The Bermuda International Business Association launched a new service yesterday to enhance the attractiveness of Bermuda as a funds jurisdiction.

The ?Launch ?n List? product was born from a collaboration between the public and private sector. Through it, funds wishing to incorporate in Bermuda and list on the Bermuda Stock Exchange can be vetted and approved in as short a timeframe as two weeks.

BIBA CEO Deborah Middleton said: ?This product leverages the fact that we have a fully electronic stock exchange with Designated Investment Exchange status as well as a regulatory authority with a practical but effective approach to regulation that supports development of bespoke products for the investor.?

Although listing on a stock exchange offers funds many advantages, larger exchanges have recently increased their regulatory approach to such an extent that it impinges on the fund managers? ability to effectively carry out their investment strategy.

However, the BSX is still nimble and flexible in its approach to funds wishing to list.

?The co-operation between the Bermuda authorities and the BSX in the ?Launch n? List? process means that funds can apply to incorporate and be classified under our fund regulations at the same time that initial application is made to the BSX for listing.

?This results in Bermuda being an extremely convenient and user-friendly jurisdiction in which to set up listed funds,? said Julie McLean, who is chair of BIBA?s new Product Development Committee, which devised the product, and a partner with Conyers Dill & Pearman.

With issuers from jurisdictions around the world seeking to incorporate in Bermuda and list on the BSX, Greg Wojciechowski, president and CEO of the BSX said the Launch ?n List product was a logical extension to offer clients a one-stop solution.

?This new product will not only support the funds industry but we believe it will also be important for other products, such as private equity and debt transactions,? he said.