The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) expects its final audited figures for this year will show the strongest financial result “in recent times” when they are released early next year.

“This year’s success will allow us to continue our strong investment in new and enhanced services to members and our support of the industry’s growth and wellbeing,” CEO Joan Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

The Institute’s finances last year were a stumbling block to a proposed merger with Britain’s Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) last December.

The prospect of a second straight annual loss by ANZIIF last year was initially blamed as the reason the British pulled out.

However, the CII later blamed the global financial crisis, and ANZIIF went on to report a $251,000 operating surplus for 2008.