It is the first fund launch into the region by Elysium, which has also opened a new office in Prague from which it will build a distribution network throughout Eastern Europe.

The Elysium High Protection Fund will target returns of nine per cent per annum net of all charges by investing in TLPs, which are US-issued whole of life policies sold before their maturity date to allow the original owners to enjoy some of the benefits during their own lifetimes. TLPs can be used to deliver steady, incremental returns that are uncorrelated to other financial asset classes.

The fund will be targeted at professional investors and intermediaries and institutions that may elect to distribute the fund to retail investors. It is the first fund invested in TLPs to be distributed in Eastern Europe that offers investors the opportunity of participating in their own currency.

Elysium is a joint venture between Managing Partners Limited, a boutique fund manager, and several institutions in Eastern Europe. MPL will manage the Elysium High Protection Fund. The fund will mirror MPL's Traded Policies Fund.

Paul Morrison, managing director of NWD Asset Management, which is based in Prague and has an agreement to distribute the fund, says: 'TLPs as an asset class have become renowned for their low risk, inherent guarantees and balanced growth characteristics. That is an attractive proposition to investors who have suffered from the severe losses seen on markets over the last couple of years. This fund will offer investors in the Czech Republic low risk, absolute returns in their own currency - the crown - giving them the comfort of familiarity.'

The Elysium High Protection Fund will have three share classes denominated in Czech crowns, euro and US dollar. There is a 1.25 per cent annual management fee. Commission to intermediaries is negotiable.