         1994
                                                           ----           ----        ----         ----         ----
                                                                (Unaudited)
                                                                                                         
  Supplemental disclosures of non-cash transactions:
      Real estate acquired in settlement of notes
         receivable                                         $     --           --           --           --        832,729
                                                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
      Assets transferred to subsidiaries                    $     --           --           --           --         75,175
                                                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Market value adjustment - investment securities
     available for sale:
         Market value adjustment - investments              $ (326,297)  (1,311,609)    (336,359)  (1,181,624)    (107,647)
         Deferred income tax asset                            (122,361)    (450,496)    (126,135)    (401,752)     (35,768)
                                                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
            Unrealized loss on investment securities
               available for sale, net                      $ (203,936)    (861,113)    (210,224)    (779,872)     (71,879)
                                                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
            Unrealized loss on investment securities
               transferred from available for sale to
               held to maturity                             $ (693,642)        --       (715,657)        --           --
                                                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------


       The major  sources  of funds  available  to the  Company  for  payment of
       dividends  are  dividends  from the Bank.  The ability of the Bank to pay
       dividends to the Holding Company is subject to the approval of the Office
       of Thrift Supervision.


(14)   Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

       Summarized quarterly financial data follows (in thousands, except for per
       share amounts):

                                          Fourth quarter
                                     ---------------------------
                                     1996      1995       1994
                                     ----      ----       ----
Interest income                    $ 2,460     2,548     2,632
Net interest income                    685       516       859
Provision for loan losses             (311)        5       278
Income (loss) before income taxes      361    (1,806)     (834)
Net income (loss)                       16    (1,177)     (582)
                                   -------   -------   -------
Earnings (loss) per share          $   .01      (.52)     (.26)
                                   -------   -------   -------


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-28





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




                                                                                      Third quarter
                                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                                             1996          1995            1994
                                                                             ----          ----            ----
                                                                                                     
           Interest income                                                $    2,487         2,648          2,504
           Net interest income                                                   742           548            995
           Provision for loan losses                                             441            42             -
           (Loss) income before income taxes                                  (1,151)         (624)            61
           Net (loss) income                                                    (737)         (400)            40
                                                                                ====          ====             ==
           (Loss) earnings per share                                      $     (.33)         (.18)           .02
                                                                          ==========          ====            ===

                                                                                     Second quarter
                                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                                             1996          1995            1994
                                                                             ----          ----            ----
           Interest income                                                $    2,432         2,765          2,447
           Net interest income                                                   731           735          1,078
           Provision for loan losses                                             132           730             38
           (Loss) income before income taxes                                    (405)       (1,006)           254
           Net (loss) income                                                    (259)         (644)           173
                                                                                ====          ====            ===
           (Loss) earnings per share                                      $     (.11)         (.29)           .08
                                                                          ==========          ====            ===
 
                                                                                     First quarter
                                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                                            1996           1995            1994
                                                                            ----           ----            ----
           Interest income                                               $   2,558           2,648          2,264
           Net interest income                                                  741            784          1,134
           Provision for loan losses                                             18              2             -
           Income (loss) before income taxes                                      5            (46)           299
           Net income (loss)                                                      3            (29)           190
                                                                               ====            ===            ===
           Earnings (loss) per share                                     $     -              (.01)           .08
                                                                               ====            ===            ===



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-29





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




(15)   Related Party Transactions

       During 1990, the Company entered into a long-term  lease  obligation with
       John Martin Bell, wife of the former  president of the Company,  James T.
       Bell,  and a  stockholder  and director of the Company for the use of the
       building in Winter Park, Florida. Rent payments in the amount of $70,234,
       $68,691,  $291,767,  $247,923 and $223,552 were made during the unaudited
       three months  ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 and the years ended  December
       31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

       During the  unaudited  three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 and the
       years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company reimbursed John
       M. and  James T.  Bell for  their  cost of  furniture  and  fixtures  and
       leasehold  improvements  for the Winter  Park,  Florida  location  in the
       amounts of $-0-, $-0-, $-0-, $1,417 and $23,937, respectively.


(16)   Employee Stock Ownership Plan

       The Company  maintains a qualified  employee  stock  ownership  plan (the
       "Plan").  The Plan is qualified under Section  4975(e)(7) of the Internal
       Revenue  Code,   under  which  all  of  its   subsidiaries   may  act  as
       participating  employees.  In  addition,  the Plan  meets all  applicable
       requirements of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and is qualified under Section
       401(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

       At the  discretion  of the Board of  Directors,  the  Company  may make a
       contribution  to the  Plan  of up to 15% of  total  compensation  paid to
       employees during the year.  Employees are 100% vested after five years of
       service.  For the years  ended  December  31,  1996,  1995 and 1994,  the
       Company  contributed  cash to the Plan of $38,000,  $10,000 and  $25,000,
       respectively.


