PROFESSIONAL BODIES

Professional Bodies
Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA)

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, AIMA, the Alternative Investment Management Association, is the hedge fund industry's global, not-for-profit trade association with over 1,200 corporate members (with over 5,000 individual contacts) in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Members include hedge fund managers, fund of hedge funds managers, prime brokers, legal and accounting firms, investors, fund administrators and independent fund directors. They all benefit from AIMA’s active influence in policy development, its leadership in industry initiatives, including education and sound practice manuals and its excellent reputation with regulators.

AIMA is a dynamic organisation that reflects its membership’s interests and provides them with a vibrant global network. AIMA is committed to developing industry skills and education standards, and is a co-founder of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation (CAIA) – the industry’s first and only specialised educational standard for alternative investment specialists.

American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)

AAC&U is the leading national association concerned with the quality, vitality, and public standing of undergraduate liberal education. Its members are committed to extending the advantages of a liberal education to all students, regardless of academic specialization or intended career. Founded in 1915, AAC&U now comprises more than 1,200 member institutions—including accredited public and private colleges and universities of every type and size.

American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

AASCU's 420 public college and university members are found throughout the United States, and in Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands We range in size from 1,000 students to 44,000. We are found in the inner city, in suburbs, towns and cities, and in remote rural America. We include campuses with extensive offerings in law, medicine and doctoral education—as well as campuses offering associate degrees to complement baccalaureate studies. We are both residential and commuter, and with on-line degrees as well.

American Finance Association (AFA)

The American Finance Association (AFA) is the premier academic organization devoted to the study and promotion of knowledge about financial economics. The AFA was planned at a meeting in December 1939 in Philadelphia. The Journal of Finance was first published in August 1946 when dues were $3 a year. Association membership has grown steadily over time. Today the AFA has over 8,000 members and dues are $40 a year.

Association of British Insurers (ABI)

The ABI is the voice of the UK’s insurance, investment and long-term savings industry. It has over 300 members, which together account for around 90% of premiums in the UK domestic market. The ABI’s policy work is organised around four main policy departments: General Insurance; Life and Pensions; Financial Regulation and Taxation and Investment Affairs.

The Association was formed in 1985 when a number of existing industry bodies joined together, notably the British Insurance Association, the Life Offices’ Association, the Fire Offices Committee and the Accident Offices Association. Previously, the UK insurance industry was represented only by these specialist associations. The creation of the ABI meant that all sectors of the insurance company market could now speak through a single organisation.

Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME)

AFME represents the shared interests of a broad range of global and European participants in the wholesale financial markets.

Our policy and advocacy section brings together a group of knowledgeable professionals to communicate the industry perspective to regulators, policy makers, and the general public.

Our business policy section supports the day-to-day commercial activities of our members through industry initiatives related to market standardisation and good practice in a particular business area or product line.

SIFMA's affiliates (the European Covered Bond Dealers Association, the European High Yield Association, the European Securitisation Forum, the European Primary Dealers Association, the European Securities Services Forum, and the European Primary Markets Division) will be integrated into the the business policy section's divisions.

AFME is an independent member of GFMA (Global Financial Markets Association), a global network that coordinates the activities of AFME, SIFMA, and the Asian Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Association of Foreign Banks (AFB)

The Association of Foreign Banks provides a forum for the sharing of information on industry issues for the mutual benefit of foreign banks operating in and out of the United Kingdom. We provide effective representation to industry, government, regulatory bodies and other peer group associations to ensure the attainment of international best practice.

Association of Independent Financial Advisors (AIFA)

AIFA is the voice of the IFA profession. We are here to present the collective view of our membership to the regulator and those policy makers who have an impact on the IFA market place and the business operation of IFAs. We influence the opinions of decision makers to direct policy towards a light-touch regulatory structure, and are sought out to provide our knowledge and expertise to better understand and define practical policy. We are funded by our members and industry supporters, and are a not-for-profit organisation.

Association of Investment Companies (AIC)

The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) is the trade body for the closed-ended investment company industry. We represent a broad range of closed-ended investment companies, incorporating investment trusts, offshore closed-ended investment companies and venture capital trusts (VCTs). The AIC was established in 1932. Our Members are traded on the London Stock Exchange, AIM, SFM, Euronext and the Channel Islands Stock Exchange.

Association of Insurance & Risk Managers (AIRMIC)

Airmic is a members’ association supporting those responsible for risk management and insurance within their own companies. We have nearly one thousand individual members who represent over 450 companies. Airmic provides research, training, networking, lobbying and market information for the benefit of members. We hold over forty events per year for our members, including our annual conference for over six hundred delegates.

Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS)

The Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS) is the trade association of 217 wealth management and broking firms who, at more than 500 sites across the UK, Ireland and beyond, provide services to private investors.

Association of Professional Compliance Consultants (APCC)

The Association of Professional Compliance Consultants, or APCC, is the body for compliance consultants who advise firms regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK. The APCC issues mailings on matters affecting compliance consultants, holds forum events to discuss topical issues in the compliance field and liaises with the FSA on these issues. The APCC meets regularly with the FSA and provides a communication channel between the FSA and compliance consultants.

British Banking Association (BBA)

The BBA is the leading trade association for the UK banking and financial services sector. We speak for over 200 member banks from 60 countries on the full range of UK and international banking issues.

The BBA is governed by the Board, which meets 6 times per year and comprises the BBA Chief Executive and the Chief Executives of the largest banks operating in the UK, both retail, wholesale and from overseas. The Board represents the whole of the BBA membership. In addition to this the BBA Council meets twice yearly.

British Venture Capital Association (BVCA)

The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK. More than 430 firms make up the BVCA members and this number continues to grow as the knowledge, news and counsel the BVCA is able to offer its membership is recognised as increasingly invaluable and essential. The BVCA Membership comprises over 230 private equity, midmarket and venture capital firms with an accumulated total of approximately £32 billion funds under management; as well as over 220 professional advisory firms.

Building Societies Association (BSA)

The Building Societies Association (BSA) is a trade association, representing mutual lenders and deposit takers in the UK including all 49 UK building societies. This website contains a broad range of information about building societies and the BSA. We have tried to make it easy to use. Areas of the website are dedicated to our key audiences - consumers, policy makers, the media and our members, the building societies.

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

The CII has 95,000 members and has been at the forefront in setting professional standards for the insurance industry for over a century. Its broad portfolio of education and qualification services is continually expanding to meet the changing requirements of companies and individuals across the financial services community.

Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA)

Chartered Loss Adjusters are independent claims specialists who operate under a Royal Charter to investigate, negotiate and agree the conclusion of insurance and other claims on behalf of insurers and policyholders

The Institute plays a pivotal role in leading the profession in the UK and overseas. With the backing of its members it ensures that the profession receives the high profile recognition it deserves. The Institute is self-regulating and totally committed to its core values of standard setting, examination and professional conduct and helps to shape the future of the profession.

Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment is the largest and most widely respected professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry in the UK and in a growing number of major financial centres round the world. Evolved from the London Stock Exchange, we now have more than 40,000 members in 89 countries. In the past year, we set almost 40,000 examinations in 49 countries, covering a range of vocational qualifications.

Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

The Confederation of British Industry's mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the United Kingdom can compete and prosper for the benefit of all. We are the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues. We work with the UK government, international legislators and policy-makers to help UK businesses compete effectively.

European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA)

EFAMA is the representative association for the European investment management industry. EFAMA represents through its member associations from 24 member associations and 42 corporate members about EUR 13.5 trillion in assets under management of which EUR 7.3 trillion managed by around 51,000 investment funds at end March 2008.

European Investment Group (EIG)

The EIG European Investment Group AG was founded in 2003 as an independent real estate company of Dutch and German partners to support the growing number of international investors in their financial commitment in Germany. Our clients are mainly the Dutch owner-managed property companies as well as some of the well-known pension and investment funds. The EIG AG invests as a co-investor in the common property companies.

European University Association (EUA)

The European University Association (EUA) represents and supports higher education institutions in 46 countries, providing them with a unique forum to cooperate and keep abreast of the latest trends in higher education and research policies.EUA is the result of a merger between the Association of European Universities (CRE) and the Confederation of European Union Rectors' Conferences, which took place in Salamanca, Spain on 31 March 2001.

Faculty and Institute of Actuaries

The Actuarial Profession represents the members of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries externally, and regulates those members for the benefit of the outside world. The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries is the chartered professional body for actuaries in the UK.

Financial Services Authority (FSA)

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is an independent non-governmental body, given statutory powers by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. We are a company limited by guarantee and financed by the financial services industry. The Board sets our overall policy, but day-to-day decisions and management of the staff are the responsibility of the Executive Committee.We are the independent body that regulates the financial services industry in the UK.

Futures and Options Association (FOA)

The Futures and Options Association (FOA) seeks to sustain industry growth and enhance the integrity of markets and firms through the cycle of regulatory change. It works with members to maintain constructive dialogue with government and regulatory authorities and deliver high standards of industry practice.

