Founder and President of Online Trading Academy Named 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Semi-Finalist

Eyal Shahar Is Recognized As a Semi-Finalist for the Annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Irvine, CA, April 16, 2012 - Online Trading Academy Founder and President, Eyal Shahar advances as a semi-finalist for the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Orange County Program.

Shahar was nominated for the 26th annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his vision and passion. Shahar’s dedication to transforming lives through trading and investing education has been the driving force behind the company’s development and global expansion.

“I am honored to be considered with such a distinguished group of entrepreneurs,” said Shahar. “Our vision to transform lives resonates with our students worldwide and our students really appreciate the hands on approach to making money the financial markets.”

The 26th annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award notes leaders who present distinctive work and excellence in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Semifinalists will be asked a series of questions regarding leadership, leadership style, management, overcoming challenges, strategies for growth and expansion, development, and personal reflections. Shahar was interviewed on April 2, 2012, to elaborate on his experience and build a framework around his entrepreneurship.

On May 3, 2012, Shahar will participate in one-on-one interviews with 15 Orange County judges at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

A panel of independent judges that consists of previous winners of the award, leading CEOs and private capital investors and other regional business leaders select winners in a number of industry categories. Finalists will be selected on May 4, 2012, and winners will be announced at the Awards Gala at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Niguel on June 7, 2012.

Shahar’s exceptional leadership and innovative approach to business stems from nearly 20 years of entrepreneurship; in 1983, Shahar started his first business importing diamonds. After developing the business to supply over 600 major wholesalers, the business was profitably sold in 1990. Beginning in 1991, Shahar purchased 50% ownership in a struggling publishing house with a new vision (to publish guides for the Performing Arts). With marketing experience, creativity, and leadership, Shahar opened eight offices throughout the country and within six years, increased company revenues 18 fold. Later he entered the securities business, forming Newport Exchange Holdings in 1997, the predecessor to Online Trading Academy.

About Online Trading Academy

Online Trading Academy helps their students by revealing the truth about what it takes to become a successful trader or investor. Their core strategy enables traders to identify market turning points before they happen, with a high degree of accuracy. Students learn under the guidance of experienced professional traders in a hands-on, learn-by-doing classroom setting. In the Core Strategy course, students learn trading skills and then practice trading live, in the classroom, without paying commissions or risking their own capital by using Online Trading Academy’s money. Online Trading Academy offers professional instruction from experienced industry professionals, as well as a wide array of beneficial home study materials to supplement classroom study. Over 200,000 investors have experienced Online Trading Academy’s Education with classroom locations that include: Phoenix, Irvine, Los Angeles, Concord, San Jose, Denver, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Boston, Baltimore, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York City, Secaucus, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Seattle, Washington D.C., Milwaukee, Dubai, London, Singapore, Mumbai, Vancouver and Toronto. For more information, visit www.tradingacademy.com.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential. For more information, please visit www.ey.com.