(17)   Regulation and Supervisory Agreement

       The Bank is subject to extensive regulation,  supervision and examination
       by  the  Office  of  Thrift  Supervision  ("OTS"),  its  primary  federal
       regulator,  and by the FDIC,  which  insures  deposits  up to  applicable
       limits.  Such  regulation  and  supervision  establishes a  comprehensive
       framework  of  activities  in which a bank  may  engage  and is  intended
       primarily  for the  protection of the SAIF  administered  by the FDIC and
       depositors.  During  the  current  year,  the  FDIC  imposed  a  one-time
       assessment on all  SAIF-insured  deposits in the amount of 65.7 cents per
       $100 of insured  deposits,  held as of March 31, 1995. The effect of this
       assessment  resulted  in a pre-tax  charge to  income of  $716,498.  As a
       thrift holding company,  the Holding Company also is subject to extensive
       regulation,  supervision  and  examination  by the OTS  and,  to a lesser
       extent, the FDIC.



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-30





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       The OTS completed a regular  examination of both the Holding  Company and
       the Bank in December 1992 and cited certain deficiencies which management
       believes it has addressed in the form of various corrective  actions.  In
       May 1993, the OTS and the Bank entered into a supervisory agreement which
       provides that the Bank shall; (i) adopt policies and procedures regarding
       affiliated party  transactions;  (ii) not permit overdrafts by affiliated
       persons;  (iii)  take  action  necessary  to  prohibit  and to avoid  the
       appearance  of  conflicts  of interest in  transactions  with  affiliated
       persons;  (iv) either amend its lease for the Winter Park office to lower
       the rent or obtain a market  rent study to support  the rent;  (v) comply
       with loan to one borrower limits; (vi) maintain adequate documentation to
       support compliance with loan to one borrower limits;  (vii) develop plans
       for the  disposition  of real estate owned and other  classified  assets;
       (viii)   review  and  revise   loan   underwriting   policies   and  loan
       documentation  procedures;  (ix) fully document all loans approved by the
       loan  committee  and grant such loans only in  accordance  with  approved
       terms; (x) establish  procedures requiring written inspection reports for
       each  development and construction  loan; (xi) not use transactions  with
       affiliates  to  increase  capital  of the Bank;  and (xii)  report to OTS
       quarterly its compliance with the agreement.

       The OTS completed a regular  examination of both the Holding  Company and
       the Bank in April 1994 and cited certain  deficiencies  which  management
       believes it has addressed in the form of corrective actions.  Supervisory
       directives  were  issued  by the OTS  and  provide  for the  Bank to take
       specific  actions:  (i) reimbursement of Holding company expenses paid by
       the Bank and prohibit  further payment of Holding Company expenses by the
       Bank;  (ii) the Bank is prohibited  from granting  dividends  without OTS
       approval;  (iii) management is directed to complete a Management Services
       Agreement with the Holding Company detailing  employees' specific duties,
       and  rate  of  remuneration;  (iv)  rectify  deficiencies  in  employment
       arrangements  consistent  with  OTS  regulations;   (v)  ensure  adequate
       documentation  of  accounting  information;   (vi)  prepare  a  plan  and
       timetable  to  modify  loan  relationships  so  as  to  comply  with  OTS
       regulations  for  loans to one  borrower;  (vii)  obtain  appraisals  for
       certain  collateral  property;  (viii) ensure that  requested  changes to
       policies and  procedures  are approved by the Board within 45 days;  (ix)
       increase  the amount of the general  valuation  allowance;  (x)  properly
       classify  assets  consistent  with OTS  recommendations;  (xi) effectuate
       changes  in  the  management  of  the  lending  department,  establishing
       guidelines and individual  responsibility for monitoring loan maturities,
       collections, and foreclosures,  and (xii) establish a three year business
       plan   detailing   effects  to  improve  the  local  core  deposit  base,
       establishing   future  lending  patterns,   plan  for  less  reliance  on
       telemarketing  and out-of-state  brokers,  borrowers and collateral,  and
       provide  support for material  changes in the financial  structure of the
       Bank.



