its inaugural business meeting tomorrow night.

And organisers say anyone involved in financial planning for individuals will benefit from the evening of cocktails, dinner and overseas speakers at the Elbow Beach Hotel.

More than 40 Bermuda-based banking, insurance, legal, accounting, securities and trust experts have already signed up for the event.

IAFP provides a forum for networking and the exchange of knowledge among professionals in all areas of the financial services industry with more than 17,000 members in the United States and 25 other countries.

The local branch of the body hopes to hold at least six programmes per year which members should be able to use to meet the continuing education requirements of their professional associations.

IAFP manager of international relations Laura Boulet -- based at the body's Atlanta headquarters -- will speak on international events planned and the benefits and support IAFP can provide members.

The second speaker will discuss the globalisation of financial planning.

IAFP-Bermuda president Jennifer Patterson said she was pleased with the support the group had received from the business community so far.

"We believe that all sectors of the community will benefit from this organisation,'' she said.

"Professionals will be able to exchange ideas with members of the industry as a whole and perhaps obtain a new perspective, consumers will be provided with the names of qualified advisors meeting various criteria.'' BUSINESS BUC