Tom Brown, co-author of a hedge fund study from accounting giant KPMG LLP is to present an overview of the study?s findings this morning.

Mr. Brown, a partner with accounting giant KPMG?s UK office, was instrumental in the publication of ?Hedge Funds: a catalysis reshaping global investment? ? a report released earlier this summer at the annual Fund Forum in Monte Carlo.

This publication was the fourth in a series produced by KPMG, in association with UK based think-tank Create.

Cash-rich investors, and increasingly institutions, have stepped up their investments in hedge funds pushing the money under management into, by estimates, the $1 trillion region.

Hedge funds have attracted more investors, according to the report, partly because ?of the prolonged bear market? with investors pessimistic about the returns they can get in the stock market, seeking alternative ways to grow their assets.

KPMG senior partner Greg Haycock said the Create report spanned 550 companies in 35 countries around the world, and was compiled through 100 face-to-face interviews with chief executives, chief investment officers and directors. Bermuda was one of the countries to participate in the KPMG-Create report.

Mr. Brown is the head of KPMG?s UK Investment Management and Funds practice.

The seminar, which is free of charge, begins at 8.30 a.m. at KPMG?s office at Crown House, 4 Par-la-Ville Road. Space is limited.