WESTERLY, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Board of Directors of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc ., (NASDAQ Global Select^®; symbol: WASH), today declared a quarterly dividend of 24 cents per share for the quarter ending September 30, 2012. The dividend is a one cent increase over the amount paid in the previous quarter and is the Corporations second dividend increase in 2012. The dividend will be paid on October 12, 2012 to shareholders of record on October 1, 2012.

This dividend increase reflects Washington Trusts solid capital position, our strong year-to-date performance, and our commitment to our shareholders, stated Joseph J. MarcAurele, Washington Trust (WASH) Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. is the parent of The Washington Trust Company, a state-chartered bank headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, small business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, southeastern Connecticut and eastern Massachusetts. The Corporations common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select® Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Investor information is available on the Corporations web site: www.washtrust.com.

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Elizabeth B. Eckel, 401-348-1309
Senior Vice President, Marketing
ebeckel@washtrust.com

Source: Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.