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-31





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       The OTS also issued supervisory  directives  requiring specific action by
       Holding  Company as follows:  (i) amend the existing  lease of the office
       premises to reflect market terms and conditions; (ii) the Holding Company
       is prohibited  from  recognizing  profit on the sale of First Coast Plaza
       buildings without prior approval of the OTS; (iii) discount certain notes
       receivable  to reflect  market  rates;  (iv)  require  officers to submit
       detail expense  reports for review by the Board;  (v)  discontinue use of
       the Bank's credit cards for Holding Company expenditures; (vi) completion
       of a Management  Services  Agreement  between the Holding Company and the
       Bank;  (vii)  ensure  that all  consulting  agreements  are  written  and
       approved  by the  Board and  (viii)  reimburse  the Bank for all  Holding
       Company  expenses paid by the Bank. Based on conclusions set forth in the
       examination  report,  the Holding  Company has been  assigned a rating of
       "unsatisfactory" by the OTS.

       On  October  3, 1994,  the OTS  issued a  Supervision  Order to Cease and
       Desist (the "Order") for the Bank.  Management and the Board of Directors
       have committed to adhering to the terms of the Order.  The Order provides
       for the Board of Directors to: develop,  adopt and adhere to policies and
       procedures  to  strengthen  the  Bank's   underwriting,   administration,
       collection  and  foreclosure  efforts;  review  and  revise  underwriting
       policies and procedures to comply with  regulatory  requirements;  record
       minutes to the loan  committee and grant loans only on terms  approved by
       the committee and document the recipient of proceeds of the loan; develop
       and implement a written plan to collect,  strengthen  and reduce the risk
       of loss for all  real  estate  owned  and for  certain  loans at risk and
       secured by real estate;  comply with  policies and  procedures  requiring
       written  inspection of development and  construction  loans;  pay no more
       than  market  rate,  determined  by a rent study  approved by the OTS for
       lease of the  Bank's  offices;  make no payment of taxes owed by a person
       affiliated with the Bank; seek  reimbursement  of expenses of the Holding
       Company paid by the Bank;  provide a management  services  agreement  for
       work  performed for the Holding  Company by the Bank;  develop and submit
       for  approval  a three  year  business  plan;  comply  with  loans to one
       borrower  policy;  pay no dividend  without consent of the OTS; appoint a
       compliance  committee;  refrain from  purchasing  dual indexed bonds.  In
       addition, the OTS issued a separate Order for the Company requiring:  the
       Holding Company shall not request dividends from the Bank without written
       permission from the OTS; the Holding  Company  reimburse the Bank for the
       Holding Company's expenses,  develop a management services agreement with
       the Bank which provides for the  reimbursement for employees who work for
       both the Bank and the Holding Company;  appoint a compliance committee to
       report to the board of directors as to the Holding  Company's  compliance
       with the Order.

       In the 1996  examinations  of the Holding  Company  and Bank,  which were
       concluded  in  September  1996,  the OTS  found  the  Companies  to be in
       compliance  with their Orders.  With regard to the Bank,  improvement was
       noted in a number of areas,  including  disposition  of  problem  assets,
       reduction of interest rate risk,  and a reduction in operating  expenses.
       Subsequent to year end, the OTS upgraded the Holding  Company's rating to
       satisfactory.



                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-32





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




       Management does not believe that the  supervisory  agreement or the Order
       and the  required  actions  relating  to cited  deficiencies  will have a
       material impact on the financial  condition of the Holding Company or the
       Bank. In addition,  management  believes it is in substantial  compliance
       with the above provisions.

       The regulatory  structure governing savings  associations and savings and
       loan  holding  companies  gives  the  regulatory   authorities  extensive
       discretion  in  connection   with  their   supervisory   and  enforcement
       activities.  Any change in such regulation,  whether by the OTS, the FDIC
       or the U.S. Congress, could have a significant impact on the Bank and the
       Holding Company and their operations.


(18)   Stock Options

       On May 5, 1993,  the Board of Directors  of the Company  approved a Stock
       Option Plan for  Directors.  The Plan  provides that a maximum of 176,968
       shares of common stock (the "Option  Shares")  will be made  available to
       directors and former directors of the Company. Options for all the Option
       Shares were issued on May 6, 1993 to 13 present and former directors. The
       options  are for a term of ten (10)  years  from the date of  grant.  The
       Options were issued at an exercise price of $6.40 per share determined at
       the time of issuance to be the fair market value of the underlying Common
       Stock  subject  to the  Option on the date the  Option  was  granted.  No
       options have been exercised under the Plan at December 31, 1996. On March
       7, 1997,  the board of  directors  of the Company  rescinded  all options
       previously granted and terminated the plan.

