Mark R. Smith Joins Sterling National Bank's Commercial Banking Team

MONTEBELLO, NY--(Marketwired - August 15, 2016) - Sterling National Bank, the principal subsidiary of Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL), announced today that Mark R. Smith, has joined as Managing Director. He will be responsible for expanding Sterling's presence with middle market companies in New Jersey and will be based in Paramus, NJ.

Smith brings to Sterling broad commercial banking experience with a focus on the middle market, corporate banking and capital markets, as well as expertise in new business development, strategic planning, and client relationship management.

Smith was formerly Executive Vice President and Head of Capital Markets at Capital One Bank, where he was responsible for establishing and leading the Capital Markets business within the commercial banking division. Prior to joining Capital One, he worked in the commercial banking division of Wachovia Bank, where he led a team of middle market specialists across the Mid-Atlantic region.

"We are really excited to have Mark join our commercial banking team at Sterling," said Vincent DeLucia, President of Sterling National Bank's New York/New Jersey Regional Market. "He has a deep understanding of the commercial banking sector, and years of experience in serving the needs of middle market clients. As we continue to expand across the New York and New Jersey area and deliver new services, Mark's expertise will help us provide strategic, custom-tailored financial solutions that will help our customers achieve their goals and continue to grow their businesses."

Smith graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in Economics. He is an active supporter of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund and Habitat for Humanity.

About Sterling National Bank
Sterling National Bank, the principal subsidiary of Sterling Bancorp, specializes in the delivery of service and solutions to business owners, their families, and consumers in communities within the greater New York City area through teams of dedicated and experienced relationship managers. Sterling National Bank offers a complete line of commercial, business, and consumer banking products and services. For more information, visit www.snb.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may concern Sterling's current expectations about its future results, plans, operations and prospects and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including inflation; the effects of, and changes in, trade; changes in asset quality and credit risk; introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; capital management activities; customer disintermediation; and the success of Sterling at managing these risks. Other factors that could cause Sterling's actual results to differ from those indicated in forward-looking statements are included in the "Risk Factors" section of Sterling's securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date hereof, and Sterling specifically disclaims any obligation to update these statements in the future.