Grand Cayman – (November 3, 2011) – Leading International Financial Centre law firm Walkers returns to New York for the latest in its highly commended series of ‘Fundamentals’ seminars where industry experts will debate the key issues for hedge funds and offer their predictions for offshore funds in 2012.

‘Fundamental Change – Hot Topics in Hedge Funds’ takes place on November 8 at The Harvard Club in New York City and will examine both regulatory developments and other factors influencing managers and service providers in the investment funds sector. Topics will include effective corporate governance, trends, risks and opportunities that lie ahead in the market and in-depth views on the current climate from some of the hedge fund industry’s thought leaders.

“The Fundamentals seminars are cutting edge and provide an excellent forum for us to share our first-hand experience of the current issues that are impacting the industry with our clients, as well as offering potential solutions,” said Ingrid Pierce, partner with Walkers and head of the Cayman Islands Investment Funds Group.

Featuring among the guest speakers at this year’s seminar is economic analyst, political historian and award winning author, Zachary Karabell – president of River Twice Research. In a presentation entitled ‘What Lies Ahead’, Mr. Karabell will bring his unique perspective to the discussion of globalisation, the world economy and the shape of things to come.

In a new element to the ‘Fundamentals’ series of seminars, a panel of hedge fund experts will outline the state of the industry, offer tips and best practice guidance on compliance and governance issues, as well as letting delegates in on what is keeping them awake at night. Among the industry thought leaders joining Walkers is Joel Press, Managing Member of Press Management LLC and formerly Managing Director of Prime Brokerage for Morgan Stanley. Also participating in the panel are Andrew Rabinowitz, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Marathon Asset Management and Eric Vincent, who most recently served as President of Ospraie Management LLC.

Additionally, a number of Walkers’ partners from various offshore jurisdictions will make presentations, covering the legislative and regulatory picture in the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Ireland.  Investment managers of offshore funds will also get the benefit of Walkers’

insights into effective corporate governance, with current trends in fund structures, fees and liquidity, as well as the duties of independent directors all up for discussion.

“All of these issues are extremely relevant to our clients as they look to further build their businesses in 2012, against the backdrop of some of the most significant proposed legislative changes in history for the investment funds industry,” commented Mark Lewis, Managing Partner – Clients with Walkers. “This year we have already seen a renewed focus on fund formation, marking a shift from the more defensive period following the financial crisis where restructuring work dominated. We are very excited to be returning to New York for the fourth year running to share our experiences on these topics with our clients and friends.”

The Walkers Fundamentals Hedge Fund Seminar series was established in 2008 and with packed houses every year it has become a regular on the New York calendar and a “must attend” event for investment fund professionals and managers with international business interests. “We are always overwhelmed by the positive feedback from our seminars, particularly the relevance of the agenda and the quality of the  networking opportunities,” Ms. Pierce added.

‘Fundamental Change – Hot Topics in Hedge Funds’ takes place on November 8 at The Harvard Club in New York City at 4.00pm, with registration at 3.30pm. Admission is free, however advance registration is required. For further information please contact [email protected].