Globalisation of Mutual Funds, which is expected to attract 300 delegates from all around the world.

Sponsored by the International Bar Association (IBA) and the US Investment Companies Institute (ICI), the event will take place at Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort from April 25 to 28.

The IBA is regarded as the world's foremost international organisation of lawyers, with over 14,000 members in 163 countries. The ICI is the major trade association in the US for the mutual fund industry.

The seminar will take an in-depth look at the current legal and business issues relating to the globalisation of mutual funds.

Work on the seminar is organised by the IBA's Committee on Investment Companies, Funds and Trusts, which has over 800 specialist mutual fund lawyer members around the globe.

The Committee's four officers include Mr. Peter Rodger, the Bank of Butterfield's Group Legal Adviser, who has been the local co-ordinator for the seminar since its inception in 1989.

Mr. Rodger said: "Speakers from all parts of the world will discuss both business and regulatory issues relevant to fund managers seeking opportunities abroad.

"There will be a panel discussion on realistic opportunities and practical problems in foreign markets, with industry leaders from France, Germany, the UK, Japan and the US.

"A follow-up panel will focus on regulating issues for fund managers seeking to access these markets. Other panels will cover innovative fund structures used in foreign markets, tax and custodial issues (which I will chair), as well as money market funds in various jurisdictions and new products and innovations.'' He added: "This seminar is becoming accredited on the world stage of mutual fund seminars to be the leader of its type in terms of quality and destination.

"It enables Bermudian service-providers to participate in the seminar's business and social activities with mutual fund leaders from throughout the world.'' Delegates will be attending from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Europe, North America, the Caribbean and the Republic of Lithuania, whose inclusion was "a first for this annual event since the collapse of communism'', said Mr.

Rodger.

MR. PETER RODGER -- Has been the local co-ordinator for the seminar since its inception in 1989.