RMA Australia sees surge in insurance members and plans events tackling AI and geopolitical risks
As RMA Australia approaches a new membership year, excitement within the organisation is palpable, marked by a notable increase in membership from the insurance sector and the retention of valued Tier 2 and Tier 3 members. Richard Gilbert, the Executive Director, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Tier 1 members such as ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB Group, and Westpac Group, which has been essential in sustaining the association's initiatives.
This year, RMA Australia aims to uphold its commitment to delivering high-quality content through a series of events, webinars, forums, and the CRO Conference, designed to provide members with valuable networking opportunities and global risk insights that enhance professional development. As part of these efforts, the association is actively seeking member input for its 2025 calendar, encouraging suggestions on topics and speakers to be included in upcoming events. Members can share their ideas with the Events Sub Committee via the provided email.
The organisation’s webinar series is set to begin with “Operational Risk,” anticipated to be a significant draw with over 670 registrations already recorded for this inaugural session of 2025.
Looking forward, a hybrid event titled "Trump 2.0 – The First 100 Days" is scheduled for May 13, 2025. This session will review the first months of the Trump administration's second term, which have included new tariffs, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, challenges in financial markets, and shifts in political and economic alliances. The panel for this event will feature insights from experts including Andrew Perry, Charlie Burgess, and My Bui, who previously contributed to the Ballot Box 2024 series. Additionally, defence and security expert Mike Kalms from KordaMentha will join the discussion, providing an expansive look at the geopolitical shifts influencing the current international landscape.
In a recent addition to the RMA Australia Events Sub Committee, Jamy Abid, a Quantitative Analyst at ANZ with two decades of experience, has joined to contribute to the discussion around risk management. Abid described the three core responsibilities of his role, which include independent model validation, model risk management, and governance that ensures compliance with regulatory standards. He articulated his belief in RMA as a platform for knowledge sharing, 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 highlighted several emerging challenges for risk professionals, particularly the balance between innovation and governance in the face of complex regulatory landscapes. The rise of artificial intelligence presents both opportunities for innovation and concerns regarding model uncertainty and data integrity, underscoring the need for a re-examination of governance frameworks in the financial sector.
With a focus on fostering discourse on pertinent topics including artificial intelligence, operational and non-financial risks, and the implications of climate change on risk management practices, RMA Australia is keen on evolving its approach to current and emerging challenges in the industry. Members are encouraged to stay connected through RMA Australia’s LinkedIn page for updates on industry news and event announcements.