Cardinal Financial Makes Second Consecutive Appearance on Sandler O’Neill + Partners “Sm-All Stars” List

TYSONS CORNER, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cardinal Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: CFNL), the parent company of Cardinal Bank and George Mason Mortgage, is pleased to announce its inclusion in the annual Sandler O’Neill + Partners Sm-All Stars Class of 2011. Cardinal, in its third appearance on this elite list, is one of only three institutions from the Class of 2010 to be selected for the Class of 2011.

“delivering bottom line results that are markedly better than the industry as a whole.”

Sandler O’Neill + Partners considered all 486 publicly-traded banks and thrifts nationwide with a market cap of less than $2 billion in their evaluation to identify the small-cap depository institutions that stand above their peers. The analysis focused on growth, profitability, credit quality, and capital strength, evaluating each institution’s absolute performance in each of eight financial variables. In this elite group of 25, Cardinal ranked above the median in the majority of categories analyzed. Cardinal Financial was selected as one of only 25 institutions worthy to be included, for “delivering bottom line results that are markedly better than the industry as a whole.”

“We are pleased to be a member of the Sm-All Stars Class of 2011. As is demonstrated by our repeat appearance, Cardinal continues to benefit from our motto to always be 'Aggressive on Sales and Conservative on Risk,'" said Bernard H. Clineburg, Chairman and CEO of Cardinal Bank. “We are proud to be recognized for our strategy and our results.”

About Cardinal Financial Corporation: Cardinal Financial Corporation, a financial holding company headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, serves the Washington Metropolitan region through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cardinal Bank, with 27 conveniently located banking offices. Cardinal also operates George Mason Mortgage, LLC; Cardinal Trust and Investment Services; and Wilson/Bennett Capital Management, Inc. The Company's stock is traded on NASDAQ (CFNL). For additional information, visit our Web site at www.cardinalbank.com or call 703.584.3400.