Sterling Bancorp to Report 2011 THIRD Quarter

Results on OCTOBER 20, 2011

New York, NY, October 17, 2011 — Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL), the parent company of New York City-based Sterling National Bank, will issue its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 prior to the opening of the U.S. financial markets on Thursday, October 20, 2011.

The Company also will hold a conference call on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results. To access the conference call live, interested parties may dial 800-398-9367 at least 10 minutes prior to the call.

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 20, 2011, until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 3, 2011. To access the replay by telephone, interested parties may dial 800-475-6701 and enter the Access Code 220223.

About Sterling Bancorp

Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL) is a New York City-based financial corporation with assets exceeding $2.5 billion. Since 1929, Sterling National Bank, the company’s principal banking subsidiary, has successfully served the needs of businesses, professionals and individuals in the New York metropolitan area and beyond. Sterling is well-known for its high-touch, hands-on approach to customer service and a special focus on serving the business community.

Sterling offers clients a full range of depository and cash management services plus a broad portfolio of financing solutions – including working capital lines, accounts receivable and inventory financing, factoring, trade financing, payroll funding and processing, equipment financing, commercial and residential mortgages and mortgage warehouse lines of credit.

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