An investor should never base their decisions on news headlines. Stock markets move freely and one day's gains on good news can swiftly be reversed by some bad news.

Much has been published on the newly proposed Alternative Investment Fund Directive (‘AIFM’) which if materialises in its proposed form would affect all fund managers in Europe who manage or market a fund which is not regulated in Europe as suitable for retail sales (effectively, any non-UCITS fund).

Anthony Jimenez, Funds Lawyer at Hassans, reviews the key factors which have been influencing investment and trading decisions over the first quarter of 2011, and subsequently the direction of global financial markets.

Business consultants have long sought to explain and analyse, for the benefit of their clients, the reasons why some businesses are far more successful than others.

The optimism over Gibraltar’s on-going economic growth and the development of the jurisdiction as a leading and well regulated finance centre has continued in 2005 despite some uncertainty surrounding the final outcome of a legal ruling on Gibraltar’s proposed new measures on corporate taxes

Regular readers will recall that, as Christmas approaches, this column pays its annual visit to dear old Mrs Rock, who is generally mightily confused about the financial aspects of life.

The Experienced Investor Fund regime in Gibraltar has proven to be an extremely versatile way of setting up a fund within the European Union.

The Rock’s attractions as a place to conduct international business or establish company structures have been enhanced in recent years by several developments.

In many of my writings I try to bring together my fascination for history with my professional and academic interest in the law.

Both the laws of Luxemburg as well as the laws of Gibraltar admit the establishment of modern (hedge-)fund structures for sophisticated investors, which meet all requirements in respect of fast launching, high flexibility and the necessary freedom for realization of their investment policy.