In a project which brings together some of the world's leading hedge fund and financial markets bodies, today marks the launch of the Hedge Fund Matrix--a user-friendly Web site that offers the first step towards harmonization between existing sound practice guidelines.

The Alternative Investment Management Association, the Hedge Fund Standards Board, the International Organization of Securities Commissions, the Managed Funds Association and the Asset Managers' Committee of the U.S. president's Working Group on Financial Markets have brought together their respective works on hedge fund sound practices for the benefit of the industry and other users.

Many of the core principles in existing sound practice guidelines are similar and now, using the Hedge Fund Matrix, users will be able to compare the various guidelines, side-by-side.

The Matrix includes information on: creating and managing a hedge fund management business; the investment process and portfolio risk management; portfolio administration and operational controls; raising capital and investor relations; and hedge fund structure and organization.

Freely available to all, the Hedge Fund Matrix provides relevant and insightful information for hedge fund practitioners, investors and the regulatory community, and to all those servicing and providing professional advice to the hedge fund industry.

The Hedge Fund Matrix is located at www.hedgefundmatrix.com.