local business community alert to opportunities and changes in the business world.

The series kicks off next Tuesday, February 8, with a discussion about US Reinsurance Accreditation at the Princess Hotel in Hamilton.

Two partners from US law firm LeBoeuf, Lamb, Green & MacRae, and also Mr.

Donald Danilek, senior vice president, private banking/personal trust, at the Bank of Bermuda (New York), will make a presentation. Mr. Danilek, a New York attorney, will discuss the trust mechanism underlying the reinsurance accreditation process.

Mr. P. Bruce Wright, head of LeBoeuf's tax practice, said to be a well-known advisor to many Bermuda-based insurers, will speak on the tax implications of becoming an accredited reinsurer.

Mr. Thomas Dawson, resident in LeBoeuf's London office, and an advisor to non-US insurers and reinsurers on US insurance regulatory matters, will discuss the insurance regulatory aspects of the accreditation process.

Seminar organiser Mr. John Swain, senior manager of corporate banking at the Bank of Bermuda, said: "Over 40 states have now adopted legislation that would permit Bermuda-based reinsurers to obtain accredited status without the need to become fully licensed in one or more states.

"Once accreditation is achieved, reinsurers need not arrange for letters of credit in favour of US cedants,'' he said.

Those who wish to participate are asked to reply to Vanese Flood at 299-5415 by February 4.