Onshore Energy Conference — Dubai Onshore Energy Conference — Dubai 01 | Page 34

MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS E Introducing a new financial association providing a stable and secure platform for insurers in the region. stablished in 2015, the DIFC Insurance Association (DIFC IA) is a non-profit association established to represent the collective interests of Members while acting as forum for the exchange of views on market issues, and contribute to the development of the insurance market at the DIFC as a specialised center of excellence. With the continued growth of the (re)insurance market at the DIFC in terms of size and number of firms, the DIFC IA is well positioned to shape the market for future growth and development. The DIFC IA has ambitious plans to grow and act as the voice and advocacy force for companies operating in the DIFC. The journey has begun. The Association currently has 36 Full Members and 12 Associate Members. Membership in the Association is voluntary, Full members is for insurance firms established in the DIFC, including reinsurers, regional offices, underwriting agencies, coverholders, MGAs, insurance management, and reinsurance brokers. There is a separate category of membership as Associate members for service providers including law firms, actuarial firms, advisory and consulting firms, rating agencies, risk management firms, TPAs, etc. The Association needs to position itself to become a reference point for market practitioners to interact and to promote and OBJECTIVES OF THE DIFC INSURANCE ASSOCIATION NPIO To represent the collective interests of members  within the DIFC and outside the DIFC. To be a platform for dialogue amongst  members to exchange views on market issues, discuss market practices in order to improve transparency and professionalism.  o improve market efficiency and facilitate and T encourage co-operation amongst members.  o contribute to the development of the DIFC as T the premier (re)insurance market in the region, and to promote best practice and high business and ethical standards between members within the DIFC (re)insurance community.  o engage with regional insurance T regulators and trade associations, and assist regional governments and legislators in raising standards and policy development for the insurance industry. 34  o contribute to the development of better T underwriting skills and upgrade expertise in the region by promoting insurance and risk management education, training and arranging market seminars.  o develop the DIFC market to become a T specialised centre of excellence including conducting research work, producing industry reports, and developing market data and statistics.  o facilitate the better understanding of Takaful T and Re-takaful business amongst market players, and to contribute to the development of Takaful and Re-takaful business from the DIFC.  o interact with international bodies as T may be necessary, including international trade associations, international standard setting bodies, and others involved with the insurance industry.