The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries held a special dinner last week to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Sir Joseph Burn prize and the Professions commitment to excellence in learning and research.
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries held a special dinner last week to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Sir Joseph Burn prize and the Profession's commitment to excellence in learning and research.
Held at Staple Inn Hall in London on March 14, the dinner was attended by over 70 members and guests from a range of academic, regulatory and public policy bodies.
Guests were welcomed by Jane Curtis, president of The Institute and Faculty (pictured), who recognised the achievements of the volunteers, staff and partners who all contribute to the Profession's learned society and thought leadership activities.
Allister Heath, editor of the daily business newspaper City AM, was guest speaker at the event and spoke about financial literacy in public life. He argued that the lack of basic financial understanding across a broad spectrum, from members of the public through to politicians and the media, needs to be urgently addressed.
The Profession plans to make a significant contribution in this area as part of its public affairs programme this year.
The Sir Joseph Burn prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated exemplary merit, having completed the Profession's exams to become a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty. It was established in 1952 with the support of a legacy from the family of Sir Joseph Burn KBE. Last week's dinner was attended by 15 winners of the Sir Joseph Burn and other prizes awarded by the Profession.
During the event, Derek Cribb, chief executive of the Profession, outlined the range of research initiatives being undertaken by the Institute and Faculty in the year ahead.
He also noted the establishment of the Actuarial Research Centre, in Edinburgh, which has been funded by an endowment from the Profession. The centre is formally linked to the Scottish Financial Risk Academy and Heriot-Watt University and aims to become a centre of excellence in risk management.