FERMA Launches Next Gen European Risk Council for Under-35s

Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) has launched its Next Gen European Risk Council, a flagship new initiative designed to give visibility and a strong European voice to the next generation of risk and insurance professionals.

Launching formally in April 2026, the Council will comprise a maximum of 15 young risk managers drawn from FERMA's 23 member national associations across 22 countries. Eligibility requires candidates to be under 35 years of age on 31 December 2026 and to have between three and five years of professional experience in risk or insurance management. Full employer support and fluency in English are also required.

The Council will work under the theme of "NextGen Future Thinking and Foresight" and produce an in-depth flagship paper entitled "Foresight in Risk Management", with results to be presented at the FERMA Forum 2026 in Rotterdam. Members will also provide input into FERMA's existing education certification process, offering the perspective of those at the early stages of their professional journey.

Activities will include regular online meetings, two annual in-person meetings — with hotel accommodation, venues, and meals covered by FERMA — and presentation of outcomes at the Rotterdam forum. Travel costs are the responsibility of participants, their employer, or their national association.

FERMA President Philippe Cotelle said: "This new initiative sets out to give younger members of the Federation deeper insight into their profession and into FERMA's work. A key aim is working collaboratively to nurture future talent, enhancing FERMA's offering to members and to the wider world of risk management." Final selections were announced on 18 March 2026.