could bring a massive boost for Bermudian business.

For the English company behind the Livenote system being used in a major fraud case wants to open an office in Bermuda to take advantage of the lucrative international disputes market.

Graham Smith of London-based Smith Barnal said: "International litigation will be the biggest growth market over the next few years.

"Having something like this here will assist in promoting Bermuda as a forum for arbitration for other parts of the world.'' He added: "I don't know the amount of money it would bring to Bermuda -- but it would be significant.'' The system is being used for the first time in a Bermudian court and Mr. Smith said it was hoped Government will decide to adopt to replace current system.

At present, Bermuda's courts rely on the slow and old-fashioned method of the presiding judge taking notes.

Mr. Smith added that he hoped a positive response from Government would act as a springboard for further business from Island law firms and exempt companies.

He said that Hong Kong -- where his firm already operates -- had become the major centre in the Far East for international arbitration between companies.

He added: "Hong Kong is going through the roof. It's something which every country involved in financial matters needs to have these days.'' He explained many American Fortune 500 firms have registered offices in Bermuda and the Island boasted one of the biggest reinsurance markets in the world.

The system takes a stenographer's notes, translates them into English and displays the results on a lap-top computer screen within seconds.