Rewind to 2007, when a couple of professors at Cass Business School spotted that the actuarial alumni group was growing rapidly but that there wasnt an easy way for people to stay in touch. And so The Actuarial Network at Cass (TANC) was born a dynamic community of alumni who share more than just a qualification.
Rewind to 2007, when a couple of professors at Cass Business School spotted that the actuarial alumni group was growing rapidly but that there wasn't an easy way for people to stay in touch. And so The Actuarial Network at Cass (TANC) was born - a dynamic community of alumni who share more than just a qualification.
A committee was established comprising two Cass academics and five alumni. The first committee meeting was held on 22 August 2007, when it was decided that TANC would organise unique events in wider fields than actuarial professionals may typically have access to through their work. This would add value to attendees, provide networking opportunities, and also foster a continuing relationship between Cass and its actuarial alumni.
The inaugural event was held on 12 February 2008 - a talk by Dr Aubrey de Grey on the 'Prospects of Extending Healthy Life'. The event was an outstanding success with an attendance of 121, making it the biggest alumni special interest group meeting to date. The very positive feedback helped to generate a great deal of momentum and enthusiasm for future events. Four more events were held in 2008, as well as a social reception. Word spread and our network expanded as friends of alumni also began attending events.
In May 2009, we welcomed Ray Hammond to speak about 'The Seven Key Drivers of the Future'. This firmly cemented TANC as a trailblazer, with Ray becoming a speaker for the GIRO conference several years later. 2009 also marked the start of our popular biannual panel discussion, aimed at giving actuarial students in their first jobs practical tips - for example, how to maintain a healthy work/life/study balance and how to be a good employee.
By 2010, we had over 2,000 members on our database, with 60 on average attending each event. From 2011, we decided to host only four events a year, so that we could continue to provide free, high-quality events tailored to members' interests.
Attended by students, professors and actuarial professionals, our events not only inform and inspire but also provide valuable networking opportunities. TANC events have included high-profile speakers, such as Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, former IFoA president Ronnie Bowie (pictured below) and Lord Daniel Finkelstein. We are delighted that several of our events have been sponsored, including some by the IFoA.
In 2016, the IFoA recognised the benefits of our work and we became part of the IFoA Regional Society umbrella. This has further increased our exposure within the profession.
We now have more than 2,600 members on our database, with, on average, 77 members attending each event. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have a fantastic line-up of speakers, including the current IFoA president, Marjorie Ngwenya.
Why not attend one of our events to experience TANC firsthand? You too could benefit from a range of personal and professional development opportunities (all of which are recognised for IFoA continuing professional development purposes).
On 15 March 2018, Nick Silver will present 'How to Make Finance Great Again'. For details of TANC and its events, please visit bit.ly/2BpNm7Z