International Fund & Product Awards 2012: Now Open For Entries

Welcome to the 13th International Fund and Product Awards. Now an established part of the offshore calendar, these awards are in honour and recognition of groups who distribute financial products internationally.

Rewarding the Work of International Product Providers and finance centres

Each year the Awards focus on a particular aspect of offshore financial services. This year we have introduced two new awards aimed at International Finance Centres - Best International Finance Centre for Funds and Best International Finance Centre for Trusts & Fiduciary. These awards aim to recognise the complex work involved in setting up the enabling legislation required by providers looking for structures that allow the innovation and flexibility needed for complex international financial solutions.

For the third year running, we have also included split awards for the life groups between those who distribute globally and those that focus on offering international products to the UK.

The judging process is a mixture of quantitative and qualitative assessments, of which the questionnaire is an integral part. The fund management category uses an initial performance screen compiled by Morningstar before the investment judges look at qualitative elements such as fund manager research capabilities and the depth of fund manager talent. Support to independent financial intermediaries is also taken into account. Financial strength is assessed by AKG Consultants & Actuaries.

Commenting on the launch of this year's awards, Chair of the Judging Panel, Deborah Benn, said: "Last year's awards showed a dramatic improvement in both the transparency of products and education material on offer to those investing offshore. I have no doubt this will continue in 2012 as groups continue to focus on consumer needs."

See the links on the left for entry requirements and criteria.

Deadline for submissions is 30th March 2012.