       In  addition,  the  Company  has issued  stock  options to certain  sales
       representatives for their commitment in selling Federal Trust Corporation
       stock.  These  options  have a strike  price of $10.00 per share and will
       expire on October 26, 1999.  At March 31, 1997  (unaudited)  and December
       31, 1996 and 1995,  options for 58,453 shares were outstanding to various
       sales representatives.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-33





                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




(19)   Credit Commitments

       The Bank has outstanding at any time a significant  number of commitments
       to extend credit. These arrangements are subject to strict credit control
       assessments  and each  customer's  credit  worthiness  is  evaluated on a
       case-by-case basis. A summary of commitments to extend credit and standby
       letters of credit written are as follows:



                                                                         March 31,                December 31,
                                                                           1997              1996             1995
                                                                           ----              ----             ----
                                                                        (Unaudited)
                                                                                                           
              Available lines of credit                               $      172,453          179,283             9,500
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
              Standby letters of credit                               $      500,000          500,000           500,000
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
              Outstanding  mortgage  loan 
               commitments,  exclusive  of  loans in
                  process:
                           Net fixed rates                            $      449,436          584,097         1,810,038
                           Net variable rates                              3,804,231        2,375,844           352,500
                                                                            --------         --------          --------
                                                                      $    4,253,667        2,959,941         2,162,538
                                                                            --------         --------          --------


       Because many  commitments  expire  without being funded in whole or part,
       the contract amounts are not estimates of future cash flows.

       Loan commitments written have off-balance-sheet  credit risk because only
       original fees are  recognized in the balance sheet until the  commitments
       are fulfilled or expire.  Credit risk represents the accounting loss that
       would  be  recognized  at the  reporting  date if  counterparties  failed
       completely to perform as contracted. The credit risk amounts are equal to
       the  contractual  amounts,  assuming that the amounts are fully advanced,
       and that collateral or other security is of no value.

       The Bank's policy is to require customers to provide  collateral prior to
       the disbursement of approved loans. The amount of collateral obtained, if
       it is deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit,  is based on
       management's  credit  evaluation  of the  counterparty.  Collateral  held
       varies but may include accounts  receivable,  inventory,  real estate and
       income producing commercial properties.

       Standby letters of credit are contractual  commitments issued by the Bank
       to guarantee the  performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit
       risk  involved in issuing  letters of credit is  essentially  the same as
       that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      F-33



RP FINANCIAL, LC.
Financial Services Industry Consultants





                                                                    July 1, 1997

Board of Directors
Federal trust Corporation
1211 Orange Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789


Gentleman:

     You have requested RP Financial,  LC. ("RP  Financial") to provide you with
our opinion  regarding  the  fairness,  from a financial  point of view,  to the
current common  stockholders of Federal Trust Corporation,  Winter Park, Florida
("Federal Trust" or the "Company"), of the terms of the offering of Common Stock
as described more fully below. The offering of Common Stock will be conducted on
a  priority  basis,  first  to  current  shareholders  ("Rights  Offering")  and
subsequently  to certain  members of the  community  to whom the  prospectus  is
delivered   ("Community   Offering")   and  through   participating   registered
broker-dealers  in  a  syndicated  community  offering  ("Syndicated   Community
Offering").  The Rights Offering,  Community Offering,  and Syndicated Community
Offering are collectively referred to as the "Offering".


Summary Description of the Offering

     Pursuant to the preliminary prospectus  (incorporated herein by reference),
Federal  Trust  will offer a minimum of  1,000,000  shares of Common  Stock to a
maximum of 2,701,619  shares of Common  Stock at an offering  price of $2.00 per
share  (the  "Offering  Price").  Each  holder of shares  of Common  Stock  (the
"Current  Stockholders") at the close of business on March 26, 1997 (the "Record
Date") are being  provided,  on a priority  basis, a  non-transferable  right to
subscribe for and purchase one  additional  share of Common Stock for each whole
share of Common Stock owned on the Record Date (the "Subscription Right") at the
price of $2.00  per  share  ("Subscription  Price").  Current  Stockholders  are
entitled to  subscribe  for all,  or any portion of, the shares of Common  Stock
underlying  their  Subscription  Right,  provided the aggregate number of shares
owned by any shareholder  (individually,  or together with associates or persons
acting in concert with such person) at the  conclusion  of the Offering does not
exceed 9.99 percent.

