2.22.2006 ET

(CSRwire) PORTLAND - IW Financial, a leading provider of research- based technology solutions that enable investment professionals to analyze portfolio holdings based on governance and social criteria, has named Mark Bateman as director of research, it was announced today.

Bateman joins the firm following an eleven year tenure at the Investor Responsibility Research Center (IRRC), where he held a number of positions including Vice President of Research and Operations, Managing Director of Research and Director of Environmental Information Service. In his new position, he will be responsible for helping the company address emerging issues of potential interest to IW Financial Workstation users, including asset management firms, private banks and financial planning organizations.

"Our customers want us to continue bringing them the best research available and to stay on the leading edge of emerging issues," said Sam Pierce, CEO of IW Financial. "Mark is here to help us achieve those goals."

In addition to his work with IRRC, Bateman also served on the steering committee of the Global Reporting Initiative, helping to create the leading framework for corporate sustainability reporting. Following his departure from IRRC, he consulted on values-based investing and corporate responsibility issues for a number of high-profile government, corporate and investment firm clients. Bateman earned a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and an M.A. from George Washington University.

About IW Financial
Founded in 2000, IW Financial is a leading provider of research based technology solutions that enable financial professionals to identify risks and opportunities, differentiate their services and strengthen relationships with clients. IW Financial offers its applications to money management firms, advisors and institutional investors through the IWF Workstation platform.

IW Financial is based in Portland, Maine. For more information, visit www.iwfinancial.com

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