For Immediate Release: Thursday 15 March 2001

SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENT FUND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES: A NEW AUTIF TRAINING COURSE ON THEIR BUSINESS AND ITS DYNAMICS

AUTIF is introducing a new course to provide a comprehensive overview of the investment fund management business for managers new to the sector. Attendees on the two-day "Understanding the Business of Investment Fund Management Companies" course will have the opportunity to improve their understanding of the principles and mechanics involved in the successful operation of a fund management business, in both a UK and an international context. The course has been prepared and will be delivered on AUTIF’s behalf by Mark St Giles and Sally Buxton of Cadogan Financial.

The course is aimed at new entrants to the industry, as well as staff in specialist areas, such as IT, marketing or HR and companies that supply services to the investment funds industry, such as solicitors, accountants, custodians, systems providers and PR consultancies.

Victoria Nye, Director of Training and Education at AUTIF, commented:

"This is an ideal ‘induction’ course for new managers, complete with practical work to encourage attendees to understand the issues involved in running a successful investment fund management business."

Alan Ainsworth, Chairman of AUTIF, added:

"One of AUTIF’s key objectives is to raise professional standards in the investment fund industry. This course will set new entrants off on the right track."

Key objectives for course attendees include an understanding of: the regulatory environment within which investment funds and managers operate; the different fund structures and their operational implications including pricing and performance; key international and domestic trends; the processes involved in marketing, managing and administering investment funds; and the need for these activities to interact efficiently.

The courses will take place in London and Scotland; in-house courses can be arranged on request.

For further information please contact:

Victoria Nye, Director of Training and Education, AUTIF +44 (0)20 7831 0898
David Kanolik, Training Development Manager, AUTIF +44 (0)20 7831 0898
Clare Arber, PR Manager, AUTIF +44 (0)20 7831 0898

Notes to Editors:

Courses take place on 6/7 June and 26/27 September in London and 24/25 September in Edinburgh. The course costs £550 + VAT.

For further information, readers should contact Maxine Irving at AUTIF on +44 (0)20 7831 0898.

The course is run by Cadogan Financial, who designed the programme in conjunction with AUTIF. Both trainers, Sally Buxton and Mark St Giles, have proven industry track records. Mark has been Chairman and Managing Director of asset management businesses and is an ex-Chairman of AUTIF. Sally has worked as a strategic adviser to governments, fund regulators, fund management companies and their trade associations and fund service providers for nearly twenty years.

Other courses provided by AUTIF:
Understanding Investment Funds – One-day course to help advisers improve the quality of their investment advice and get ahead of FSA requirements.

Portfolio Planning for Practitioners – One-day workshop jointly organised with the AITC to help advisers plan, recommend and manage investment portfolios of collective investments.

Investment Administration Management Award – An employer-led training programme and qualification to develop vital management and other business skills for key administration staff.