Vestin Group, Inc. Elevated to Nasdaq National Market Effective August 16, 2002

Press Release: Vestin Group, Inc.
August 19, 2002
LAS VEGAS, NV -- Vestin Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSTN), a leading company in the commercial mortgage business, Aug. 16 announced that its common stock has been approved for trading on the Nasdaq National Market effective Friday, August 16, 2002.

Following the move from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market, the company's stock will continue to trade under the symbol VSTN.

"Moving up to the Nasdaq National Market demonstrates yet again our sound fundamentals and consistent growth performance," Mike Shustek, Vestin Group Chairman and CEO, stated. "With the increased visibility and liquidity for our stock afforded by this move, we are confident that we will be able to further broaden the investor base and enhance shareholder value."

On August 12th, Vestin Group announced that second quarter revenues advanced 88% to $8.9 million from $4.7 million recorded in last year's second quarter. Net income for the second quarter of 2002 grew more than tenfold to approximately $2.1 million, or $0.35 and $0.22 per basic and diluted share, from $189,000, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share from a year ago. The company also announced on August 12th that it expects third quarter revenues to be in a range of $7.5 to $8.5 million and diluted earnings per share in the range of $0.23 to $0.27.

About Vestin Group

Vestin Group, Inc., through its lending division, is one of the nation's largest private lenders. Its subsidiary, Vestin Mortgage, is a Las Vegas-based commercial mortgage broker. Vestin Mortgage has facilitated more than $1 billion in the last five years of lending transactions. Through its subsidiary Vestin Mortgage, Vestin Group manages two funds, Vestin Fund I, LLC, a $100 million mortgage fund and Vestin Fund II, LLC, a $500 million mortgage fund.

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements that have been made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results in the future periods or plans for future periods to differ materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed or estimated.

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Contact: 

     Vestin Group, Inc.
     Lance Bradford, 702/227-0965
      or
     Investor Relations:
     Makovsky & Co., Inc.
     Gene Marbach / Ting Mei Chong, 212/508-9600
      or
     Public Relations:
     The Wells Group, Inc.
     Jim Estrada, 800-391-8882