The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) is marking a significant milestone in 2024, celebrating 140 years since its establishment in 1884.
The organisation has been a cornerstone for professional development and education in the insurance and finance industries across Australasia and beyond.
Reflecting on its history, ANZIIF said it has consistently focused on initiatives aimed at advancing professionalism in the insurance sector.
This year, the institute introduced new short courses, including “Empathetic Claims Management” and “Creating Good Outcomes for Customers Experiencing Vulnerabilities,” designed to address emerging challenges in claims and customer care. A third course, “Getting It Right,” launches today, Dec. 16. These programs emphasise the importance of equipping professionals with practical skills to achieve better outcomes for customers.
Other recent initiatives include the “Thursday Thought-Leaders” webinar series, which offers global access to expert insights, and the Integrated Risk Management Program, delivered in both New Zealand and Vietnam.
To commemorate its anniversary, ANZIIF has released a special edition of its journal, capturing key moments in its history and examining the changes that have shaped the insurance industry.
ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks reiterated the institute’s dedication to aligning education with the evolving demands of the insurance market.
“We will continue to innovate and ensure we are providing insurance professionals with the tools to stay abreast of legislative, regulative, and consumer expectations,” she said.
In the institute’s latest journal, Tony Morgan – a former ANZIIF president – reflected on the organisation’s expansion in Asia during his tenure on the board.
“We invested significantly in growth in Asia and, for me, one of the highlights of my term was delivering a keynote address at a 2011 conference organised by the insurance industry in Beijing to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the admission of China to the World Trade Organization,” he said.
He emphasised the value of building strong leadership, noting his pride in recruiting Prue Willsford as CEO.
“One of the most critical responsibilities of a board is to select the CEO, and one of my proudest achievements was recognising that Prue Willsford was the right person for the job. We had around 60 applicants for the role, and Prue was something of an outlier, but she impressed us with her passion and insight,” Morgan said.
Willsford, who led ANZIIF from 2013 to early 2024, credited the institute’s early investment in online learning as a key strategy for reaching a dispersed membership base.
Under her leadership, ANZIIF expanded digital learning options and developed programs like the Member Centre, which offers flexible, modular learning.
Willsford also noted her role in establishing industry standards for life and general insurance claims handling frameworks.
ANZIIF’s footprint has grown significantly across Asia, with ambassadors in key markets such as Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Harold Lim, who represents ANZIIF in Myanmar and Thailand, described the organization’s efforts to provide certifications and build networks to support industry growth. He highlighted the increase in ANZIIF-certified professionals in the region, a reflection of the demand for high-quality insurance education.
In Malaysia, ambassador Dato’ Tan Kian Beng emphasised the importance of providing resources and training tailored to the local market. He described his role as fostering professional recognition and collaboration to help elevate the status of insurance practitioners.
Looking ahead, ANZIIF aims to strengthen its role as a leader in professional development, leveraging its history to navigate the challenges facing the modern insurance industry. Key focus areas include addressing skill gaps, incorporating new technologies, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.
As Shanks noted, ANZIIF’s mission remains to uphold professional standards and ensure that the workforce adapts to changing market dynamics. By continuing to evolve its educational offerings and expanding its reach, the organisation seeks to maintain its influence as a trusted partner for the insurance and finance sectors.
