THOMPSON CARTER SCOTT - Key Persons

Mr. Schmidt is a recognized expert in matters relating to investment fraud in the financial services industry. Mr. Schmidt is a retired attorney, having served as counsel to both Paine Webber and EF Hutton. For much of the 1990's Mr. Schmidt taught finance and economics in the Business School at Golden Gate University. His expert opinion has been sought by investors, financial institutions and government agencies and he has testified in more than 150 litigated matters. He has conducted an extensive study of investment fraud and the elderly. Mr. Schmidt is currently on the Board of Advisors to the Investor Justice Project of the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Ms. Barnes is a recognized expert in matters relating to investment fraud in the financial services industry and is highly experienced in dealing with regulatory agencies. For much of the 1990's Ms. Barnes was a top negotiator in recovering money for clients that were against multi billion dollar corporations and has a long record of successful resolutions on behalf of her clients. Her expert opinion has been sought by investors and financial institutions. She has conducted an extensive study of investment fraud.

Mr. Scott received his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and his law degree (JD) from the University of Houston Law Centre where he was a Lex award recipient and served two years on the board of editors of the environmental and energy law and policy journal. As an associate of TCS Mr. Scott maintains an active securities arbitration and litigation practice. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Scott worked in various capacities for a Fortune 500 company and served as Chief Operations Officer for a regional construction and real estate development firm.

Job Titles:

• TCS in 2005 As Global Head of Its

Mr. Wendt joined TCS in 2005 as global head of its alternative investment solutions business, where he led the strategic direction, global sales and product structuring of TCS's hedges, private equity and offshore fund servicing capabilities worldwide. Prior to joining TCS Mr. Wendt held a number of senior executive roles at Mellon Financial corporation including Vice Chairman. Prior to joining Mellon, he held various senior management positions at a large banking organization and American Express. He received a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Brown University.

Mr. Carter focuses on a variety of securities enforcement and litigation matters, including investigations by the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) FINRA and state securities regulators for potential securities fraud, trading and sales practice violations and related supervisory issues. Mr. Carter has handled numerous complex matters on behalf of financial institutions, public companies and individuals in investigations and litigation with securities regulators, including contested hearing and appeals. Mr. Carter also has extensive experience in conducting internal investigations, counseling broker- dealers on regulatory and compliance issues, acting as an independent consultant to firms and representing clients in white collar criminal defense matters relating to securities issues. As a TCS partner in the firms securities practice he has achieved significant success for clients, while also serving on the governing board of the firm for several years, Mr. Carter has previously served as the global head of compliance for a major U.S investment firm. Mr. Carter writes and lectures frequently on regulatory and enforcement issues. Mr. Carter is a cum laude graduate of both Brooklyn Law School and Marymount Manhattan College.