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BANKATLANTIC APPOINTS BRIAN SMITH TO CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER

For Immediate Release

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – April 28, 2009 – BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, announced today the appointment of Brian Smith as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). In his new role, Mr. Smith is responsible for IT security and IT risk management, and will provide the organization with leadership in the area of technology as it relates to Information Security.

“Information technology has revolutionized the way banks operate, impacts how companies conduct business, and has brought new benefits including an acceleration of communications,” commented Lloyd DeVaux, BankAtlantic’s Chief Operating Officer. “Security, privacy, the protection of consumer data, and regulatory compliance are paramount at BankAtlantic. Brian brings us a strong and collateralized understanding of business, technology, and security, and we are pleased to welcome Brian to the BankAtlantic team.”

Smith’s career spans over 25 years in the information systems industry including infrastructure and operations management, information technology auditing, compliance auditing, and information security management. He is both CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) certified. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Barry University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, “Florida’s Most Convenient Bank”, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches, online banking division - BankAtlantic.com , and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week with extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center and Change Exchange coin counters.

BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.

BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, Contact Info:
Media Relations:
Sharon Lyn, V.P.
Telephone: 954-940-6383
Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

Public Relations for BankAtlantic:
Rbb Public Relations
Sandra Fine
Telephone: 305-567-0535, Fax: 305-448-5027
Email: sandra.fine@rbbpr.com

BankAtlantic Bancorp Investor Relations:
Leo Hinkley, SVP, Investor Relations Officer
Phone: 954-940-5300, Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

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