Wells Fargo Introduces Comprehensive Investment Advisory Solution

Wells Fargo Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC), today introduces WellsAdvisor, a new investment advisory solution for individual investors seeking investment advice, and who prefer to pay a single asset-based fee rather than variable commissions for transactions. In March, a federal court overturned a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule (the so-called "Merrill rule”) that allowed investment firms to offer fee-based brokerage accounts. As a result, brokerage firms are now transitioning their clients out of these accounts. While many investment firms are converting their fee-based brokerage offerings into traditional commission-based brokerage accounts, Wells Fargo, which previously offered the WellsChoice fee-based brokerage product, is leading the industry by offering WellsAdvisor, a fee-based advisory program regulated under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. WellsAdvisor offers comprehensive investment advice from a Wells Fargo financial consultant via an asset-based fee structure while providing clients with enhanced advisory services. WellsAdvisor was introduced to clients in June 2007. "Our goal is to provide our clients with best-in-class investment products and exceptional advisory services, and we believe with WellsAdvisor we are now offering an innovative and comprehensive solution to clients affected by recent regulatory changes in the brokerage industry,” said Rachel Perkel, senior vice president, brokerage client solutions, Wells Fargo Investments. "WellsAdvisor is designed to deliver a superior advisory offering to those clients who prefer asset-based pricing with comprehensive advice from Wells Fargo.” Wells Fargo Investments’ financial consultants average 12 years of experience. Unlike competitors converting clients into commission-based accounts, Wells Fargo will enable its clients to easily transition into fee-based advisory accounts because nearly all Wells Fargo financial consultants (more than 99%) already have the Series 65 and Series 66 securities licenses needed to provide advisory services. In addition to WellsAdvisor, Wells Fargo Investments offers a full range of account options, including: A traditional, full-service brokerage account that charges standard commissions and other transaction fees An online trading account through WellsTrade* Other investment advisory programs such as the WellsSelect® program, which includes third-party investment managers Discretionary money management from Wells Fargo Investments financial consultants About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group offers a full range of financial services and products to help individuals and families build, manage, preserve and transfer their wealth. Wells Fargo Private Bank and Private Client Services provide teams of experienced local professionals who advise clients on complex financial issues, and provide them with investment management, private banking, trust and estate, insurance and brokerage services. Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group oversees more than $250 billion in assets. Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $540 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through almost 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the U.S., and one of only two banks worldwide, to have the highest credit rating from both Moody’s Investors Service, "Aaa,” and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, "AAA.” Investment and Insurance Products: Are Not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency Are Not deposits of or guaranteed by the Bank or any Bank affiliate May Lose Value Wealth Management Group provides financial products and services through various banks and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company including Wells Fargo Investments, LLC (member SIPC). Insurance products are available through Wells Fargo Investments, LLC or licensed affiliates. *WellsTrade accounts are available through Wells Fargo Investments, LLC, a non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.