New Welsh and Zurich societies join IFoA network

The IFoA is incredibly proud of the network of regional communities that it supports and works with. These regional communities provide professional and social activities for actuaries in their region and are invaluable in the support they provide to the growing community of actuaries around the globe.
The most recent addition to the network of regional communities was launched in September with the new Welsh Actuarial Society joining the ranks of the expanding community, which now numbers 21 groups in the UK and eight internationally. Immediate past president Fiona Morrison and Welsh Assembly economy cabinet secretary Ken Skates officiated at the launch and were joined by over 60 IFoA members, representatives from the Cardiff business community as well as the new committee of the society that is being lead by Gareth O'Callaghan from Aviva.
Commenting on the establishment of the new society, O'Callaghan commented: "The launch of the society comes at a unique point for the actuarial profession here in Wales as it doesn't just recognise the current strength of the local market; it shows to prospective companies and investors that the skills, expertise, and culture they are looking for is already here, and that it is growing owing to the aspirations of the Welsh government and the training now offered in our further and higher education establishments. Such plans are a great positive for our area, and we look forward to lending our support."
With life, pensions and general insurance actuaries based in the area, the Welsh Actuarial Society will provide both technical and social events for members in the Cardiff area, allowing members to network with their colleagues in a professional setting.
Following on from the launch of the Welsh Actuarial Society, the next community is about to be launched, with the set-up of a committee to develop a society in Zurich.
On this new committee, led by Chris Reynolds of Partner Re, are Jeffery Yong from the Bank of International Settlement, Mark Cockroft from Qatar Re, Ronel Meyer from PwC, Dimitra Charisi from Swiss Reinsurance Company, Alexander Summers from Zurich Life, Mariette Thulliez from Partner Re and Adina Ciobotea from Zurich Life, who is also the representative on the International Student Consultative Forum.
This group will work together to deliver both CPD and social events for actuaries in and around Zurich.
If you would be interested in presenting at a society event or hosting an event in your office, or indeed if you have suggestions for relevant topics, please contact Tess Joyce: [email protected]
A new webpage for this society will soon be available.
For more information on the Welsh Actuarial Society, please visit their webpage at bit.ly/2dVcuFX
For details on all of the regional communities, please visit bit.ly/2dFCIxk