The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) will deliver its Insurance Risk Management Study Course in Melbourne from March 5 to 6, marking the program’s debut in Australia.
The two-day event targets mid-to-senior-level insurance professionals seeking to deepen their risk management knowledge and skills.
The program is structured to provide participants with tools to navigate complex risk scenarios, safeguard client assets, and offer strategic guidance in designing insurance portfolios.
Upon completing the course, attendees are expected to gain competencies in risk identification, strategy development, and the communication of findings to stakeholders. The curriculum also addresses the ethical dimensions of risk management, including confidentiality and cultural sensitivity.
ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks said the course reflects ANZIIF’s commitment to advanced technical education for those who hold more senior positions within the sector.
Previously held in locations including Vietnam, Auckland, and Christchurch, the study course has gained recognition for its practical approach to risk management.
This year’s session will take place at the Hilton Melbourne, with registration available through ANZIIF’s website.
The announcement comes on the heels of ANZIIF launching a separate initiative aimed at improving how expert reports are utilised in claims processes.
Introduced in December, the short course, “Getting it Right: Right Expert, Right Job, Right Time,” addresses challenges identified during the Parliamentary Flood Inquiry, where expert evidence was sometimes misinterpreted or applied incorrectly, leading to disputed claims.
Targeted at claims managers and brokers, particularly in residential property damage, the program focuses on identifying when expert input is required, selecting suitable professionals, and preparing effective briefs. It also trains participants to interpret findings accurately and avoid errors that can negatively affect claims outcomes.
Shanks said that the new course aims to ensure insurance professionals can access education identified by legislators and regulators for areas of improvement in the sector in a timely and relevant manner to continually strive for better outcomes for customers.
The program aligns with broader efforts to standardise the use of expert reports within the insurance industry.
In 2024, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) introduced the Expert Report Best Practice Standard, which sets guidelines for insurers engaging experts such as hydrologists, engineers, and building consultants. The standard emphasises impartiality, accuracy, and transparent communication while addressing the importance of verifying expert qualifications and supporting vulnerable customers.
