Trade Associations and Other Bodies

Abstract

This chapter briefly explains the formation and objectives of the associations that have performed important roles in the development of the insurance industry during the twentieth century. They can be classified as falling into four categories:

• 1. those formed to control competition (the collusive associations);

• 2. those formed to ensure market cooperation in regards to a particular issue, or to represent the interests of their members to government and regulatory bodies, in some cases in response to public pressure (the cooperative associations);

• 3. those formed as the result of government action, including the enactment of various Acts (the quasi-official associations); and

• 4. educational and training bodies.