     Immediately following the Rights Offering, Federal Trust will offers shares
not  subscribed  for in the Rights  Offering to members of the general public to
whom a copy of the prospectus is






delivered (the "Community  Offering"),  and through  participation by registered
broker-dealers  in  a  syndicated  community  offering  ("Syndicated   Community
Offering") to be managed by Keefe,  Bruyette & Woods, Inc. ("KBW"). The offering
of share of Common  Stock in the  Community  Offering and  Syndicated  Community
Offering is subject to the prior Subscription Rights of Current  Stockholders in
the Rights  Offering,  Federal  Trust's right to reject  orders  received in the
Community Offering and the Syndicated Community Offering in whole or in part and
other  limitations.  If the number of shares of Common Stock not  subscribed for
through the exercise of  Subscription  Rights is not  sufficient  to satisfy all
orders  received  from  participants  in the Community  Offering and  Syndicated
Community  Offering the  remaining  shares will be allocated pro rata among such
persons  based on the  aggregate  number of shares  ordered for in the Community
Offering and  Syndicated  Community  Offering,  subject to the rights of Federal
Trust referenced above.

RP Financial Background and Experience

     RP Financial, as part of its financial institution valuation and consulting
practice,  is  regularly  engaged  in the  valuation  of  financial  institution
securities   in   connection   with  mergers  and   acquisitions   of  financial
institutions, rights offerings, negotiated underwritings,  competitive biddings,
mutual-to-stock  conversion  of  savings  institutions,  initial  and  secondary
offerings,  stock  benefit  plans and other  corporate  purposes  for  financial
institutions.  As  specialists  in the  valuation  of  securities  of  financial
institutions  RP Financial  has  experience  in, and knowledge of, the national,
Southeast,  and Florida markets for the common stock of savings institutions and
commercial bank operating in these respective markets.


Materials Reviewed

     In carrying out its current engagement,  RP Financial reviewed and analyzed
the  following  materials  pertaining  to  Federal  Trust:  (1) the  preliminary
prospectus  for  the  Offering;   (2)  certain  publicly  available  information
concerning  Federal  Trust,  including  annual  reports  (incorporating  audited
financial  statements),  Form  10-Ks and Proxy  Statements  for the years  ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and unaudited 10-Q reports for March 31, 1997;
(3) certain other internal and public financial  information,  including but not
limited  to  certain  recent  unaudited   internally  and  externally  generated
financial  reports,  analyses and files  through  March 31, 1997  pertaining  to
Federal Trust's (a) balance sheet composition,  trends, volume and market value,
(b) capitalization, (c)off- balance sheet assets, liabilities and contingencies,
(d) statement of operations,  (e) cash flows,  (f)  delinquent,  non-accrual and
non-earning assets and general valuation  allowances,  (g) interest rate, credit
and  liquidity  risks and (h) taxable  position;  (4)  discussions  with Federal
Trust's management  regarding past, current and prospective business operations,
financial condition,  stock value and trading activity,  shareholder returns and
external  factors  impacting  Federal  Trust  (including  economic,  regulatory,
legislative  and  competitive  factors,  among others);  (5) current budgets and
business  plans;  (6)  comparative  analyses of Federal Trust relative to recent
publicly-available   financial   statements,   operating   results   and  market
characteristics  of the common stock of publicly-  traded savings  institutions,
including such institution with financial,  operating and market characteristics
which are relatively comparable to






Federal Trust;  (7) the terms and  conditions of the voluntary  Cease and Desist
Orders (the  "Orders") that Federal Trust and the Bank entered into with the OTS
in October 1994, in particular the prospective regulatory enforcement options in
the event Federal Trust or the Bank fails to comply with the terms of the Order;
and (8)  the  financial  terms  of  other  recent  stock  offerings  of  savings
institutions  and  savings   institution   holding   companies  with  comparable
financial,  operating and market  characteristics to the Bank and Federal Trust,
including publicly-traded and non publicly-traded institutions.

     In  rendering  its  opinion,  RP  Financial  relied,   without  independent
verification,  on the accuracy and  completeness of the  information  concerning
Federal  Trust which was furnished to RP Financial by Federal Trust for purposes
of this opinion.  With respect to financial forecasts reviewed,  we have assumed
that they have been reasonably  prepared on bases  reflecting the best currently
available  estimates and judgments of Federal Trust's  management.  Further,  RP
Financial relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the published information
concerning other financial institutions and national and regional economic data.
Federal  Trust did not restrict RP Financial as to the material it was permitted
to  review.  RP  Financial  has  not  obtained  nor  conducted  any  independent
appraisals or evaluations of any Federal Trust's specific  assets,  liabilities,
off-balance sheet assets and/or contingent  liabilities.  RP Financial expresses
no  opinion on matters of a legal  accounting  or tax nature  regarding  Federal
Trust,  the Offering,  or the ability of the Offering to be  consummated  as set
forth in the Prospectus under Federal or state laws or otherwise.  In the course
of its evaluation, RP Financial conducted a number of analyses,  including (a) a
transaction  summary  evaluating the impact of the Offering on Federal Trust and
the Current  Stockholders,  including a summary of the  Offering,  including the
anticipated  pro forma impact of the  Offering  incorporating  the  Subscription
Price  and the  number  of  share  offered  in the  Offering;  (b) a  comparable
transactions  analysis that  evaluated the  financial  terms and pricing  ratios
indicated by recent rights  offerings  versus  similar  information  for Federal
Trust,  including the Subscription  Price and other terms of the Offering;  (c)a
market value analysis that evaluated  current stock pricing  characteristics  of
comparable  publicly-traded  savings institutions relative to the pricing ratios
indicated  by the  Subscription  Price and other  terms of the  Offering;  (d) a
discounted  cash flow approach  that  evaluated  the  reasonability  of applying
discounted  cash flow analysis to Federal Trust,  with a conclusion that such an
analysis  did  not  yield  a  reliable  conclusion;   and  (e)  other  financial
consideration such as the ratios and leverage possibilities of the Offering, and
the  potential  risks  of the  regulatory  enforcement  of the  Orders  and  the
resulting  anticipated impact on market value to the Current Stockholders in the
absence of the Offering.


