Many investors have often dreamed of owning their very own share of Bermuda.

But the main problem has been knowing how to go about doing it.

However, that dream can now become a reality thanks to the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX).

Every good saver knows that investing wisely and diversely is important for future asset growth and long-term security and these days there are a number of new opportunities all clamouring for their attention.

But they should always consider the possibilities right on their own doorstep, according to Greg Wojciechowski, president and CEO of the BSX.

He said there are many local companies listed on the BSX that have good track records and long standing and proven successful management, allied to good financial results, and reckons they are worth a look at to complement existing investment portfolios.

"The message that I would like to convey to investors seeking to invest is that there are many opportunities right here in Bermuda that shouldn't be over looked," he said.

"With careful review of a listed issuers financial data (which is publicly available) and the help of a regulated investment advisor who understands the investors ultimate investment goals and risk tolerance, some very good opportunities exist.

"Over the years we have seen listed issuers using the domestic market more and more to raise capital for expansion or other corporate reasons with this activity resulting in more stock going into the market which is able to be purchased. Increasing turnover statistics support this trend."

Mr. Wojciechowski said there is an easy five-step guide to getting into an investment on the BSX.

1) Before investing, research and understand the companies you are going to invest in or use a licensed broker to help you.

If you use a broker:

a) Communicate your goals to them and make sure they understand what you are trying to achieve (ie saving for retirement, building assets to buy a property or to finance your child's education).

b) Ensure you understand the costs involved in the services provided and what they are telling you.

c) Do not be afraid to ask questions, remember it is your money being spent and invested.

2) Once you or the broker has determined your investment needs and strategy, purchase those investments

Again:

a) Ensure you ask questions and that all costs are explained clearly.

b) In Bermuda, brokerage commissions are negotiable, so you can shop around to get the best commission rates - these rates may be bundled together with other services, so ensure you understand what the charges relate to.

3) If you are using a broker, they will open an account for you at their firm after processing key documentation and will then handle your investment needs.

4) Brokers will also be able to place your order in the market and settle your transactions.

5) In addition, brokers can safeguard their stock positions in electronic form through the Bermuda Securities Depository, with physical share certificates being replaced by electronic entries in investors accounts.

Mr. Wojciechowski said the beauty of the BSX is its ease of use to investors.

He said: "The BSX operates as any other modern electronic market in the global financial arena, so investing in the domestic market and investing internationally through a domestic broker is similar, the one advantage to local investment is that Bermudians know the companies that may be investment options and in many cases use the goods or services of those companies- so in theory as the company does well due to its commercial success so too will the shareholders (owners).

"In short - I would say familiarity and understanding with/of the companies, management and the historical results of those companies."

The BSX, which is called the "world's leading offshore, fully electronic offshore securities market" among the likes of Luxembourg, Dublin, the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, now boasts almost 400 listings made up of Bermuda, International and mutual companies, with a domestic volume of 3.9 million shares valued at $120m and a market cap of more than $350 billion since its inception in 1971.

Their mission statement has been to develop an efficient, electronic domestic market alongside the listing of investment funds and international securities and the building of an infrastructure to make Bermuda the world's first truly offshore, international capital market, and with a sound legal framework and long list of international recognitions, including full membership of the World Federation of Exchanges and other organisations in the UK, Australia and Bermuda itself, it has attracted the likes of reinsurance and insurance giants ACE and XL Capital, as well as banks and financial institutions such as Butterfield Bank and HSBC Holdings.

The advantages of listing include good marketability in terms of independent assessment and institutions and other regulated bodies, high visibility and transparency through press agencies and the Internet and a strong capability for tax reasons and regulatory oversight.

Meanwhile, the upside of choosing Bermuda as an offshore financial centre are a sound infrastructure and the fact it has been in business for a number of decades, with currently more than 13,000 International companies and 1,600 insurance firms operating on the Island, as well as the geographical and time zone advantage.

Broken down yet further, the BSX is used as a primary market for capital raising with the initial public offering process generating new funds for the issuing company, for the creation of new securities for trading and to review all new applicants for listing.

Its purpose as a secondary market is mainly as a trading facility for daily transactions and as a regulated market which oversees all activity to ensure maximum investor protection.

Mr. Wojciechowski said the reasons for investing in the BSX are clear for all to see - in that, over the long term, a balanced portfolio of stocks (represents an ownership stake in a company) and bonds (IOUs for money lent to a company) has outperformed other investments such as the long considered safe bet of real estate and they can form the central part of investors plans for financial security and retirement.

It is also a top offshore location for listing hedge funds because of its institutional focus with effective regulation, the flexible listing requirements and already has a total of 430 listed securities, including more than 360 funds established in the marketplace.