The FOA is principally concerned with financial and commodity exchange-traded derivatives markets. However, it also addresses related issues arising in other markets (e.g. OTC markets) or issues that have a cross-sectoral impact. In such cases, it liaises, as appropriate, with other affected trade associations, primarily: FIA, AFME, BBA, ISDA and WMBA.

ifs School of Finance

The ifs School of Finance is a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter and has a remit to provide the financial services industry with a skilled and competent workforce while also promoting a better understanding of finance amongst consumers.

The ifs is the only specialist financial education body that is able to award its own taught degrees, a status that reflects the quality of all its programmes.

Its financial capability, regulatory ‘licences to practise’ and higher professional qualifications are directly informed in terms of content and learning experience by the needs of those it exists to educate. They bridge the academic/vocational divide to provide students with essential practical skills and the conceptual and analytical abilities of academic study.

It is this unique and innovative approach that makes the ifs the provider of choice for organisations and individuals seeking to improve knowledge, skills and career prospects in the area of finance and financial services.

Institute of Directors (IoD)

The Institute of Directors is Europe's largest membership organisation for business leaders. Established in 1903, the IoD has been representing senior level professionals since our Royal Charter in 1906, earning us our trusted reputation as the business network for leadership.

We support our 43,000 members through 44 regional branches across the UK, and an international network that covers six continents. Our 100-year success can be measured by the quality of our members, who are some of the most skilled and influential world leaders, from start-up entrepreneurs to directors in the public sector and CEOs of multinational organisations.

We aim to provide our members with a real return on investment, improving cost efficiency with exclusive benefits that can save you over £2,500 every year. This includes access to 10 exceptional city premises across the UK and Europe, three of which are in London, and a further two in Paris and Brussels.

Our highly regarded professional development programmes provide creative and flexible training opportunities, including our exclusive and industry-recognised qualification, Chartered Director. We also offer a year-round active business programme, where members benefit from high profile networking events and integrated regional support.

Institute of Risk Management (IRM)

The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) is the world’s leading enterprise-wide risk education Institute. We are independent, well-respected advocates of the risk profession, owned by practising risk professionals. IRM passionately believes in the importance of risk management and that investment in education and continual professional development leads to more effective risk management.

We provide qualifications, short courses and events at a range of levels from introductory to expert. IRM supports risk professionals by providing the skills and tools needed to put theory into practice in order to deal with the demands of a constantly changing, sophisticated and challenging business environment. We operate internationally, with members and students in over 50 countries, drawn from a variety of risk-related disciplines and a wide range of industries.

IRM qualified member grades (MIRM, CIRM and SIRM) are recognised worldwide as the sign of a qualified risk management professional and are achieved through examination and recognition of relevant prior learning. Fellowship (FIRM) follows through accredited practical experience.

As a not-for-profit organisation, IRM reinvests any surplus from its activities in the development of international qualifications, membership, short courses and events.

International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA)

ISDA, which represents participants in the privately negotiated derivatives industry, is among the world’s largest global financial trade associations as measured by number of member firms. ISDA was chartered in 1985, and today has over 830 member institutions from 59 countries on six continents. These members include most of the world's major institutions that deal in privately negotiated derivatives, as well as many of the businesses, governmental entities and other end users that rely on over-the-counter derivatives to manage efficiently the financial market risks inherent in their core economic activities.

Since its inception, ISDA has pioneered efforts to identify and reduce the sources of risk in the derivatives and risk management business. Among its most notable accomplishments are: developing the ISDA Master Agreement; publishing a wide range of related documentation materials and instruments covering a variety of transaction types; producing legal opinions on the enforceability of netting and collateral arrangements (available only to ISDA members); securing recognition of the risk-reducing effects of netting in determining capital requirements; promoting sound risk management practices, and advancing the understanding and treatment of derivatives and risk management from public policy and regulatory capital perspectives.

International Compliance Association (ICA)

At the ICA, we are committed to increasing knowledge and professionalism throughout financial services, all over the world. We believe in investing in staff as part of an integral approach to combating the increasing risks to our industry. We undertake to disseminate knowledge, guidance, information and practical skills in an ongoing strategy to constantly improve business performance. We seek global partnerships and form alliances with those like-minded entities in order to further our objectives. We aim to help individuals and firms improve so they are better placed to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Investment Management Association (IMA)

The Investment Management Association is the trade association for the £3.4 trillion investment management industry in the UK. We have 185 members, accounting for over 90% of the industry in the UK. Our role is to represent the interests of the industry to government and regulators in the UK and internationally, and to promote high standards within the industry.

