The HedgeWorld FundSelect marketplace is now available to offshore high-net-worth investors and independent financial advisors, says HedgeWorld Markets Limited.

HedgeWorld FundSelect is the first global no-transaction fee marketplace for high-net-worth investors and advisers to research, select and invest in single and multi-manager hedge funds through a web-enabled platform assisted by offline account representatives.

The first phase of the HedgeWorld FundSelect roll-out focuses on the needs of non-U.S. high-net-worth investors and advisors. The second phase, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2002, will focus on U.S. high-net-worth investors and advisors. In a subsequent phase, the platform will be made available to institutional investors, including multi-manager funds, family offices and foundations and endowments.

Effective immediately, offshore investors and advisors may apply for membership on the secure, password-protected platform. Applicants will be reviewed and based on their qualifications, they can access and invest in HedgeWorld FundSelect’s pre-screened list of single and multi-manager hedge
funds. Offshore investors and advisers will have access to a team of client service representatives to answer questions and facilitate the process of making hedge fund investments. HedgeWorld FundSelect is modeled after the successful mutual fund marketplaces created over the last decade.

To date, more than 100 single and multi-manager hedge funds have agreed to list their funds on the platform. These funds will be released in a phased roll-out. Availability of these funds will be based on investor, geography, diversity and regulatory considerations. Funds listed on HedgeWorld
FundSelect must be pre-screened to meet a host of stringent requirements set by HedgeWorld Market’s Investment Selection Committee.