Thirty-one of the world’s most important insurance associations, have joined together to form the Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA).The GFIA’s members, including the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR), represent 87 percent of the world’s insurance industry. Also included in the association are the American Insurance Association, Property and Casualty Insurers Association of America and the Association of British Insurers.The newly-formed federation will comment on issues affecting the global insurance industry and its regulation. It will also be active in commenting on a broad range of issues affecting the international insurance industry including systemic risk, market conduct and trade issues, and financial inclusion and anti-money laundering.“This is a great day for the insurance industry around the world. The federation will give our associations the ability to respond on a timely basis to international issues affecting our industry and to speak with one voice,” said Frank Swedlove, newly-elected GFIA chair. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to be the inaugural chair of the federation and will strive to ensure that our industry’s views are heard.”