Opinion

     The  opinion of RP  Financial  is  directed  to the Board of  Directors  of
Federal Trust and Federal Trust in its  consideration of the Subscription  Price
and number of shares offered in the Offering as described in the prospectus, and
does not constitute a recommendation to any Current Stockholder of Federal Trust
as to whether a Current Stockholder should exercise their Subscription Rights or
any other action that such Current  Stockholder  should take in connection  with
the Offering,  or  otherwise.  It is further  understood  that the opinion of RP
Financial is based on market conditions and other circumstances  existing on the
date hereof.





     RP Financial's  opinion does not represent our opinion as to what the value
of Federal Trust's shares of common stock necessarily will be when the shares of
Common Stock are issued or thereafter.

     It is  understood  that this opinion may be included in its entirety in any
communication  by Federal Trust or its Board of Directors to the stockholders of
Federal Trust, This opinion may not, however,  be summarized,  excerpted from or
otherwise publicly referred to without our prior written consent.

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is RP Financial's opinion that,
as of the date hereof,  the terms of the Offering,  including  the  Subscription
Price  and  number  of shares to be  offered  in the  Offering,  are fair to the
Current Stockholders of Federal Trust from a financial point of view.



                                                         Respectfully submitted,





                                                               RP FINANCIAL, LC.






                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




(20)   Concentration of Credit Risk

       The Bank originates real estate,  consumer and commercial loans primarily
       in its Central  Florida market area.  Although the Bank has a diversified
       loan portfolio,  a substantial portion of its borrowers' ability to honor
       their  contracts is dependent  upon the economy of Central  Florida.  The
       Bank does not have a significant  exposure to any individual  customer or
       counterparty.







No  dealer,  salesperson  or  other  person  has  been  authorized  to give  any
information or to make any  representations  other than those  contained in this
Prospectus in connection with the Offer made by this Prospectus, and if given or
made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by Federal  Trust  Corporation  or any sales agent or  broker-dealer.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under
any circumstances, create any implication that the information herein is correct
as of  any  time  subsequent  to the  date  hereof.  This  Prospectus  does  not
constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation  of an offer to buy any securities
offered hereby by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation
is not  authorized or in which the person making such offer or  solicitation  is
not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation.





TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                           
Prospectus Summary .......................................................    4
Selected Consolidated Financial Data .....................................    13
Risk Factors .............................................................    15
Use of Proceeds ..........................................................    22
Capitalization ...........................................................    23
Determination of Subscription Price ......................................    24
Market for Common Stock and Dividends ....................................    30
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and
Results of Operations ....................................................    31
Business .................................................................    44
Regulation and Supervision ...............................................    74
Management ...............................................................    87
Executive Compensation ...................................................    89
Certain Transactions .....................................................    93
Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock .....................................    94
Description of Capital Stock .............................................    95
Description of Certain Provisions in the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of
Federal Trust Corporation ................................................    95
The Offering .............................................................    97
Shares Eligible for Future Sale ..........................................    106
Legal Matters ............................................................    107
Experts ..................................................................    107
Available Information ....................................................    107
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements ...............................    F-1
Fairness Opinion .........................................................    Appendix A











                                  FEDERAL TRUST
                                   CORPORATION








                                2,701,619 Shares
                                  Common Stock





                                   PROSPECTUS





                          Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.



