International lawyers and fund managers will be jetting into Bermuda at the end of April for their annual conference on mutual funds, it was revealed yesterday.

The International Bar Association and the Investment Company Institute are hosting its 11th annual conference jointly at the Fairmont Southampton Princess this year for three days of intensive discussion on `Globalisation of Mutual Funds'.

Hundreds are expected to attend the event, which will feature key speakers on the Internet, Europe, Asia and the world markets.

"This is the 11th year of this successful conference,'' said Peter Rodger, Chair of the International Bar Association investment companies and mutual funds committee at the Bank of Butterfield, Bermuda. "The conference is extremely popular and spaces are limited, so booking is advisable.'' The International Bar Association, which is based in London, is a federation of international legal associations and individual lawyers and will be joined by the American Investment Company Institute, the US investment company industry association, as hosts of the event. Discussions will include the opportunities and pitfalls in the changing face of Europe and will host talks by mutual fund regulators from across Europe and the United States as well as discussing money laundering.

The advent of the Internet is also high on the agenda, with talks on mutual funds in the environment expected to be one of the most popular events.

The Asian market will also be put under the spotlight with discussions on asset management in the area.

Mr. Rodger said:"The breakfast discussion groups initiated last year proved highly popular and will supplement the formal sessions. Groups of up to 25 will informally discuss current issues in the global mutual fund industry.

"A wide range of topics will be considered, from marketing and distributing funds in Latin America to complying with money laundering laws.'' The programme will be launched with a cocktail reception on Sunday April 30, and will close with a dinner on the beach at the Southampton Princess on May 3, 2000.

Continued on 21 Mutual funds to be discussed Registering for the conference will entitle those delegates who are eligible to free membership of the International Bar Association until the end of 2000.

The Bermuda conference is only one of 25 conferences planned by the International Bar Association for the year 2000.

BUSINESS BUC