The ABI’s annual financial and corporate reporting event titled “Financial reporting and beyond” takes place on 30 November from 1.30pm to 5pm and it is one not to be missed.  If you can look past the not-so-subtle buzz lightyear reference in the title, it is an event unique in its structure: it is the first ABI event that seeks to balance corporate and sustainability reporting matters – which are growing in significance – with an appropriate focus on IFRS 17 which we all know is a significant change in insurance accounting.

On the off chance you are still undecided and need to be convinced about why to attend this event, outlined below are reasons why I would suggest you consider it unmissable for you and your team.

1. 1. As I touched on earlier, this event is an ABI first that seeks to balance corporate and sustainability reporting and IFRS 17. This is a necessary balancing act reflecting the fact that insurers and companies at large can demonstrate sustainable value that transcends the bottom line, recognise their obligations to other stakeholder aside from shareholders and providers of finance, and focus on issues and topics such as sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). 

Have you ever asked yourself “what if there is an event I can attend to help demystify sustainability reporting and distinguish between my TCFD’s and CSRDDD’s?” Well look no further!  Half of this event is dedicated to corporate and sustainability reporting where the requirements and new acronyms to learn seem to be growing by the day.  On the day, we will focus on areas such as the UK’s recently mandated Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting, aspects of integrated reporting, the upcoming standards being developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), as well as what the impending UK’s green taxonomy means for preparers and users of reports.  Our line-up of speakers for this half of the event are experts in this field and more than capable of providing you with invaluable insight on this topic to help you keep abreast of both current and upcoming developments.

As the focus on sustainability and corporate reporting grows however, we must continue to recognise the financial reporting challenges that remain – specifically with IFRS 17 following the endorsement of the standard for UK use by the UK Endorsement Board (UKEB). In this regard, discussions will also focus on outstanding implementation issues, insurers’ plans for market communication of results post 'go live' on 1 January 2023, and topics to be addressed by the standards post implementation review when this commences.

1. 2. The event will be a mix of panel sessions and keynote addresses, but have you seen the line-up of excellent speakers joining us? In no particular order we have: Pauline Wallace – Chair, UKEB; Hannah Gurga – Director General, ABI; Simon Weaver - Head of ESG and Partner, KPMG; Nathan Patten – Partner, KPMG; Rachel Poo – Head of Group Statutory Reporting and accounting policy, QBE; Jo Clube – Director of Accounting Policy Developments, Aviva and member of the UKEB’s preparers advisory board; Hugh Francis – Director of External Reporting Developments, Aviva; and these are just the speakers currently confirmed. Personally, I would not want to miss the insight these experts will doubtless be able to share.
   3. This will also be the first in person ABI Financial Reporting event since the Covid-19 pandemic. It will therefore be a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and peers and perhaps meet new ones.  There will be a drinks reception after the event which will give you an extra opportunity to network after the main business of the day is concluded.

For all the aforementioned reasons the Team and I here at the ABI really do hope to see you at this event.  Registration is still open and to sign up please click here.  Whilst we are on the topic of stellar events, the ABI Prudential Regulation Event titled “Can we find the prudential regulatory balance for a sustainable future” is due to take place on 3 November from 8.30am to 11.35am.  I would also urge you to sign up to this event too.  Perhaps my next ABI blog might be on reasons why you should attend the Prudential Regulation event and consider that unmissable too.