RMA Australia boosts member engagement with new events and expert insights

RMA Australia reports growing membership, especially from insurance, and launches its Risk Fundamentals Series while inviting members to help shape the 2025 events calendar. The organisation also welcomes quantitative analyst Jamy Abid to its Events Sub Committee as it prepares for a major session on geopolitical risk from Trump’s second presidency.

As the new membership year approaches, RMA Australia expresses appreciation for its renewing members while extending a warm welcome to new arrivals. Richard Gilbert, Executive Director, noted the encouraging trend of increased membership, particularly from the insurance sector, while emphasizing the importance of retaining valued Tier 2 and Tier 3 members. He acknowledged the generous support from Tier 1 members, including prominent financial institutions such as ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB Group, and Westpac Group.

In an effort to provide members with valuable insights and networking opportunities, RMA Australia is committed to delivering high-quality events, webinars, and forums. As part of this initiative, the organisation invites members to take an active role in shaping the 2025 events calendar by suggesting topics or speakers to the Events Sub Committee via [email protected]. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of educational offerings.

This month marks the launch of the Risk Fundamentals Series with a focus on Operational Risk. This inaugural webinar has already garnered significant interest, boasting over 670 registrations ahead of the event.

Looking ahead, a notable event scheduled for May will reflect on the first 100 days of Donald Trump's second presidency. The session, entitled "Trump 2.0 – The First 100 Days," will be hosted by Peter Deans from Notwithoutrisk Consulting. The panel, which includes Andrew Perry, Charlie Burgess, and My Bui from the Ballot Box 2024 series, is set to explore the implications of recent political developments on global trade, financial markets, and economic policies. The discussion will also feature insights from defence and security expert Mike Kalms of KordaMentha, examining the geopolitical shifts and challenges encountered during this period. This session is deemed essential for risk managers seeking to understand the broader context of current international dynamics.

In a recent addition to the Events Sub Committee, Jamy Abid has joined to leverage his extensive experience as a Quantitative Analyst at ANZ Banking Group. With over two decades in quantitative analysis across various financial markets, Abid brings a wealth of knowledge to the committee. His primary responsibilities include overseeing independent model validation, managing model risks, and ensuring compliance with both Australian and global regulatory standards.

Abid articulated his motivations for joining the RMA Australia Events Sub Committee, stating, "I see RMA Australia as a great platform for sharing knowledge, connecting risk professionals with diverse perspectives and ultimately helping to shape the future of risk management." Abid expressed enthusiasm for contributing to discussions on emerging risks and fostering innovation within the financial industry.

When posed with the question of current challenges within the sector, Abid highlighted the necessity of balancing innovation with effective risk governance. He cited frameworks such as FRTB (Fundamental Review of the Trading Book) and CPS 230 as examples of the complexities faced by risk professionals. Furthermore, the emergence of risks associated with climate change, cybersecurity, and geopolitical uncertainties requires a forward-thinking approach, pushing disciplines to adapt beyond traditional frameworks.

Artificial intelligence also stands out as a transformative factor that introduces both opportunities and threats. Abid noted the importance of reevaluating governance structures in light of the rapid advancements in AI, drawing comparisons to the impact of the internet in the early 2000s.

Upcoming events slated for May 13 promise to provide further insights into these highly pertinent topics. Members interested in participating in the discussion on “Trump 2.0 – The First 100 Days” can find registration details via RMA Australia's communication channels.

RMA Australia continues to explore avenues for enhancing member engagement and fostering a robust community for risk professionals through its educational offerings and community initiatives. Members are encouraged to stay connected through RMA Australia's LinkedIn page for ongoing industry updates and event announcements, solidifying the organisation's commitment to supporting its members in navigating the complexities of the risk landscape.