                               August _____, 1997




                                    PART - II
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 14:          Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

         The expenses in  connection  with the sale of the Common  Stock,  other
than the sales agents commission are estimated as follows:

     Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee            $  1,637
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee       1,040
     Printing and engraving                                           18,000
     Legal fees and expenses                                         105,000
     Accounting fees and expenses                                     35,000
     Blue Sky qualifications, related legal fees and expenses         30,000
     Miscellaneous                                                     5,000
                                                                    --------

              Total                                                 $195,677

Item 15:          Indemnification of Directors and Officers

         The Florida Business  Corporation Act (Chapter 607,  Florida  Statutes)
["Florida Act"] authorizes Florida  corporations in indemnify any person who was
or is a party to any  proceeding  (other  than an action by, or in the right of,
the  corporation)  by reason  of the fact  that he or she is or was a  director,
officer,  employee,  or agent of the  corporation  or is or was  serving  at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another
corporation or other entity,  against liability incurred in connection with such
proceeding,  including any appeal thereof,  if he or she acted in good faith and
in a manner he or she reasonably  believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interests  of the  corporation  and,  with  respect  to any  criminal  action or
proceeding,  had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
In the case of an action by or on behalf of a corporation,  indemnification  may
not be made if the person seeking indemnification is adjudged liable, unless the
court in which such  action was  brought  determines  such  person is fairly and
reasonably  entitled to indemnification.  The indemnification  provisions of the
Florida Act require indemnification if a director or officer has been successful
on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding to which
he or she was a party by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a  director
or officer of the corporation.  The indemnification authorized under Florida law
is not exclusive and is in addition to any other rights  granted to officers and
directors  under the articles of  incorporation  or Bylaws of the corporation or
any agreement between officers and directors and the corporation.  A corporation
may purchase and maintain  insurance or furnish similar  protection on behalf of
any officer or director  against any liability  asserted against the director or
officer and incurred by the director or officer in such capacity, or arising out
of the status,  as an officer or director,  whether or not the corporation would
have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability  under the Florida
Act.

         The 1995  Amended and  Restated  Articles of  Incorporation  of Federal
Trust Corporation ("Federal Trust") provide for the indemnification of directors







and  executive  officers  to the  maximum  extent  permitted  by Florida  law as
authorized  by the  Board of  Directors,  and for the  advancement  of  expenses
incurred in connection  with the defense of any action,  suit or proceeding that
the director or  executive  officer was a party to by reason of the fact that he
or she is or was a director of Federal Trust upon the receipt of an  undertaking
to repay such amount,  unless it is ultimately  determined that such director is
not entitled to indemnification.

Item 16:          Exhibits

         (a) Listing of Exhibits

Exhibit
- -------

1.0      Form of Sales Agency Agreement with Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
3.1      1996  Amended  Articles  of  Incorporation  and the  1995  Amended  and
         Restated Articles of Incorporation of Federal Trust Corporation.
3.2      1995 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Federal Trust Corporation.
4.0      Specimen Common Stock certificate.
5.0      Opinion of Igler &  Dougherty,  P.A.  regarding  legality  of shares of
         Federal Trust.
8.0      Opinion of Igler & Doughtery, P.A. regarding tax matters.*
10.1     Stock  Options  for prior  Stock Sales  ("Option  for the  Purchase of
         Common Stock").*
10.2     Employment Agreement between Federal Trust and James V. Suskiewich.
10.3     Employment Agreement between Federal Trust and Aubrey H. Wright, Jr.
10.4     Salary  Continuation  Agreement between Federal Trust Bank and James V.
         Suskiewich.
10.5     Salary Continuation  Agreement between Federal Trust Bank and Aubrey H.
         Wright, Jr.
10.6     Agreement between RP Financial, LC and Federal Trust Corporation.
23.1     Consent of Igler & Dougherty, P.A.
23.2     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick.
23.3     Consent of RP Financial, LC.
23.4     Consent of Carruthers & Company.
24.0     Power of Attorney.

*         To be submitted by Supplement.
Item 17:          Undertakings

         (a)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

                  (1).  for  purposes of  determining  any  liability  under the
Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), the information omitted from the form
of Prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule
430A and contained in a form of prospectus  filed by the Registrant  pursuant to
Rule  424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the  Securities Act shall be deemed to be
part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.







