MIKE GAFFNEY is a Co-Head of Global Tax for Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. N.Y. where he has worked since June 2000.  Merrill Lynch is a leading U.S. investment banking, securities trading and brokerage firm serving corporations, governments, institutional investors and individual investors worldwide.  Previously, Mr. Gaffney worked for Bear Stearns & Co., since 1989 as a Managing Director and earlier for big four accounting firms.  He received a BBA in Accounting/Tax from Pace University, New York and a MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University, San Francisco.  Mr. Gaffney is a certified public accountant, an AICPA member and a member of the Wall Street Tax Association and the W.S.T.A. International Committee.  He is also a frequent lecturer on international tax issues.