Bermudian Publishing Company has launched the first annual investment directory.

Available at city stores at $15 a copy (3,000 are planned), the Bermuda Investment Directory reflects the recent changes in the Island's investment management field beginning with passage of the Trust Companies Act in 1991, the company announced.

Published by Mr. Kevin Stevenson, it includes 121 listings in three categories: investment management companies, mutual funds and trust and trustee services companies.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan noted in the introduction: "The enviable regulatory environment in which international business operates has led directly to a growing number of mutual fund, investment management and trust companies electing to establish offices in Bermuda.'' And the presence of those companies, he said, helped enhance Bermuda's reputation as an international financial centre and opened "windows of (employment) opportunity for Bermudians''.

Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul said it was encouraging to see a publication that "provides information to those interested in gaining access to members of the investment services sector generally''.

"It is my hope and belief that the number of listings in the publication will continue to grow in number from year to year,'' Dr. Saul said.

Directory editor Ms Robin Asbury said that as of June 30, there were a total of 10,451 corporate entities registered in Bermuda of which 2,102 were securities intermediaries, investment management, advisory and consultancy firms.

A total of 169 were management companies for mutual funds, she said.