International firms, Maples and Calder and Deloitte have teamed up to promote a local membership drive for the global association, 100 Women in Hedge Funds (“100WHF“).

Founded in 2001, 100WHF membership now exceeds 10,000 professional women who, through volunteer efforts, make a difference in their industry and community with unique educational programming, professional leverage initiatives and philanthropy.

Speaking on behalf of Maples and Calder, partner Nicola Stradling commented, “We are delighted to be a part of the initial stages of raising awareness for this incredible association. The strides taken in the 10 years of its existence are a testament to the power of organised professionals with a clear mandate and solid values. Membership will certainly enable women in

Cayman to position themselves as mentors, influencers, innovators, pioneers and leaders, among other roles.”

Organisers are finalising plans to launch 100WHF in the Cayman Islands in 2013, therefore the membership drive will be an opportunity for professional women around the island to sign up and learn more about the association, via its website, www.100womeninhedgefunds.org.

Deloitte partner, Odette Samson, noted, “It is very exciting to help bring another world class industry association to the Cayman Islands.  We look forward to the involvement of industry professionals in order to create a truly active association that will impact our industry and community, and play a further role in establishing Cayman as the leading offshore jurisdiction.”

100WHF was built on the precepts of three key pillars: education, leverage and philanthropy. With 15 locations globally, it has successfully provided more than 300 industry education sessions to over 29,000 people around the world and established the 100WHF Institute to provide members with unique educational opportunities and scholarships.

Under its ‘leverage’ pillar, the association has created a number of ways in which members can effectively share and “leverage” experiences, wisdom, and insight with their industry peers, through peer advisory groups, job boards, professional networking interfaces and opportunities for junior members to learn from seasoned professionals.

The association’s philanthropic initiatives have raised close to $28 million (gross) for charities focused on women’s and family health, education, and mentoring as well as greatly impacting the lives of approximately 371,000 people through fundraising efforts, which include annual galas and other events throughout the year.

While Maples and Calder partners, Nicola Stradling, Christina Bodden and Jo Cunningham; and Deloitte partners Odette Samson and Cindy Hislop have spearheaded the membership drive, long term plans will include the formation of a committee, made up of cross industry professionals who will carry forward the association’s core mission: “To make a difference in both industry and community through its three pillars of unique educational programming, professional leverage initiatives, and philanthropy.”

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.  Deloitte Cayman Islands is an affiliate of Deloitte Caribbean and Bermuda Limited, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries, Deloitte brings world-class capabilities and high-quality service to clients, delivering the insights they need to address their most complex business challenges. Deloitte has in the region of 200,000 professionals, all committed to becoming the standard of excellence.

About Maples and Calder

Maples and Calder is a leading international law firm advising financial, institutional and business clients around the world on the laws of the Cayman Islands, Ireland and the British Virgin Islands. Maples and Calder has offices in the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, London and Singapore.

With a reputation as an innovative, entrepreneurial firm, Maples and Calder is known worldwide as a market leader with highly qualified lawyers who are specialists in their respective practice areas.

About MaplesFS

MaplesFS is a leading specialised fiduciary and fund services provider. MaplesFS has offices in the Cayman Islands, Delaware, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Montreal and New York.

MaplesFS is led by a team of experienced professionals and is committed to providing a high level of service tailored to specific client requirements