Life Insurance Market Research Association (LIMRA)

Over 850 financial services companies in more than 70 countries around the world turn to LIMRA first to help them build their businesses and improve their performance. These members rely on our 90 years of industry experience, along with resources in Research, Consulting, Assessment, Development, and Compliance and Regulatory Services.

National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF)

The National Association of Pension Funds is one of the most influential industry bodies in pensions. We are a progressive and proactive organisation, committed to ensuring there is a sustainable environment for workplace pensions so that millions of people can look forward to fair and decent retirement provision.

Our member profile is a key strength. We represent all types of scheme including defined benefit, defined contribution, group personal pensions and statutory schemes such as those in Local Government.

We provide retirement income to nearly 15 million people, operate almost 1,200 separate pension schemes and have combined assets of nearly £800bn. Our membership also includes a wide range of over 400 providers of essential advice and services to the pensions sector. This includes accounting firms, solicitors, fund managers, consultants and actuaries.

Personal Finance Society (PFS)

We are the professional body for the financial planning profession in the UK. We take an active role in setting standards of professionalism and our 28,000 members commit to the highest standards of professionalism by keeping their technical knowledge up to date and by adhering to a respected code of ethics.

Professional Risk Managers International Association (PRMIA)

The Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA) is a non-profit professional association, governed by a Board of Directors directly elected by its global membership, of more than 73,637 members in 200 countries. PRMIA is represented globally by 60 chapters in major cities around the world, led by Regional Directors appointed by PRMIA's Board.

Established in 2002 by a volunteer group of risk industry professionals, PRMIA's mission is to provide a free and open forum for the promotion of sound risk management standards and practices globally.

PRMIA is dedicated to providing resources, networking, and thought leadership to help our members achieve the highest standards from the cradle to the pinnacle of their careers.

Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is a unique professional body providing members with a local, national and international learning and business network focusing on the responsible stewardship of assets today and across the generations. STEP provides education, training, representation and networking for its members. Members advise clients on the broad business of the management of personal finance. Full members of STEP are the most experienced and senior practitioners in the field of trusts and estates.

Tax-Incentivised Savings Association (TISA)

TISA represents the interests of over 120 firms involved in supplying, administrating or distributing products to savers and investors and is the premier industry association supporting individuals across the broad range of government sponsored savings and investment vehicles, including Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), Child Trust Funds (CTFs), Savings Gateway, Personal Pensions, Investment Bonds, Employer based schemes, and other consumer-centric, government savings schemes and initiatives. TISA is also working to present a cohesive industry view to the FSA on WRAP and Fund Supermarkets or Platforms.

The Compliance Institute (CI)

The Institute is a non-profit making organisation representing and promoting the interests and development of compliance professionals in the UK. The Institute’s mission is to advance the standards of competence amongst Compliance staff, offering them the benefits of professional status and opportunities for professional development. As a result of enhancements to the website, members wishing to log into the members' area of this site will need to first request a new password by clicking on the 'lost password' button on the left.

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI)

We are the professional body which supports and develops the experts who run UK pension schemes.

We are at the very heart of the pensions industry with a membership of some 5,000 pensions professionals and trustees which includes many of the thought leaders who drive retirement provision in this country. With over 30 years of successful operation behind us, we are committed to ensuring that pensions professionals and trustees achieve pensions excellence.

We offer four grades of membership which provide national recognition of knowledge and expertise and a suite of seven qualifications covering the various disciplines underpinning pension scheme management, for those at the top of a pensions structure like company pensions managers or senior consultants, through to those carrying out essential front line roles like pensions administration and benefit calculation.

An intensive annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme is also available for all qualified members ensuring the maintenance of professional standards.

We are a non lobbying professional body but work with government and other bodies in the financial sector to ensure the views of our members are put forward in a sound and impartial manner.

The UK Society of Investment Professionals (UKSIP)

The CFA Society of the UK is a not-for-profit membership organisation that represents more than 9,000 individuals involved in the investment profession. We are one of 136 CFA Institute member societies worldwide. We promote high ethical standards in the profession and support members through the provision of continuing education, careers support and advocacy.

UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF)

UKSIF is the membership network for sustainable and responsible financial services. We promote responsible investment and other forms of finance that support sustainable economic development, enhance quality of life and safeguard the environment. We also seek to ensure that individual and institutional investors can reflect their values in their investments.

Wholesale Markets Brokers’ Association (WMBA)

The London money brokers are the dominant force in wholesale broking internationally with a product base which has grown from routine foreign exchange and money market loans and deposits to embrace bonds, equities and commodities, and their derivatives. The brokers provide the essential oil to the wheels of the dealing markets and their activities reflect the continual change taking place in these markets, particularly in the development of new financial instruments.