Commission To Host Roundtable on Hedge Funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2003-40

Washington, D.C., March 26, 2003 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today that it will host roundtable discussions on a wide range of issues relating to the investor protection implications of certain private, unregistered investment pools, commonly known as hedge funds.

The discussions will be held Wednesday, May 14, and Thursday, May 15, in the William O. Douglas Room at Commission headquarters, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., beginning at 9 a.m. The roundtable will be open to the public, on a first come, first served basis.

The Commission expects the roundtable to provide valuable information as it assesses the regulatory framework applicable to hedge funds and their investment advisers. The roundtable will cover a number of topics, including: (1) the structure, operation and compliance activities of hedge funds; (2) marketing issues; (3) investor protection issues; (4) the current regulatory scheme; and (5) whether additional regulation is warranted.

As it becomes available, additional information may be accessed at http://www.sec.gov/spotlight/hedgefunds.htm. Copies of materials submitted by the participants will be available on that site or by contacting the Commission's Public Reference Room, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549. Members of the public may submit relevant materials to be included in the public record by sending them electronically to hedgefunds@sec.gov or submitting them in hard copy to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549-0609. All submissions should refer to File No. 4-476.

For additional information, please contact Herb Perone or John Heine at 202-942-0020.