Bermuda's fourth bank could be up and running before the end of next year, would-be tycoon Andre Heyliger said yesterday.

And Mr. Heyliger was bullish about the chances of his Private Member's bill to allow the First International Citizens' Bank of Bermuda to open its doors being dealt with in this Parliamentary session.

Mr. Heyliger -- currently locked in talks with potential big money backers in the US -- said: "We have made our representations to be placed back on the agenda and and, as far as that process goes, we anticipate we will be placed back on the agenda.'' He added that he and his backers had taken a back seat in the run-up to the General Election -- but that the bank plan was now back in the foreground.

He explained: "Our potential overseas partners, in all aspects of business and the social contexts in general, were watching us closely and how we might resolve any issues outstanding -- no matter who had won the election.'' "What we have now is people saying `it's all over -- we have got to get down there and Bermuda is a place to do business'.'' Mr. Heyliger said: "We have every confidence that this idea, which was seen to be a good idea from the beginning, remains a good idea and that those in decision-making roles will review the application and make their determinations.'' He added: "I understand the new Government has a full agenda of issues they rightly feel might take precedence and they need to get on with.

"We are making our representations and expect to have a full hearing in the not too distant future.'' Mr. Heyliger three years ago identified a multi-million dollar institution as an overseas partner in the venture.

He said interest from the original backer was still strong -- but added he was talking to two other major players as well.

The original Private Member's bill to set up the bank got its first reading in the House of Assembly last May -- and then remained on the table till Parliament was dissolved before the General Election and the bill lapsed.

Mr. Heyliger added: "We're in pretty good shape. I hesitate to talk politically but we have a new set of decision makers, although the process is the same.

Bank proposal back on track "Our general feeling is we're likely to get a better response to our representations than we did in the past.'' The process -- after securing major backing -- involves getting a bank charter from Parliament and a licence from the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

Mr. Heyliger said: "Once we're licensed, we can open our doors for business.

We would want to see 1999 as the year we would have success in all three areas.'' BACK ON TRACK -- Andre Heyliger