                  (2). For the purpose of  determining  any liability  under the
Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
shall be deemed to be a new  Registration  Statement  relating to the securities
offered  therein,  and the  offering  of such  securities  at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (b)  Insofar  as  indemnification  for  liabilities  arising  under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors,  officers and controlling  persons
of the  Registrant  pursuant to the  foregoing  provisions,  or  otherwise,  the
Registrant  has been advised that in the opinion of the  Securities and Exchange
Commission  such  indemnification  is against  public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore,  unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for
indemnification  against  such  liabilities  (other  than  the  payment  by  the
Registrant of expenses  incurred or paid by a director,  officer or  controlling
person of the  Registrant  in the  successful  defense  of any  action,  suit or
proceeding)  is  asserted by such  director,  officer or  controlling  person in
connection with the securities being registered,  the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit  to a  court  of  appropriate  jurisdiction  the  question  whether  such
indemnification  by it is against  policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

         (c) The  undersigned  Registrant  hereby  undertakes to supplement  the
Prospectus,  after the expiration of the Subscription  period,  to set forth the
results of the Subscription  Offer, the transactions by the underwriters  during
the Subscription  Period, the amount of unsubscribed  securities to be purchased
by the underwriters,  and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any
public offering by the  underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those
set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus,  a post-effective  amendment will
be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.



Signatures

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  Registration  Statement  to be signed on its
behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized,  in the City of Winter
Park, State of Florida, on ___________, 1997.

                                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION


                                   By:______________________________
                                      James V. Suskiewich
                                      President (Principal Executive Officer)
                                      of the Company: Federal Trust Corporation

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933,  this
Regsitration  Statement  has  been  signed  by  the  following  persons  in  the
capacities and as of the dates indicated:



         Signature                                   Title                              Date
         ---------                                   -----                              ----


                                                                                  
________________________                    Chairman of the Board,                      _________________
James V. Suskiewich                         Chief Executive Officer and                 Date
                                            President

________________________                    Director, Senior Vice President             _________________
Aubrey H. Wright, Jr.                       And Chief Financial Officer                 Date
                                            (Principal Financial Officer)

________________________                    Director                                    _________________
Dr. Samuel C. Certo                                                                     Date


________________________                    Director                                    _________________
George W. Foster                                                                        Date


________________________                    Director                                    _________________
Kenneth W. Hill                                                                         Date








Signatures

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  Registration  Statement  to be signed on its
behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized,  in the City of Winter
Park, State of Florida, on July 1, 1997.

                                   FEDERAL TRUST CORPORATION


                                   By: /s/ James V. Suskiewich
                                           James V. Suskiewich
                                   President (Principal Executive Officer)
                                   of the Company: Federal Trust Corporation

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933,  this
Regsitration  Statement  has  been  signed  by  the  following  persons  in  the
capacities and as of the dates indicated:




         Signature                                   Title                              Date
         ---------                                   -----                              ----


                                                                                  

/s/ James V. Suskiewich                     Chairman of the Board,                      July 1, 1997
- -----------------------
James V. Suskiewich                         Chief Executive Officer and
                                            President

/s/ Aubrey H. Wright, Jr.                   Director, Senior Vice President             July 1, 1997
- -------------------------
Aubrey H. Wright, Jr.                       And Chief Financial Officer
                                            (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Dr. Samuel C. Certo                     Director                                    July 1, 1997
- -------------------------
Dr. Samuel C. Certo


/s/ George W. Foster                        Director                                    July 1, 1997
- --------------------------
George W. Foster


/s/ Kenneth W. Hill                         Director                                    July 1, 1997
- ---------------------------
Kenneth W. Hill




                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
                                    FORM S-1
                                                                    Sequentially
                                                                   Numbered Page
1.0      Form of Sales Agency Agreement with Keefe, Bruyette & Woods,
         Inc.

3.1      1996 Amended Articles of Incorporation and the 1995 Amended and
         Restated Articles of Incorporation of Federal Trust Corporation.

3.2      1995 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Federal Trust Corporation.

4.0      Specimen Common Stock Certificate.

5.0      Opinion of Igler & Dougherty, P.A. regarding legality of shares of
         Federal Trust Corporation.

8.0      Opinion of Igler & Dougherty, P.A. regarding tax matters.*

10.1     Stock Options for Prior Stock Sales ("Opinion for Purchase of
         Common Stock").

10.2     Employment Agreement between Federal Trust Corporation and
         James V. Suskiewich.

10.3     Employment Agreement between Federal Trust Corporation and
         Aubrey H. Wright, Jr..

10.4     Salary Continuation Agreement between Federal Trust Bank and
         James V. Suskiewich.

10.5     Salary Continuation Agreement between Federal Trust Bank and
         Aubrey H. Wright, Jr.

10.6     Agreement between RP Financial, LC and Federal Trust
         Corporation.

23.1     Consent of Igler & Dougherty, P.A.

23.2     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick.

23.3     Consent of RP Financial, LC

23.4     Consent of Carruthers & Company

24.0     Power of Attorney.

* To be submitted by supplement