CUSIP Global Services Teams With HedgeFund.net to Develop Unique Identifiers for...

CUSIP Global Services Teams With HedgeFund.net to Develop Unique Identifiers
for Hedge Funds

New CUSIP identifiers to Launch Before End of 3rd Quarter

NEW YORK, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- CUSIP Global Services (CGS), managed by
Standard & Poor's on behalf of the American Bankers Association, today
announced that HedgeFund.net, a leading source for hedge fund and fund of
hedge fund information owned by Channel Capital Group Inc., will aid in the
development of a CUSIP identification system for hedge funds and funds of
hedge funds on a global basis.

Under this collaborative effort, CUSIP Global Services will generate a
9-character CUSIP and 12-character ISIN for unique hedge funds and fund of
hedge funds and their underlying classes within its jurisdiction. CGS will
leverage HedgeFund.net's leadership position in capturing core information on
such funds and their unique attributes to develop a common language for this
asset class. The introduction of official CUSIP codes for hedge funds
continues the expansion of asset class coverage by CGS in 2009, following the
recent announcements of unique CUSIP identifiers for listed equity options and
legal business entities ("CABRE's"). This product has been designed to
enhance the quality and efficiency of hedge fund information flows, enhance
business processing methods and hedge fund research for hedge fund industry
stakeholders. Preliminary feedback received from investors, investment
managers and service providers, indicates that there is considerable demand
for a unique identification system for the hedge fund industry.

CGS plans to formally launch its CUSIP Hedge Fund Service by the end of
September, at which time there is expected to be a substantial group of funds
with CUSIPs, accompanying ISINs and related data elements. Market
participants who wish to take in the CUSIP Hedge Fund Service will be able to
do so directly from CGS or via a properly licensed vendor. HedgeFund.net's
hedge fund database product, which provides hedge fund performance and
qualitative information, will also contain hedge fund CUSIPs and ISINs.

"CUSIP Global Services (CGS) is pleased to work with HedgeFund.net to bring a
common nomenclature to the hedge fund community," said James Taylor, Managing
Director, CUSIP Global Services. "Markets and investors worldwide look to
CUSIP Global Services for our ability to create and disseminate unique,
proprietary identifiers for securities in an ever increasing range of asset
classes. Now, with the addition of hedge funds and funds of hedge funds, CGS
is again demonstrating its commitment to continually meet the market's need
for innovation and efficiency."

Don Cacciapaglia, Chairman and CEO of Channel Capital Group Inc. said, "The
collaboration between CUSIP Global Services and HedgeFund.net is an ideal
blend of our trusted hedge fund content and relationships with CUSIP's
recognized leadership in unique identification of entities and instruments.
We look forward to providing investors and the broader market with efficiency
and enhanced value for many years to come."

CGS and HedgeFund.net plan to continue discussions with key industry
constituencies around the development of the CUSIP Hedge Fund Service in the
coming months.

For more information about the CUSIP Hedge Funds Service, please visit
www.cusip.com.

About CUSIP Global Services
For 40 years CUSIP Global Services has provided a unique common language for
identifying financial instruments across institutions, exchanges and nations,
enabling financial services firms to benefit from improved operating
efficiencies and substantially reduced administrative costs. CUSIP Global
Services is operated by the CUSIP Service Bureau (CSB). CSB is managed on
behalf of the American Bankers Association by Standard & Poor's. For more
information, visit www.cusip.com.

About Channel Capital Group Inc. (HedgeFund.net)
HedgeFund.net (HFN), a division of Channel Capital Group Inc., is a leading
source for hedge fund news and information. Investors who meet HedgeFund.net's
accreditation standards are eligible for online access to our database of
7,200+ hedge funds, funds of hedge funds and CTA/managed futures products.
Registered users include a wide range of institutional investors and high net
worth individuals. For more information or to register, visit
www.HedgeFund.net.

About The American Bankers Association
The American Bankers Association brings together banks of all sizes and
charters into one association. ABA works to enhance the competitiveness of the
nation's banking industry and strengthen America's economy and communities.
Its members -- the majority of which are banks with less than $125 million in
assets -- represent over 95 percent of the industry's $13.3 trillion in assets
and employ over 2 million men and women.

SOURCE CUSIP Global Services

Maria Latorraca, Product Director, CUSIP Service Bureau, +1-212-438-6552,
maria_latorraca@cusip.com; or Michael Privitera, Vice President, Public
Affairs, Standard & Poor's, +1-212-438-6679,
Michael_Privitera@standardandpoors.com; or Joel M. Schwab, CFA, Managing
Director, Channel Capital Group Inc., +1-212-381-8065,
jschwab@channelcapital.net