The Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) has agreed a change to its bylaws so that it can accept individual and corporate members who have an interest in European risk management. Until now membership has been limited to national risk management associations in Europe.

The decision by FERMA’s general assembly on 20 June follows a number of requests from individuals and companies with risks in Europe so they can follow developments more closely. There will be no geographic restrictions on the location of these members, provided they are not already eligible to join a FERMA member association.

The individuals will have to manage or oversee risk or insurance for their employer. Corporate members will need to have insurable interests in Europe and employ a risk or insurance manager. Insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers are not included.

These new members will not have voting rights in FERMA, but they will be able to take advantage of FERMA communications, contribute to the development of FERMA positions and participate as members in FERMA activities, such as the seminars, forums and conferences.

Pierre Sonigo

Pierre Sonigo, FERMA Secretary General, explained: “We know that individuals and companies who have an interest in managing risks in Europe would like to follow our activities more closely. How many there will be, we do not yet know, but we expect to have applications from the United States, the Middle East and other parts of the world, including the small number of European countries which do not currently have a FERMA member association.

“Adding the voices of these members will help to strengthen our representation of the interests of managers of European risks in our dealings with the European Commission and other bodies.”