Domestic security dealers in countries with substantial capital markets, such as US, are not necessarily well equipped to comfortably manage transition from local trades to international ones.

European brokers with stronger international orientation may find it easier, thanks in part to access they have had to offshore funds which have taken lead in emerging market investing. Hence, growth in offshore funds has been phenomenal. As economies of Eastern Europe, Asia and South America expand further, this growth will accelerate.

The fundamentals are in favor of emerging economies with abundant workforces and a national desire to succeed. Until they reach stage of maturity where their savings rates begin to satisfy their capital needs, these countries will continue eagerly to invite foreign investment.

Under circumstances requiring cross-border investment on an unprecedented scale, offshore financial services industry offers opportunities of a lifetime.

The question is whether it can systematically rise to occasion to retain initiative without becoming bureaucratic in itself and so lose its principal regulatory advantage over domestic financial centers.

Offshore finance is no longer exclusive domain of very wealthy, and as its clientele becomes more mainstream, nature of its services and their means of delivery are changing dramatically.

The ability to securely communicate complex information around world in a flash, profoundly affects way in which business is conducted.

Offshore finance is a prime candidate for electronic delivery of services on a grand scale.

For more information on world of offshore business go to http://www.valtechservices.com

and click on Offshore Special Report. Between manual that is provided, and four special reports on four of world's best financial districts, this is a great information source.

I know there are thousands of credit card sites out there and I won't burden you with that many links, but here are two that might come in handy if you are travelling. They are ATM locator sites if you need quick cash from your cards.

Mastercard or Cirrus -

http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm Visa or Plus - http://visaatm.infonow.net/bin/findNow?CLIENT_ID=VISA The use of credit cards is a convenience that a little common sense will make sure we don't abuse.

First, please pay off your monthly balance - every month! If you can't pay off your balance, that is a good sign that you are simply living beyond your means and spending more than you earn. Eventually it will catch up to you and you will find yourself in financial troubles. By paying your complete balance you make sure that your spending stays in line and you don't incur any expensive interest charges.

Secondly, be smart with your card #'s. When you buy online ensure that your transactions are secure - reputable sites will state right up front and through buying process what kind of security and secure transactions they conduct. Don't send your card # with expiry date written in an email. You never know who will be reading email in future, and once that email is sent it is gone forever (and so is your credit card information)! Also watch your statements to ensure your card wasn't billed for something you didn't buy. Credit card fraud is a huge industry.

Let's all be careful with our card numbers so that we don't get added to statistics!